"Assistant/Associate Professor of the Practice Sports Media & Society"

Position Overview

The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications at the University of Kansas seeks an engaged, dynamic, and experienced broadcast sports journalist or sports marketing specialist to join its faculty. The Sports Media & Society Concentration is the School's fastest growing, allowing students to pursue all aspects of sports media, including broadcast, digital, public relations and marketing communicators. Beyond the game itself, we seek professionals who can teach and create experiences that deepen understanding of both the sport and the complex industry behind it. The Professor of the Practice will assist in developing experiential opportunities for students, and be a liaison to professional sports media organizations to assist students in earning internships and jobs.
The William Allen White School of Journalism and Mass Communications fosters a collegial atmosphere that encourages interdisciplinary collaboration and mutual respect among faculty, staff and students.
This full-time, non-tenure track position will start in August 2026. This is an open rank search, and appointment at a particular level will be based on an applicant's professional experience, creative portfolio, and teaching record. This position is limited term and may be appointed for up to an initial three-year period with an opportunity for extension/renewal after a comprehensive review. The successful candidates must be eligible to work in the U.S. by the time of appointment.
Applications will be evaluated starting on March 20, 2026 and evaluations will proceed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

Job Description

80% Teaching
May include a mixture of teaching courses and working with experiential learning opportunities, including capstone courses, video studio work, and the study abroad program at the University of Stirling, Scotland. The Professor of the Practice may also teach other core undergraduate courses in the school's curriculum, including foundational courses in multimedia journalism and/or public relations and marketing.

20% Service
Expectation of service work within the school, campus, and the industry. Act as the ex officio member of the SM&S Advisory Board, working with the board to assist in curriculum review and development, and experiential opportunities.

Required Qualifications

Assistant Professor of the Practice
1. Master's degree in journalism, strategic communication, public relations, sports management, or related communications field
2. Evidence that demonstrates the ability to teach multiple sports media courses
3. Evidence that demonstrates the ability to teach foundational courses in multimedia journalism and/or public relations and marketing
4. A record and work history indicating a strong connection to sports media professionals and professional organizations.
5. At least 7 years of practical experience.

Associate Professor of the Practice
1. All the above for the Assistant level
2. At least 8 years of practical experience.

Contact Information to Applicants

Steve Bien-Aime
bienaime@ku.edu

Additional Candidate Instruction

A complete application includes the following materials:
1. A curriculum vita or resume
2. A cover letter/letter of application
3. A vision statement of the ideal sports media and society program
4. A list of at least three professional references (name, title, email address, and phone number).

The application review will begin March 20, 2026 and will continue until a pool of qualified applicants is obtained.

Advertised Salary Range
Commensurate with experience

Application Review Begins
20-Mar-2026

Anticipated Start Date
18-Aug-2026

Primary Campus
University of Kansas Lawrence Campus

FTE
1.0

Reg/Temp
Regular

Employee Class
F-Faculty