Description

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.

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.

KU offers a retirement program, medical & dental insurance, life and disability insurance, other benefit plan options, and State of Kansas discounts offered by various vendors. KU also offers employees educational and professional development opportunities.
Tuition assistance offers up to 12 credit hours per year for employees and Employee Dependent Tuition Assistance Scholarship (EDTAS) award opportunities! Details and additional KU Benefits information are available at: Tuition Assistance | KU Benefits
KU's excellence results from the rich tapestry of experiences, perspectives, and backgrounds of our faculty, staff, students, and colleagues from across our nation and the globe. At KU, we invest in continuous learning and growth by creating a climate where people engage in respectful dialogue and debate and support each other's success. We foster a culture of care where each person is seen, heard, and valued. When people feel a true sense of belonging, we believe they are better able to reach their full potential and achieve remarkable things.
Founded in 1865, the University of Kansas is the state's flagship university and one of only 34 public members of the prestigious Association of American Universities (AAU). The University enrolls more than 27,000 students and offers students and faculty opportunities to collaborate in its graduate and professional programs that include education, public health, medicine, law, and a number of allied social science disciplines. At KU we make it our mission to educate leaders, build healthy communities, and make discoveries that change the world. We aspire to be an exceptional learning community that lifts each other and advances society. KU's strategic plan Jayhawks Rising is focused on objectives to accomplish this vision through three mission-based priorities of student success, healthy and vibrant communities, research, and discovery. KU's research residential campus is in the center of a vibrant and culturally-rich community, a quintessential college town. Visitors, students and new employees from outside the area enjoy discovering the many wonders of Lawrence, including a thriving downtown, various local and regional events, area lakes, vibrant arts and music scenes, and an indelible history. Lawrence is located 45 minutes west of Kansas City and 30 minutes east of Topeka, the state capital. Along with the music, arts, culture and sports experiences offered at KU and in Lawrence, the short drive to Kansas City provides quick access to historic jazz clubs, museums, world-class music and theatre venues, and professional sports teams.

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Disclaimer

The University of Kansas prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, religion, sex, national origin, age, ancestry, disability, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, marital status, parental status, gender identity, gender expression, and genetic information in the university's programs and activities. Retaliation is also prohibited by university policy. The following person has been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies and procedures and is the Title IX Coordinator for all KU and KUMC campuses: Associate Vice Chancellor for the Office of Civil Rights and Title IX, civilrights@ku.edu, Room 1082, Dole Human Development Center, 1000 Sunnyside Avenue, Lawrence, KS 66045, 785-864-6414, 711 TTY. Reports can be submitted by contacting the Title IX Coordinator as provided herein or using the Title IX online report form and complaints can be submitted with the Title IX Coordinator or using the Title IX online complaint form.