Assistant or Associate Professor – Sports Communication and Media – Illinois State University

Faculty Opportunity: Assistant or Associate Professor – Sports Communication and Media – Illinois State University

• Institution: Illinois State University

• Academic Unit / Department: School of Communication, College of Arts and Sciences

• Appointment Type: Full-Time, Nine-Month, Tenure-Track Faculty

• Academic Rank / Level: Assistant Professor / Associate Professor

• Specialization: Sports Communication and Media

• Location: Normal, Illinois, United States

• Work Mode: On-Campus

• Application Deadline: November 1, 2026 – Review of Applications Begins

• Position Status: Open until filled

• Expected Start Date: August 16, 2027 Pasted text Pasted text

Salary / Remuneration

• Assistant Professor: Approximately INR 69.84 lakh – INR 74.80 lakh annually

• Associate Professor: Approximately INR 79.81 lakh – INR 82.47 lakh annually

Salary is commensurate with qualifications and experience. Pasted text

Overview of Role

Illinois State University’s School of Communication invites applications for a tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor specializing in Sports Communication and Media.

The successful candidate will contribute to undergraduate and graduate teaching, maintain an active program of peer-reviewed research and/or creative work, mentor students, support curriculum development, develop industry and community relationships, and participate in service activities. Pasted text

Key Responsibilities

• Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in Sports Communication and/or Media.

• Maintain an active and impactful research and/or creative-work agenda.

• Advise and mentor graduate students.

• Contribute to curriculum development.

• Build relationships with industry and community partners.

• Participate in service to the School, College, and University.

• Contribute to Illinois State’s growing Sports Communication program. Pasted text

Academic & Professional Environment

The School of Communication offers undergraduate majors in:

• Communication Studies

• Journalism

• Mass Media

• Public Relations

• Sports Communication

It also offers a master’s program in Communication. Students gain experiential learning through outlets and programs including WZND radio, TV-10, The Vidette, and sports-focused courses such as Gameday Communication and Operations. Pasted text

Qualifications & Candidate Profile

Required Qualifications:

• Ph.D. or equivalent in:

  • Communication

  • Mass Communication

  • Sports Media

  • Media / Media Studies

  • Journalism

  • Film Studies

  • Closely related field

• ABD candidates will be considered, provided the degree is completed by August 16, 2028.

• Emerging or established record of peer-reviewed research and/or creative activity relevant to Sports Communication and Media.

• Demonstrated oral proficiency in English as required by Illinois state law. Pasted text

Application Checklist

Applicants should submit the following as PDF documents:

1. Detailed Letter of Application

   • Fit for the position

   • Teaching philosophy

   • Research and/or creative-work philosophy

   • Relevant professional Sports and Media experience, if applicable

2. Curriculum Vitae

3. Evidence of Teaching Effectiveness

4. Statement of Research and/or Creative Works

5. Contact Information for Three References Pasted text

Application Process

• Application Deadline / Review Date: November 1, 2026

• Review will continue until the position is filled.

• All work associated with the appointment must be performed within the State of Illinois.

• Search Contact: Dr. Aimee Miller-Ott

• Email: aeott@ilstu.edu Pasted text