Associate or Full Professor in Sports Communications

A global higher education leader in innovative teaching, research and public service, the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill consistently ranks as one of the nation's top public universities. Known for its beautiful campus, world-class medical care, commitment to the arts and top athletic programs, Carolina is an ideal place to teach, work and learn.

One of the best college towns and best places to live in the United States, Chapel Hill has diverse social, cultural, recreation and professional opportunities that span the campus and community.

University employees can choose from a wide range of professional training opportunities for career growth, skill development and lifelong learning and enjoy exclusive perks for numerous retail, restaurant and performing arts discounts, savings on local child care centers and special rates on select campus events. UNC-Chapel Hill offers full-time employees a comprehensive benefits package, paid leave, and a variety of health, life and retirement plans and additional programs that support a healthy work/life balance.

The mission of the UNC Hussman School of Journalism and Media is to prepare students to ignite the public conversation in our state, the nation and the world, and to understand the role of communication in fostering democracy. Our faculty, staff, students and administrators work collaboratively to build and foster an environment that is welcoming, inclusive and accessible to people with diverse backgrounds, experiences and beliefs.

The school offers bachelor's, master's and doctoral degrees, and administers a variety of professional development and distance-learning programs. Enrollment includes about 1,000 undergraduates and 130 graduate students in addition to professional development and distance education students. Our faculty members are international thought leaders whose scholarly and creative activities are visible and respected in the public realm.

The Hussman School of Journalism and Media at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is searching for an individual with a distinguished professional and/or academic reputation in sports marketing, advertising, PR, storytelling or some combination of those disciplines to lead the school's robust sports communication program.

The Hussman school currently offers a sports communication certificate, and students have six courses (3 in advertising / public relations and 3 in journalism) to choose from to fulfill the minimum 3-course requirement). The chosen candidate will be expected to build on strong existing relationships with professional sports organizations as well as helping foster new ones.

The school has two tracks that lead to tenure: professional or research. Successful candidates will bring professional and/or academic credentials that will qualify them to become an associate professor or a full professor with tenure upon hire at a top-tier research 1 public university such as UNC-Chapel Hill, pending approval of the School and University committees.

It is a nine-month service period position that carries the possibility of additional employment during the summer months. Summer teaching is not guaranteed. The chosen candidate will teach a mix of undergraduate courses in the fall and spring semesters and will be encouraged to develop new courses to diversify the curriculum. Teaching at the graduate level is also a possibility.

Candidates invited to campus will be expected to share their vision for how the candidate may contribute to the collaborative culture of the school and share their vision for growing and enhancing the sports communication program. The ideal candidate will teach and develop courses reflecting the fast-moving field of sports communication. The chosen candidate is expected to fulfill the standard requirements for teaching, applied research or professional activity and service expected of an associate or full professor at UNC-Chapel Hill.

A master's degree or terminal degree in marketing, advertising, PR, or related field is required. Ph.D. candidates will also be considered for this position. An earned terminal degree may be substituted by relevant and extensive professional experience or by a combination of education and experience.

The successful candidate will contribute to the profession and the School around the challenges and opportunities in sports communication. We seek a professional with a national or international reputation and an active and significant stream of creative and professional activity or academic research centered on sports communication.

We further welcome applicants with demonstrated depth and expertise in emerging fields, such as sports data analytics.

Please apply online at https://unc.peopleadmin.com/postings/287029 and upload the following documents:

1. Curriculum vitae;

2. Cover letter highlighting qualifications;

3. (Optional) research or professional activity statement.

Review of applications will begin on September 27, 2024.

Please direct questions to the search committee chair, Charlie Tuggle ( catuggle@email.unc.edu).

The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or status as a protected veteran.