Assistant Professor of Sports Media and Communication

School of Journalism and Mass Communications

Department Summary:

Drake University is a forward-thinking community of scholars with a focus on active, collaborative learning and applied scholarship. Drake is in Des Moines, Iowa—a vibrant city that is nationally recognized for its quality of life and a wealth of opportunities for professional, social and civic engagement.

A Drake education couples hands-on training in professional skills with a strong liberal arts education. We strive to create a community of scholars that represents the complexity of the human experience in regards to race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, economic status, gender identification, religion, age and physical abilities. We are committed to creating a welcoming and supportive environment for all our faculty, staff, students and visitors.

We develop and offer innovative programming serving a variety of audiences, including high school, undergraduate, and graduate students, as well as community members, industry professionals, and retirees. The successful applicant will join a collegial, welcoming, energetic and supportive community. Visit our website (drake.edu/sjmc) to learn more.

Job Summary

The Drake School of Journalism and Mass Communication invites applications for a nine-month, consecutive term appointment of an assistant professor of sports media and communication, beginning in fall semester 2027. Drake’s School of Journalism and Mass Communication is accredited by ACEJMC and offers seven award-winning undergraduate majors: advertising, content strategy and publishing, digital media production, multimedia journalism, public relations, sports media and communication, and strategic political communication. The School also has a successful online Master of Arts in Communication with tracks in brand communication, communication leadership, and public policy and advocacy. The successful applicant will join a collegial, welcoming and supportive community of 14 full-time faculty and staff, and approximately 350 undergraduate and graduate students. We are looking for an innovative colleague who embraces cutting-edge technologies and who can help lead our School in preparing our students for the rapidly changing media landscape.

Professional experience working in sports media is required. Ideally the candidate will have experience in sports production and live broadcasts. Candidates may also bring front-of-camera experience to the role. A portfolio of work is expected. Evidence of teaching effectiveness is preferred. Master’s degree is preferred, but we are open to hiring an experienced professional with a bachelor’s degree for this consecutive-term appointment. Qualified candidates will have a demonstrated ability to train and mentor students and a history of early adoption of new technologies. The ability to work with colleagues across disciplines to lead students in conceiving, creating, delivering, and promoting rich multimedia content packages for all platforms, and for all types of media outlets, is essential. Depending on skills and interest, teaching assignments may include these undergraduate courses, both on campus and online: Sports Writing, Sports Production, Reporting and Writing Principles, Multimedia Lab, Multimedia Sound Design, Electronic Field Production, Reporting for Television and the Web, and special topics courses focused on interactive reality, data visualization, and emerging technologies. The qualified candidate may also teach online graduate classes in Digital Media Strategies, Emerging Media, and Multimedia Storytelling. Course load is seven courses (4/3) over the academic year. Duties also include academic and career mentoring for students, advising a student media organization or student sports production, and service to the University and community.

The search committee is particularly interested in candidates who, through their teaching, scholarship/creative activity, and service, will contribute to the diversity and excellence of the academic community.

Minimum Qualifications:

An advanced degree (MA, MS) in Communication, Media, Journalism or a related field or equivalent professional experience, which SJMC defines as “at least three to five years of broad and deep experience in real-world situations relevant to the discipline in which the faculty member would be teaching.”

Potential for successful teaching of undergraduate courses in sports media production

Production experience directly related to sports media, media production, television production, news production or related fields

Record of professional achievement related to sports media production

Excellent written communication skills

Expressed desire to provide equal opportunity for all students

Preferred Qualifications:

While not everyone may meet all preferred qualifications, the ideal candidate will bring many of the following:

Experience teaching at the college or university level

Successful experience in the following:

• working collaboratively with others (e.g., committee service, being part of a production team, co-teaching);

• working independently (e.g., supervising a production, course development)

Experience in Live Sports Productions as any of the following:

• Producer

• Director

• Technical Director

• Replay Operator

• Audio Operator

• Camera Operator

• Graphics Operator

• Talent (Play-By-Play/Analyst)

Experience in Sports Newsrooms/Departments as any of the following:

• Anchor

• Reporter (MMJ)

• Videographer

• Editor

• Producer

• Director

Demonstrated successful experience teaching undergraduate media production courses

Experience connecting and collaborating with media industry professionals on the local, regional, and/or national levels

Effective interpersonal communication skills

Effective oral communication skills

Effective classroom management skills

Expressed commitment to Drake University’s mission and values.

Terminal degree in communication, media or related field (MFA, PhD)

If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process, please contact Drake Human Resources. We highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. Learn more about why Drake is an exceptional place to work: An Exceptional Working Environment | Drake University

Drake University is committed to providing access and reasonable accommodations in its services, programs, activities, education, and employment for individuals with disabilities. For assistance, contact Drake Human Resources.