Tenure-Track Assistant Professor, Sports Media

Tenure-Track Assistant Professor

The Department of Journalism in the College of Media at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign invites applicants for a full-time (100% FTE) tenure-track assistant professor position. We seek a scholar whose research examines sports and media in a rapidly evolving media landscape. The expected start date is August 16, 2027. Successful applicants should demonstrate a promising record of scholarship and an eagerness to contribute to the department's research, teaching, service, and public engagement missions.

Ideal candidates for the Journalism position will have research and teaching interests in areas such as:

• The economics, labor, and business of sports journalism and media.
• Emerging technologies, platforms, and audiences for sports journalism and media.
• Representation and identity in sports journalism.
• The intersection of sports, media, and social and political movements.
• Sports journalism history, law, and ethics.
• Esports and the evolving practices of digital journalism.

Teaching responsibilities will include courses in the department's existing undergraduate and graduate curricula, including our new B.A. in Sports Media, with the potential to develop new electives. Journalism faculty also actively contribute to the College of Media's interdisciplinary doctoral program in the Institute of Communications Research (ICR).

Applicants should have a Ph.D. in hand by August 16, 2027, in a relevant field, including but not limited to journalism, communication, sociology, and information sciences. Professional journalism experience is a plus.

The Department of Journalism is widely recognized for its leadership in advancing innovative, research-driven journalism education. The curriculum combines a strong foundation in media ethics, law, history, and public affairs reporting with cutting-edge work in digital storytelling, data journalism, and emerging media technologies. Faculty are distinguished scholars and practitioners whose work shapes national and global conversations about press freedom, media literacy, and the evolving role of journalism in a democratic society.

This is a 100% full-time academic position, appointed on a 9/12-month basis. The expected start date is August 16, 2027. The salary range for this position is $80,000-$90,000. This position is eligible for sponsorship for work authorization, except for sponsorship of a new H1B petition that would incur the $100,000 fee.

Applications must be received by 6:00 pm (Central Time) on September 15, 2026. Apply for this position using the Apply Now button at the top or bottom of this posting and upload a cover letter, CV, writing sample of no more than 50 pages that best illustrates research agenda and contributions, and the name and contact information for three academic references who will provide letters of recommendation.

Full consideration will be given to applications received by September 15, 2026.

For further information about this specific position, please contact Jeffrey Magee  questions regarding the application process, please contact .

Founded in 1867 as Illinois's flagship public university, the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign empowers a global community of students, scholars, and alumni to change the world through bold, innovative research and transformative education. With a land-grant heritage rooted in progress, Illinois faculty drive paradigm-shifting discoveries, mentor future leaders, and collaborate across 15 colleges and instructional units and more than 20 research institutes.

The university's legacy of excellence includes 24 Nobel Prizes and 29 Pulitzer Prizes awarded to its faculty and alumni, $755 million in sponsored research funding, and 94 academic programs ranked in the top 20 nationally.

Illinois offers the resources, recognition, and reach to accelerate your career — along with a highly competitive benefits portfolio. The University of Illinois System is an equal opportunity employer, including but not limited to disability and/or veteran status, and complies with all applicable state and federal employment mandates.