Assistant Professor of Communication - Sports Communication

The communication department at Southern Utah University is seeking candidates to fill the position of Assistant Professor of Sports Communication. This is a tenure-track position. The assignment will begin in the fall of 2026. The sports communication emphasis launched in 2024, and while it is relatively new, it has quickly become one of our most popular tracks. The department also offers strategic communication, messaging and human interaction, and media studies emphases.

First consideration date: 11/23/2025

The ideal candidate will be expected to fulfill the following responsibilities:

• Typically teach a 4-4 load with a mix of graduate and undergraduate courses in the sports communication emphasis.

• Assignments could include Introduction to Sports Communication, Reporting and Writing for Sports Media, Public Relations in Sports, Sports Administration and Management, Issues in Sports, and the Sports Communication M.A. Course.

• Opportunities to teach during summer semesters are available with an attractive compensation model.

• Candidates should also be willing to teach courses outside of the sports communication emphasis when needed by the department.

• Additional courses that could be assigned include Introduction to Communication, Writing for Communication, Communication in Human Interactions, Introduction to Social Media, Media Law, Media Writing, Media and Society, Communication Research, Writing for Media Audiences, Communication Theory, and Research for Communication Careers.

• Advise sports communication students. This includes helping students compete for and secure internships and jobs upon graduation. A deliberate effort to professionally network is expected.

• Conduct scholarly research and/or creative activities, preferably in the field of sports communication.

• Curriculum development.

• Willingness to serve as advisor for MAPC capstone projects.

• Service to the communication department, university and community, as well as participation in related academic and professional organizations is expected.

• Represent the communication department in a professional manner, with a pleasant disposition, integrity and strong character to compliment our collaborative department culture.

• Other responsibilities as assigned by Department Chair.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Ph.D. in Communication or a related field (ABD Considered).

• A promising research and/or creative activity agenda in sports communication studies.

• External evidence of effective teaching in higher education.

• Industry experience in sports journalism, sports content
  creation/production and sports information management is preferred.

• Strong interpersonal communication skills in working with faculty, staff, and students.

• An ability to network with industry contacts to help students find internship and career opportunities in sports.

• Knowledge and ability to conduct and teach either qualitative or quantitative research.

• In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.

Documents Needed to Apply:

• Resume
• Cover Letter
• 3 Professional References
• Statement of teaching philosophy
• Unofficial transcripts

Southern Utah University does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, sex (including sex discrimination and sexual harassment), sexual orientation, gender identity, age, ancestry, disability status, pregnancy, pregnancy-related conditions, genetic information, military status, veteran status, or other bases protected by applicable law in employment, treatment, admission, access to educational programs and activities, or other University benefits or services. For more information or contact information, please visit https://www.suu.edu/nondiscrimination/.

In accordance with Utah State Code 53A-3-410, appointment to this position is contingent upon the successful passing of a background check.