Assistant Professor, Sports Media

The Department of Visual Arts and Media at the University of Mount Union invites applications for a full-time tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Sports Media beginning August 1 2026.

The successful candidate will join a collaborative and growing department that supports undergraduate programs in media production and visual arts and will play a key role in launching and shaping our new Sports Media major. This program will benefit from strong connections to our renown Mount Union athletic programs a COSMA accredited Sport Business program and ACBSP accredited Marketing program in our School of Business a staff supported Raider Student Media organization new production equipment and updated production facilities that provide exceptional opportunities for experiential learning in live sports broadcasting multimedia storytelling and digital journalism.

The Department seeks an innovative and student-centered teacher-scholar with expertise in sports media production sports journalism and/or sports communication. We are looking for a colleague who can effectively teach students how to analyze critique and create impactful sports content across multiple platforms and who will contribute to building a vibrant professionally oriented undergraduate program.

1. Teach introductory and advanced courses in Sports Media including live event production multimedia sports storytelling sports journalism and emerging industry practices in fan experience.
2. Support the continued development of the Sports Media curriculum and its integration within the broader Visual Arts and Media programs.
3. Develop upper-level electives that support departmental needs and align with the candidates expertise.
4. Establish networks to develop experiential opportunities for students outside of Mount Union and ongoing consultation to assure curricular relevance.
5. Teach core courses in the media major as needed.
6. Advise and mentor students supporting their academic and professional goals in the rapidly evolving sports media industry.
7. Maintain an active program of creative scholarly or professional work involving undergraduate students when possible.
8. Participate in departmental and university service including committee work and campus engagement.

Applicants with a Ph.D. in Sports Media Journalism Communication or a related field are encouraged to apply. Candidates with a masters degree and significant professional experience in sports media production broadcasting or sports journalism will also be considered. A strong commitment to excellence in liberal arts undergraduate education is expected.

Desired qualifications

1. Professional experience in live sports broadcasting sports journalism content creation or digital media production.
2. Strong technical skills in live event workflows field and studio production editing and audio engineering.
3. Ability to teach both conceptual frameworks and hands-on production practices.
4. Excellent communication and mentorship skills.
5. Previous teaching experience at the college level.
6. Familiarity with learning management systems (D2L Brightspace preferred).

1. Cover letter
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Statement of teaching philosophy
4. Description of creative academic or professional work and how students may be involved
5. Contact information for three references
6. Full consideration will be given to candidates who apply by January 30 2026.

The University of Mount Union a private Midwestern institution founded in 1846 offers a rigorous and relevant academic program that is grounded in the liberal arts. Mount Unions 2100 students can select from 56 broad-based and career-specific undergraduate majors and four graduate programs. Known for its personal approach the institution boasts a 13:1 student-faculty ratio. Mount Unions 123-acre campus located in Alliance OH is primarily residential and $110 million has been invested in its grounds and facilities since 2005. The University strives to make its education accessible to students of all financial backgrounds and alumni experience outstanding opportunities for success.

The University of Mount Unions athletic program known as the Mount Union Purple Raiders competes in NCAA Division III and is a member of the Ohio Athletic Conference (OAC). Mount Union offers approximately 25 varsity sports teams for men and women across a wide range of disciplines including football basketball soccer track and field swimming and diving baseball softball tennis golf volleyball wrestling and lacrosse. The Purple Raiders have a long and distinguished tradition of competitive excellence particularly in football where the program has captured a record number of national championships and built an unmatched legacy within Division III.

Candidates should provide a letter of interest curriculum vitae statement of teaching philosophy and contact information for three professional references to the Sports Media Position Search. Electronic applications are required and can be submitted online at Please direct any questions to the search committee chair Dr. Adelina Cooper ().

Review of applications will begin Feb. 1 2026 and will continue until the position is filled.