Description
The Department of Journalism and Creative Media in the College of Communication & Information Sciences at the University of Alabama, invites applications for a nine-month tenure-track assistant professor in sports media to begin August 2027.
Sports media represents one of the most dynamic and consequential areas in contemporary communication — and this position is designed for a scholar ready to help define what that field becomes. The college brings existing faculty expertise, research infrastructure, and institutional momentum to support that work. The ideal candidate will develop a robust research agenda around sports media that complements the nationally recognized scholarship being advanced in the college, and develop courses in burgeoning sports areas. This could include, but is not limited to, topics such as the following:
- Creator economy and athlete-led media
- AI in sports media
- Streaming fragmentation and live sports
- Digital fandom
- Sports gambling
- The changing sports journalism ecosystem
- Sports and public health
- Sports and societal change
Furthermore, applicants must display an interest in developing an ambitious interdisciplinary research agenda in sports media and communication, pursing external grants and other funding, and disseminating scholarly work in premier academic and industry venues.
The successful hire will teach two courses each fall and spring semester, which will include undergraduate, Master's, and Ph.D. level-courses in sports media. Additionally, applicants are expected to contribute to the Beyond Sports Initiative, an academic research collaborative in which scholars work with leaders in the sports industry to identify, investigate and influence issues important to the field.
Requirements
Minimum Qualifications
Terminal degree (MFA or Ph.D.) in a communication or sports-media related field completed by the appointment start date. ABDs at the time of application will be considered.
Demonstrated research or creative productivity in sports media or a related communication field, with evidence of an emerging scholarly agenda appropriate to the assistant professor rank.
Record of teaching effectiveness in communication-related fields
Commitment to working collaboratively with colleagues from different backgrounds and disciplines, engaging students with varied needs and interests, and preparing the next generation of media professionals to effectively serve all members of their communities.
Interest in contributing to the college’s Beyond Sports Initiative.
Preferred Qualifications (considered after all minimum qualifications are met)
Experience with applying for external grants/extramural funding.
Potential to develop and teach courses connecting sports media with the applicant’s primary research area.
Interest in advising college-wide sports media student organizations (e.g., National Sports Media Association, Association for Women in Sports Media, Associated Press Sports Editors).
To apply, please provide the following:
1. Cover letter highlighting how your research or creative work, teaching, and service can contribute as a faculty leader in sports media
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Names and contact information for three references
Optional materials:
1. Teaching philosophy
2. Statement on scholarly or creative work
3. Scholarly writing samples
Applications submitted by October 19, 2026 will receive full consideration. Questions regarding the search should be directed to the search chair, Dr. Sean Sadri, at srsadri@ua.edu.
