| Location | Des Moines, IA |
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:
a production team, co-teaching);
development)
Experience in Live Sports Productions as any of the following:
Experience in Sports Newsrooms/Departments as any of the following:
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)
Special Instructions to Applicants:
Please complete the online application and attach (1) a letter of interest, (2) CV/Resume, (3) a statement about your experience in supporting the success of students from diverse backgrounds, and (4) the contact details for three references, including one for teaching (if a teaching position).
Please do not attach additional documents at this time. Supplemental documents may be requested or required of semi-finalists and finalists.
For full consideration, apply by November 9, 2026. The position will remain posted until filled.
Questions about this position can be directed to the search chair: Dr. Kelly Bruhn, dean of the School of Journalism and Mass Communication, kelly.bruhn@drake.edu
Questions about the application process, working at Drake, spouse/partner support, reasonable accommodations, benefits, or additional information about Drake or Des Moines, Iowa, may be directed to Drake Human Resources at jobs@drake.edu.
All job offers are contingent upon satisfactory completion of a background check, satisfactory reference checks, and proof of authorization to work in the United States.
Salary is competitive with peer schools and will be commensurate with qualifications and experience of the selected candidate.
At Drake, we are proud to offer our employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents a comprehensive benefits package, which includes a wide range of core benefits, perks, and discounts. If you are exploring a job with Drake University, we invite you to spend a little time with our digital benefits guide: Benefits Overview | Drake University.
One of our very popular policies provides a tuition waiver for Drake employees, their spouses, and eligible dependents. Drake also participates in not one, but two tuition exchange programs available to dependent children. You can learn about both the tuition waiver policy and tuition exchange programs here: Benefits Overview | Drake University.
For faculty positions, selection will depend on the receipt of recommendation confirming the candidate's scholarly achievements and teaching abilities and/or on the candidate's satisfactory passing of a teaching demonstration if selected for an on-campus interview. For staff positions, selection will depend upon careful review of each applicant's references, education, and, if applicable, experience.
About Drake:
Drake University is recognized as a top private university in the Midwest. Drake is a midsize university in Des Moines, Iowa, with an increasingly diverse student body. We are deeply committed to equity and inclusion and creating a sense of belonging for all members of the campus community-faculty, staff, and students alike. More than 900 faculty and staff are part of the Bulldog pack, a close-knit group of colleagues enthusiastic about preparing students to be global citizens and leaders, challenging assumptions. Drake University is not only an outstanding institution of higher learning, it is also a wonderful place to work. We are enthusiastically committed to welcoming new ideas and people into the fold, and to retaining and rewarding stellar employees.
All positions at Drake provide opportunities to contribute to Drake University's core mission of creating of creating an exceptional learning environment that prepares students of all backgrounds for meaningful lives and professional accomplishments.
STRONG COMMITMENT TO A DIVERSE AND INCLUSIVE COMMUNITY
At Drake University, we don't just accept differences-we celebrate them, we support them, and we thrive on them for the benefit of our students, our employees, and our community. Drake University is proud to support an equal opportunity, diverse, inclusive, and welcoming workplace. 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. If you would benefit from an accommodation at any point in the recruitment process (including using our online application process), please contact Drake Human Resources (ph: 515.271.3133; email: jobs@drake.edu) and let us know how we can assist you.
At Drake University, we highly value a diverse, inclusive workforce. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We stand firmly against discrimination including on the basis of race, color, national origin, creed, religion, age, disability, sex, pregnancy, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, genetic information, veteran status, or any characteristic protected by law.