Job Description

Title: Assistant/Associate Professor of Recreation and Sport Managment
Employee Classification: Asst Professor
Division Name: Academic Affairs
College/Unit: College of Applied Science and Technology
Department: School of Kinesiology and Recreation
Campus Location: Normal, IL

Job Summary

The Recreation & Sport Management (RSM) program within the School of Kinesiology and Recreation (KNR) at Illinois State University invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track Assistant or Associate Professor position, beginning August 16, 2027.

The RSM program seeks a teacher-scholar dedicated to preparing future recreation and sport professionals through experiential learning, mentorship, scholarship, and inclusive teaching. The successful candidate will join a collaborative, student-centered faculty committed to helping students become innovative, compassionate, and skilled professionals.

This position includes an annual workload of approximately 18 credit hours of teaching, 4-5 credit hours of research, and 1-2 credit hours of service. Teaching responsibilities will primarily support the undergraduate RSM core curriculum and Recreation and Sport (RS) sequence, with opportunities to teach Therapeutic Recreation (TR), graduate sport management, and research-related courses depending on the candidate’s expertise. Teaching areas include human resources, budgeting, marketing, facility and event management, inclusive recreation and sport, leadership, therapeutic recreation, sport management, and programming.

The successful candidate will maintain a productive line of scholarship within recreation, sport, leisure, therapeutic recreation, or related areas, while engaging students in research and dissemination of research through publications, presentations, and funding opportunities. Service responsibilities include participation in shared governance, curriculum development, student recruitment and retention efforts, professional organizations, and committee work that supports the program, university, and profession.

The position is a nine-month, tenure track appointment with the possibility of summer teaching. Salary and rank are commensurate with qualifications and experience. The locus of annual evaluation, tenure, and promotion in rank will be in the School of Kinesiology and Recreation. A comprehensive benefits package is included.

University Benefit Highlights:

- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- Paid holiday/administrative closures during Thanksgiving and Winter Breaks
- Paid benefit time

Additional University Benefit information, including information regarding eligibility to participate in the State Universities Retirement System and the State of Illinois Group Insurance program, can be reviewed here: https://hr.illinoisstate.edu/benefits/

Additional Information

The School of KNR has built a strong reputation for scholarly work in the fields of exercise science, physical education teacher education, and recreation and sport management. The RSM Program is a part of the School of Kinesiology and Recreation (www.kinrec.ilstu.edu), located in the College of Applied Science and Technology (www.cast.ilstu.edu). The School of Kinesiology and Recreation is housed within the state-of-the-art Student Fitness Center and McCormick Hall building, which opened in January, 2011. RSM has maintained COAPRT accreditation since 1985 and is nationally recognized for applied and experiential learning. Students complete two internships and gain practical experience across recreation, sport, parks, events, tourism, outdoor recreation, and therapeutic recreation settings. Employers throughout Illinois and the region actively recruit RSM students and graduates because of the program’s reputation for producing career-ready professionals. The program includes undergraduate sequences in Recreation and Sport and Therapeutic Recreation, along with online and on-campus master's programs in Sport Management. Faculty collaborate closely on curriculum innovation, student success initiatives, interdisciplinary scholarship, and mentoring undergraduate and graduate students. The program values collegiality, innovation, and shared commitment to student development. The ideal candidate should demonstrate a capacity to significantly contribute to the delivery and strength of these sequences.

Additionally, the School of KNR offers graduate programs in Athletic Training, Biomechanics, Exercise Physiology, Physical Education Pedagogy, and Psychology of Physical Activity and Sport.

Illinois State University: IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 22,000 students in seven colleges. Our new strategic plan, Excellence by Design: 2024-2029, lists our seven core values: Excellence in Teaching, Learning, and Scholarship; Individualized Attention; Equity, Diversity, Access, and Belonging; Collaboration; Community and Civic Engagement; Respect; and Integrity. By acting on these values, we create a learning environment that results in our university being the first-choice public university in Illinois for high-achieving, motivated students who seek an individualized educational experience combined with the resources of a large university. Learn more about Illinois State’s Metrics of Excellence at IllinoisState.edu/PointsofPride.

Bloomington-Normal Community: Illinois State University is located in the growing twin cities of Bloomington and Normal, with a metro population of approximately 172,000. The community is also home to Illinois Wesleyan University, Heartland Community College, St. Joseph Medical Center, Carle BroMenn Medical Center, COUNTRY Financial, State Farm Insurance’s International Headquarters, Central Illinois Regional Airport, and electric truck manufacturer Rivian Motors. The community has distinguished itself for its outstanding school systems, and its citizens’ high level of educational attainment, as well as its parks and recreation, health care, vibrant fine arts scene, job growth, economic opportunity, historic sites, and low crime rates. Bloomington made Livability’s top 100 Best Places to Live (2024) and ranked No. 3 on College Values Online’s list of Best Small College Towns in America (2024). Bloomington-Normal is conveniently located about three hours from Indianapolis; two hours from both Chicago and St. Louis; and an hour from Peoria, Champaign-Urbana, Decatur, and Springfield. Many of these locations are accessible from Bloomington-Normal via Amtrak, which is located one block from Illinois State’s campus. For more information on our community, visit visitbn.org.

Salary Rate / Pay Rate

$72,828- $90,000 based on experience and faculty status

Required Qualifications

1) A terminal degree in Recreation & Sport Management or a closely related discipline; however, exceptional A.B.D. candidates will also be considered with an expected completion of their doctoral degree before May 15, 2028.
2) Candidates must be able to demonstrate oral proficiency in the English language as a requirement for this position, as mandated by state law.

Work Hours

Varies

Proposed Starting Date

August 16, 2027

Required Applicant Documents

1) Letter of application outlining interest and qualifications
2) Curriculum Vitae
3) The names and contact details of 3 references.
4) RSM Philosophy Statement-no more than 2 pages addressing your understanding of RSM as a broad field and its role in preparing future professionals to serve diverse individuals and communities. Include the purpose and value of recreation, sport, and leisure activities; the role academic programs in RSM play in advancing that purpose; how your research advances the field of recreation, sport, and leisure services; and how to support today’s students as they prepare to enter the field.

Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior to clicking on "Apply"

Special Instructions for Applicants

Review of applications will begin October 22, 2026 and continue until the position is filled.

Contact Information for Applicants

The School Director, Dr. Noelle Selkow (nselkow@ilsu.edu) or the Search Committee Chair, Dr. Bin Lizzo (rlizzo@ilstu.edu)

Important Information for Applicants

This position is subject to a criminal background investigation and if applicable, an employment history review, based on University Policy 3.1.30 and any offer of employment is contingent upon you passing a satisfactory criminal background investigation and/or an employment history review. You may not begin work until the criminal background investigation results have been received and cleared by Human Resources.

Illinois State University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

If you are an individual with a disability and need a reasonable accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) or other state or federal law you may request an accommodation by contacting the Office of Equal Opportunity and Access at (309) 438-3383. The Office of Equal Opportunity and Access will hold any confidential information you provide in confidence.

If you are having difficulty accessing the system, please call Human Resources at (309) 438-8311.