Position Description

INTRODUCTION

The University of Connecticut (UConn) is pleased to invite applications for a faculty position in the Department of Educational Leadership at the rank of Assistant Professor In Residence. The Sport Management Program at the University of Connecticut’s Neag School of Education is recognized at the undergraduate, master’s, and Ph.D. levels for its critical approach to teaching and research. Program faculty seek to engage students in critically examining sport policies and practices at the individual, organizational, and societal levels. Undergraduate and master’s students are prepared for careers in the sport industry through coursework, practica and internships, and service-based experiential learning. Ph.D. students gain valuable teaching and research experience while advancing toward faculty positions as well as roles in higher education administration, non-profit sport, and health-focused organizations.

The University of Connecticut is a national leader among public research universities, with more than 32,000 students seeking answers to critical questions in classrooms, labs, and the community. A culture of innovation drives this pursuit of knowledge throughout the University’s network of campuses. Connecticut’s commitment to higher education helps UConn attract students who thrive in the most competitive environments, as well as globally renowned faculty members. Our school pride is fueled by a history of success that has made us a standout in Division I athletics. UConn fosters a diverse and vibrant culture that meets the needs and seizes the opportunities of a dynamic global society.

The Neag School of Education stands out as a major contributor to instructional and research excellence at the University of Connecticut. With academic departments dedicated to educational leadership, educational psychology, and curriculum and instruction, the Neag School also offers a five-year integrated bachelor’s/master’s program in teacher education and a one-year, post-baccalaureate teacher education program. According to the 2023-2024 U.S. News & World Report rankings of Best Graduate Schools, the Neag School ranks among the top 25 public graduate schools of education in the nation, and its Special Education program is tied at No. 17 nationally.

The Department of Educational Leadership (EDLR) has 16 full-time faculty members and offers degree programs at the bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. The department offers certificates and/or degrees in adult learning; administrator preparation programs, educational leadership; education policy; executive leadership; higher education and student affairs; and sport management. EDLR values diversity, equity, and inclusion and is dedicated to hiring individuals who support our vision of inspiring and cultivating innovative leaders for positive change, individuals who empower others by building a nurturing educational environment, individuals who establish effective systems of support, and strive to enhance equity and quality of life for all. Our faculty are committed to engaging in high-quality teaching, advising/mentoring, scholarship, and developing leaders who connect theory, practice, policy, and assessment within all of our academic programs.

The Assistant Professor In-Residence/Director of Experiential Learning and Outreach in Sport Management provides primary advising support for undergraduate students in Sport Management and leads instruction in critical courses including all undergraduate internship/experiential learning courses, the Career Development course for undergraduate students, support for sport-related Early College Experience (ECE) courses, and others undergraduate courses as needed. As Director of Experiential Learning and Outreach, the faculty member will also provide leadership for the sport management (SPM) program’s related experiential global learning, employer and alumni outreach, networking opportunities, and events. This position oversees partnerships with the Sport Management Program, both internal to the University and external with industry.

In this role, the faculty member will oversee operations related to partnerships to ensure high-quality services for Sport Management Program students; efficient and effective communication and administrative processes; operationalization and evaluation of outreach and engagement opportunities; and provide leadership to the Sport Management program faculty as it relates to student development, experiential learning opportunities, alumni networking, and student support. The faculty member will also be asked to identify trends and strategies to further increase student and alumni participation in SPM outreach and experiential learning.

The faculty member will be asked to establish and cultivate relationships with current employer contacts, new employer contacts (including program and other UConn alumni), and other potential recruiters to develop internal and external full-time and experiential learning opportunities. The faculty member will also advise students seeking experiential learning opportunities on search methods, resume and cover letter preparation, interview skills, graduate school applications, and overall career preparation.

A successful candidate must have the potential for, or demonstrated success in, developing and cultivating relationships in outreach and experiential learning to support college students studying sport management or a related field. Candidates must demonstrate the ability to support the educational and career development of students with diverse social identities (i.e., race, gender, ethnicity, LGBTQ+, ability). In addition, candidates must have the potential to foster formal and informal networks within the Sport Management undergraduate program and across the Neag School and the University (including within UConn Athletics and UConn Experiential Global Learning).

Founded in 1881, UConn is a Land Grant and Sea Grant institution and member of the Space Grant Consortium. It is the state’s flagship institution of higher education and includes a main campus in Storrs, CT, four regional campuses throughout the state, and 13 Schools and Colleges, including a Law School in Hartford, and Medical and Dental Schools at the UConn Health campus in Farmington. The University has approximately 10,000 faculty and staff and 32,000 students, including nearly 24,000 undergraduates and over 8,000 graduate and professional students. UConn is a Carnegie Foundation R1 (highest research activity) institution, among the top 25 public universities in the nation. Through research, teaching, service, and outreach, UConn embraces diversity and cultivates leadership, integrity, and engaged citizenship in its students, faculty, staff, and alumni. UConn promotes the health and well-being of citizens by enhancing the social, economic, cultural, and natural environments of the state and beyond. The University serves as a beacon of academic and research excellence as well as a center for innovation and social service to communities. UConn is a leader in many scholarly, research, and innovation areas. Today, the path forward includes exciting opportunities and notable challenges. Record numbers of undergraduate applications and support for student success have enabled the University to become extraordinarily selective.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Terminal degree in, or with an emphasis in, Sport Management, or a related field (e.g., Management, Recreation, Higher Education).
• Experience engaging in student advising/mentoring.
• Experience supervising student internships/supporting experiential learning.
• Experience teaching in sport management.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Previous experience teaching courses such as Career Development in Sport Management, Sport in Society, Sport Management, Sport Venue and Event Management, Sport Communication, Sport Marketing, Legal Aspects of Sport, or Sport Based Youth. Development or other related courses.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and cultivating relationships in outreach and experiential learning, including global learning/education abroad.
• Knowledge of student and career development theories, models, and techniques as they apply to life-long development, and how social identities impact experiences.
• Demonstrated commitment to Departmental, School, and University Service.
• Ability to work with diverse populations.
• Additional preferred areas of knowledge include:
  • Interpersonal/human relations skills
  • Verbal and written communication skills
  • Management and supervisory skills
  • Thorough understanding of recruitment practices, equal opportunity employment, and HR best practices.
  • Strong ability to forge formal and informal networking inside and outside of SPM

APPOINTMENT TERMS

This is a full-time, 9-month, non tenure-track in-residence position with a 1-year appointment renewed annually, and an anticipated start date of August 23, 2024. The successful candidate’s academic appointment will be at the Storrs campus. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT

Employment of the successful candidate is contingent upon the successful completion of a pre-employment criminal background check.

TO APPLY

Please apply online to Academic Jobs Online https://academicjobsonline.org/ajo/jobs/25943 and submit the following application materials: a curriculum vitae, a letter of application of no more than three single-spaced pages (approximately 1,500 words) that addresses: (a) applicant’s interest in position and qualifications; (b) experiences teaching courses in sport management; (c) experiences and importance of experiential learning in developing practitioners in sport management; (d) experiences in, and possible contributions to, a program that emphasizes equity and social justice. Please submit a separate document with the contact information (i.e., name, institution, email, phone) for at least three references. 

Applicants should contact Search Chair, Dr. Laura Burton (laura.burton@uconn.edu) with further questions.

Application deadline is October 26, 2023. (Search 497881)

For more information regarding the Department of Educational Leadership, please visit the department website at https://edlr.education.uconn.edu/ and for more information on the Sport Management Programs, please visit https://sport.education.uconn.edu

This position will be filled subject to budgetary approval.

At the University of Connecticut, our commitment to excellence is complemented by our commitment to building a culturally diverse community.

All employees are subject to adherence to the State Code of Ethics which may be found at http://www.ct.gov/ethics/site/default.asp.