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How to Apply

*NOTE: Please do NOT submit your application via this system; to be considered, you must submit your application via the Interfolio process outlined below.

Interested candidates should submit the following materials electronically through Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/176980. The search committee will review applications as they are received; however, for best consideration, apply by December 15, 2025.

The materials below should be consolidated into one (1) PDF document before uploading to Interfolio.

• Cover letter
• Curriculum vitae
• Research statement (up to 2 pages)
• Teaching statement (1 page) that addresses, in part, inclusive teaching
• Up to three examples of research publications
• At least three references: include full name, position, relationship to applicant, e-mail address, and telephone number

Review of applications will begin upon receipt and continue until the position is filled. Nominations, applications, and expressions of interest will be held in confidence, and references will be contacted only with the candidate's permission.

Should you need support related to the Interfolio system, please visit this site or contact Interfolio at [email protected] or (877) 997-8807, 9am-6pm Eastern Time, Monday-Friday.
For questions about the position, please contact Search Committee Chair: Dr. Brian P. McCullough at [email protected] or (734) 647-9767.

Job Summary

The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan invites applications for tenure-line faculty positions at the level of assistant professor, associate professor, or professor in the area of sport economics. We seek dynamic and innovative scholars whose work is anchored in this area. Successful candidates will join a vibrant and collaborative faculty dedicated to excellence in research, teaching, and service.

The primary responsibilities for this position include conducting high-quality, impactful research in the area of sport economics using appropriate analytical tools, and teaching undergraduate and graduate courses. The role entails advising and mentoring students across all academic levels and securing external funding to support research initiatives as appropriate. Additionally, selected candidates will collaborate with faculty across disciplines within the School of Kinesiology and other units at the University of Michigan, contribute to the development and implementation of the sport management curriculum, and engage in service activities within the university, professional organizations, and the broader community.

We are seeking candidates with expertise in economics applied to a sport or sport business context. Specific areas of research may include, but are not limited to, the following: sport-anchored development strategies, professional and collegiate sports, venue financing, business analytics for sports, industrial organization/antitrust economics, and player analytics.

Who We Are

About the School and University:

The University of Michigan is a leading public university and one of the world's preeminent research institutions. The School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan is one of 19 independent academic units and one of seven health science schools and colleges within the University of Michigan. In Fall 2023, the National Academy of Kinesiology ranked the School of Kinesiology at the University of Michigan as the #1 Kinesiology program in the US. The school is led by Dean Lori Ploutz-Snyder and has 40 tenure-line faculty, 16 clinical-line faculty, 33 part-time and full-time lecturers, approximately 1,250 undergraduate students, and 152 graduate students. The school is home to some of the country's top academic programs focusing on movement science, applied exercise science, athletic training, and sport management.

In winter 2021, the school moved into a newly renovated, state-of-the-art academic and research building (Kinesiology Building) that is located in the heart of the University of Michigan's main campus. The $120M renovation project expands the School of Kinesiology's research, classroom, and office space to approximately 189,000 gross sq. ft. The research space includes a 9,800 sq. ft. biomechanics research suite, a 9,000 sq. ft. wet lab research suite, a 5,000 sq. ft. neuro research center, a 1,700 sq. ft. vivarium, and a 3,500 sq. ft. clinical testing suite and exercise research center. Additionally, new faculty members will have access to the state-of-the-art core computing and laboratory facilities at the University of Michigan.

About Sport Management:

Sport Management at the University of Michigan is recognized as a top program in the country. The University of Michigan was rated the number two college for sport management in the U.S. by Niche (2021).

The Sport Management program has 26 faculty, including 11 tenure-line faculty, 6 clinical faculty, and 9 lecturers. The breadth of faculty research is reflected in the following centers: the Center for Race & Ethnicity in Sport, the Center for Sport Marketing Research, the Center for Sports Venues & Real Estate Development, the Michigan Center for Sport & Social Responsibility, and the Center for Sport & Sustainability.

Sport Management has 580 undergraduate and 67 graduate students. The School offers the following degrees in Sport Management: Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, and Doctor of Philosophy. The program prepares students for careers in the global sport industry with a curriculum that explores the management of the sport enterprise (from organizational, marketing, financial, economical, legal, urban planning, and sociocultural perspectives).

Sport Management students at the University of Michigan have the valuable opportunity to lead and participate in student-run campus organizations, including the Michigan Sport Business Conference, the premier undergraduate-run sport business conference in the U.S.

Upon graduation, many of our students will begin careers at sport organizations and corporate businesses, while others will pursue postgraduate studies in business, law, accounting, and urban planning. Our graduates work in the front offices of the NFL, NBA, NHL, MLB, and MLS; with professional sports teams like the Detroit Red Wings, New York Mets, and Milwaukee Bucks; within agencies like Creative Artists Agency, Wasserman, and Endeavor; and with industry-leading organizations like ESPN, the NCAA, The New York Times, Nike, and many more.

The Sport Management program has an administrative structure that includes a program chair and an associate program chair. The program maintains an external Advisory Board in order to develop and nurture connections with leaders in the sport industry. The Advisory Board contributes to our vision of achieving excellence in sport business education.

Required Qualifications*

A doctoral degree in Sport Management, Business, Economics, or a related field is required. Candidates should demonstrate their contributions to a positive workplace culture aligned with our school's core values.

Assistant professor candidates should exhibit promise, trajectory, and/or achievements suitable for junior faculty at a major research university. At the assistant professor rank, candidates should have evidence of:

• scholarly prominence and academic independence, or high potential, with respect to publishing high-quality, peer-reviewed research
• experience and/or willingness to mentor undergraduate and graduate students and teach undergraduate and graduate courses in their area of expertise;
• reasonable engagement in service (to the industry and/or the academy), and
• the ability to seek and secure external funding.

At the associate and full professor ranks, candidates should exceed the expectations outlined at the assistant rank. In addition to those requirements, candidates should have:

• a consistent and ongoing record of securing research funding,
• demonstrate an elevated and consistent profile of scholarly and pedagogical excellence, and
• possess the necessary experience and skills that will advance the international reputation of the Sport Management program in the School of Kinesiology.
  

Modes of Work

Positions that are eligible for hybrid or mobile/remote work mode are at the discretion of the hiring department. Work agreements are reviewed annually at a minimum and are subject to change at any time, and for any reason, throughout the course of employment. Learn more about the work modes.

Underfill Statement

This position is posted as Assistant Professor/Associate Professor /Professor. The rank of the selected candidate will depend upon candidate's qualifications.

Background Screening

The University of Michigan conducts background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer and may use a third party administrator to conduct background checks. Background checks are performed in compliance with the Fair Credit Reporting Act.

Employment will require both a criminal background check and an institutional reference check regarding any misconduct. Candidates will be required to submit a self-disclosure form as well as an authorization to release information form.

Application Deadline

Job openings are posted for a minimum of seven calendar days. The review and selection process may begin as early as the eighth day after posting. This opening may be removed from posting boards and filled anytime after the minimum posting period has ended.

U-M EEO Statement

The University of Michigan is an equal employment opportunity employer.