Assistant Professor of Sport and Recreation Management

Olivet College, a liberal arts college in south central Michigan with a long-standing commitment to inclusion and diversity, seeks an Assistant Professor of Sport and Recreation Management to teach and mentor students, instruct in our programs, and serve as a member of the faculty in the Health and Human Performance department.  This position is a full-time, location-bound, tenure track faculty position. The successful candidate will teach courses within the department in the disciplinary area of sport and recreation management. They will work with students in the health and human performance laboratory and help students gain experiential learning to improve opportunities in pursuit of their post-graduation area of interest, including but not limited to coaching, obtaining certifications, attending graduate school, consulting, and teaching.

Given the college’s commitment to supporting a diverse and inclusive faculty, members of historically underrepresented groups are strongly encouraged to apply.

Position Requirements:   Earned doctorate in a field related to sport and recreation management is preferred; ABD will be considered. MS or MA degrees in this area may be considered if the applicant holds an additional certification in a specialty area, such as strength and conditioning, nutrition, sports psychology, coaching, or teaching. The candidate is required to have demonstrated successful teaching at the undergraduate level and have relevant field experience. A history of collaborative work with other faculty members is preferred. Preference will be given to applicants with experience in academic program innovation and development as well as demonstrated competence working with culturally diverse groups in teaching, scholarship, and/or service.  Experience teaching in-person and online preferred.

Position Responsibilities:  Full-time faculty members teach 24 credit hours (or the equivalent) over two semesters, with release time available for scholarship per the faculty member’s scholarship plan. Successful candidates are expected to teach a broad range of undergraduate courses in health and human performance areas, including but not limited to sport and recreation management, cooperative education experiences, and sponsoring undergraduate research in the field of health and human performance. Faculty responsibilities include advising and mentoring students, engaging in scholarly activities, departmental and college committee participation, assessment, program and curriculum development, and other services supporting the college and its mission. Candidates must bring the ability to create a positive learning experience for students, ability to facilitate and assess student learning and ability to engage in a passionate commitment to mentoring students in a collaborative and diverse environment.  

Departmental Overview:  The mission of the Health and Human Performance department, driven by the Olivet Plan, Olivet College Compact, and vision statement, is to educate the whole of the individual—mind, body, and spirit. Majors and minors prepare students for a wide variety of professional careers and graduate schools through effective pedagogical practices, internships or field experiences which are an integral part of the learning experience. The department serves one of the largest and most diverse student populations at the college, many of whom are also student-athletes.

Starting Date:  August 1, 2023. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue as needed.

Application Process:  Click on “Apply” to set up a profile and upload the following materials: 

1. Letter of application;
2. Current resume or curriculum vitae with contact information for three references;
3. One-page statement of your interest in and experience with working with a diverse population of students in a multi-ethnic environment;
4. Statement of teaching philosophy and approach to the assessment of student learning;
5. Transcript from the highest degree-granting institution related to the position (official or unofficial) and/or documentation of graduate coursework or relevant certification in the area of instruction; and
6. Student evaluations (if available).

Offer of hire is contingent upon receipt of official transcripts, completion of a background check, and verification of information submitted.  Applicants are required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States at the time of hire and to complete the required employment eligibility verification form and provide required documentation.

About the College:  Olivet College was founded in 1844 as a college open to all regardless of race, gender, or ability to pay. The college’s faculty and staff continue its tradition of creating and sustaining a welcoming and inclusive educational environment for students. The college is one of the most diverse private liberal arts institutions in the state of Michigan and actively seeks diversity in its students, faculty, and staff. Students from underrepresented minorities constituted 26% of the fall 2022 student body, with over 15% of the student body identifying as African American. The student body is a mix of urban and rural students from a range of socioeconomic backgrounds, many of whom are first-generation college attendees. The college’s faculty and staff are committed to providing personalized, individualized attention for students who commit themselves to seeking academic and personal success.