The University of Southern Maine’s (USM) School of Business invites applications for a full-time, tenure-track position at the rank of Assistant Professor in Sport & Esports Management to begin in Fall 2026.
The successful candidate will possess an active research agenda that contributes to the sport management discipline as well as the ability to teach a variety of courses across the sport and esports management curriculum, which may include Introduction to Sport Management, Sport Marketing, Esports Management, Sport Law, Sport Communication, Sport Revenue Generation, Event & Facility Management and other foundational and emerging topics in the field. On occasion, there may also be an opportunity to teach courses that support the School of Business’s core curriculum. Preference will be given to candidates with teaching and research interests in the areas of sport marketing and esports management.
Candidates should also have a strong interest in experiential teaching approaches and demonstrate the ability to develop partnerships and applied learning opportunities with the thriving local sport community in Portland—named the Sports Business Journal’s 2024 #1 Minor League Sports Market—and throughout Southern Maine.
This is an in-person position based on our Portland campus. The standard teaching load is three courses per semester. Responsibilities include undergraduate teaching, maintaining an active research agenda, student advising, supervision of internships, curriculum development, and departmental and university service.
About the USM School of Business:
The USM School of Business, accredited by AACSB International, is committed to preparing lifelong entrepreneurial thinkers fluent in business technologies. We cultivate strong partnerships with the local business and sport communities, and embrace experiential learning, student engagement, and applied research.
We seek dynamic faculty who are passionate educators and committed to producing high-quality, impactful research. We welcome candidates who thrive in collaborative, team-oriented environments and who bring a strategic vision and energy to help shape and expand the School of Business and the Sport and Esports Management major over the coming decade.
About the University:
The University of Southern Maine is a vibrant academic community located in the greater Portland, Maine area, including campuses in Portland, Gorham, Lewiston, and online. USM is part of the University of Maine System and offers a comprehensive array of undergraduate and graduate programs, emphasizing hands-on learning, community engagement, and interdisciplinary collaboration. With a highly engaged student-centered learning environment, USM is a steward of higher education, helping drive the economic, cultural, and civic life in the communities where our campuses are located and beyond. USM is committed to providing expanded access to high-quality education that elevates economic opportunity and contributes significantly to the vitality of a diverse society. To learn more about USM, visit About Our University.
The University of Southern Maine fosters a welcoming and supportive campus environment that respects and appreciates varied perspectives, enhancing teaching, learning, personal growth, and overall institutional achievement. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds who share our dedication to academic excellence and the enrichment of our community.
We are dedicated to our Service Promise, Student Focused Every Day and seek a team member who embraces this commitment and upholds our core values of Respect & Care, Integrity, Equity, and Responsiveness.
The targeted starting date for this position is Fall 2026 and will pay a base salary of $105,000 plus benefits. When hired, candidates must reside within a 90-minute commutable distance from the USM campuses. This requirement is essential for the ability to participate in supporting and building upon our university culture of "student focused every day" and allows for regular participation in on-campus activities, meetings, and fulfills the responsibilities of the role effectively.
The University of Southern Maine provides highly competitive benefits that include health, dental and vision insurance; life insurance; short- and long-term disability insurance; a tuition waiver program for employees and tuition discounts for spouses and eligible dependents; a 403(b)-retirement plan with 10% employer contribution; and more. To learn more, please review the Benefits Information Summary.
Required Qualifications:
- Ph.D. in Sport Management or a closely related field or ABD with evidence of completed doctoral degree to be provided by position start date
- Evidence of effective teaching in Sport Management courses.
- Active scholarly agenda leading to peer-reviewed publications.
- Effective written and oral communication skills.
- Commitment to student engagement, advising, and mentorship.
- Collegial, team-oriented approach to academic collaboration.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Interest and/or expertise in the areas of sport marketing and esports management.
- Experience developing and teaching experiential courses.
- Professional experience in the sport or esports industry.
- Demonstrated commitment to inclusive teaching and curricular practices.
- Demonstrated experience or potential to engage with regional sport organizations and integrate real-world projects into coursework.
- Experience advising and mentoring students.
How to Apply:
Please click on the ‘Apply Now’ button at the bottom of this page or at USM Careers and submit the following materials:
- Comprehensive letter of interest which includes:
- Your interest in USM and this position.
- Your teaching philosophy, relevant experience, and undergraduate courses you could teach/develop, and any evidence of teaching effectiveness.
- Your research interests, accomplishments, and future goals.
- How your teaching and research will contribute to the university’s commitment to building a team of leaders, faculty, and student experiences.
- Resume/curriculum vitae, which fully describes your qualifications and experiences with specific reference to the required qualifications.
- Names and contact information for at least three professional references.
We will examine candidate packages on an ongoing basis as they are submitted.
Review of completed applications will begin on September 21, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled.
Appropriate background screening will be conducted for the successful candidate.
At this time, the University of Southern Maine is unable to consider applicants who require Visa sponsorship support.
Clery Act:
The Jeanne Clery Disclosure of Campus Security Policy and Campus Crime Statistics Act, or Clery Act, mandates that all Title IV institutions, such as the University, prepare, publish, and distribute an Annual Security Report (ASR), and provide notice of the availability of the ASR to all prospective employees. This report consists of two basic parts: disclosure of the University’s crime statistics for the past three calendar years; and disclosures regarding the University’s current campus security policies. View the University’s Annual Security Report (PDF). If you wish to have a paper copy of the ASR or need to have a copy of the ASR in an accessible format, the University will provide such a copy upon request. Please contact our Public Safety Office at 207.780.5211.
EEO Statement:
The University of Maine System (the System) is an equal opportunity institution committed to fostering a nondiscriminatory environment and complying with all applicable nondiscrimination laws. Consistent with State and Federal law, the System does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, transgender status, gender, gender identity or expression, ethnicity, national origin, citizenship status, familial status, ancestry, age, disability (physical or mental), genetic information, pregnancy, or veteran or military status in any aspect of its education, programs and activities, and employment. The System provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities upon request. If you believe you have experienced discrimination or harassment, you are encouraged to contact the System Office of Equal Opportunity and Title IX Services at 5713 Chadbourne Hall, Room 412, Orono, ME 04469-5713, by calling 207.581.1226, or via TTY at 711 (Maine Relay System). For more information about Title IX or to file a complaint, please contact the UMS Title IX Coordinator at www.maine.edu/title-ix/.
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