Illinois State University
Instructional Assistant Professor – Recreation & Sport Management
LOCATION
Normal, Illinois
QUALIFICATIONS
Master’s degree in Recreation & Sport Management or a related discipline, current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist, and demonstrated oral proficiency in English.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Design and deliver undergraduate courses, provide quality instruction in Therapeutic Recreation and RSM core courses, supervise student interns, and contribute to program meetings and events.
INDUSTRY
Higher Education
SHORT DESCRIPTION
Seeking an Instructional Assistant Professor in Recreation & Sport Management for a full-time, non-tenure track position starting August 16, 2025, focusing on teaching and supervising in a diverse academic environment.
Work type: On Campus
Location: Normal, Illinois
Title: Instructional Assistant Professor – Recreation & Sport Management
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 School of Kinesiology and Recreation is committed to increasing the diversity of the campus community. ISU recognizes that a diverse faculty, staff, and student body enriches the educational experiences of the entire campus and greater community. Candidates who have experience working with a diverse range of faculty, staff, and students, and who can contribute to the climate of inclusivity are especially welcomed to apply.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
A. Design, deliver, and assess four undergraduate courses each of the Fall and Spring semesters.
B. Provide quality in-person instruction in the Therapeutic Recreation undergraduate sequence (i.e. techniques, introduction to TR, service delivery, documentation, advancement of the TR profession) in alignment with industry and COAPRT standards.
C. Provide quality instruction for RSM undergraduate core courses (i.e. leadership, introduction to RSM, inclusive recreation, programming, human resources, budgeting, marketing), in a variety of modalities (in-person, hybrid, online), in alignment with industry and COAPRT standards.
D. Provide quality supervision for RSM undergraduate student interns as needed.
E. Encouraged to attend and contribute to meetings and events for the RSM program and the School of Kinesiology & Recreation.
University Benefit Highlights:
- Insurance benefits, including health, dental, vision, and life (eligibility determination)
- Retirement and supplemental retirement planning options
- Tuition waiver benefits available to staff as well as their eligible dependents
- 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
RECREATION & SPORT MANAGEMENT AND THE THERAPEUTIC RECREATION SEQUENCE
The Recreation & Sport Management (RSM) program at Illinois State University was established in 1974 and has been continually COAPRT accredited since 1985. The RSM program prides itself on preparing graduates with transferrable skills through experiential and applied learning for a wide variety of career settings. Our program is supported by a tight-knit, student-centered faculty and an active network of working professionals and program alumni. In Fall 2024, the RSM program had 227 undergraduate students in two sequences: Recreation Management and Therapeutic Recreation (TR). All RSM students take a common core of courses, along with their sequence-specific courses, and complete two professional internships. The successful candidate for this position will provide instructional support for the TR sequence courses, as well as courses in the RSM core.
Illinois State University's COAPRT-accredited Therapeutic Recreation sequence focuses on cultivating compassionate, skilled, and innovative professionals prepared to enhance well-being through recreation for individuals of all abilities. Grounded in historical and scientific principles, the sequence integrates theory with practical application, utilizing the APIED (Assessment, Planning, Implementation, Evaluation, Documentation) process to ensure evidence-based practice. We believe in the transformative power of recreation and leisure to enhance well-being and quality of life for individuals of all abilities.
With a carefully sequenced curriculum, TR students progressively build competencies through extensive fieldwork, including two internships and 400 hours of practical experience. This intentional structure allows for the development of competencies in a logical order, reinforcing learning and preparing students for increasingly complex concepts and practical applications as they advance through their studies. Small class sizes promote personalized attention and teamwork skills, while experiential learning opportunities enrich their education focused on recreation therapy as a process used in both clinical and community settings.
The TR sequence emphasizes cultural competency, health equity, and social justice, preparing graduates to advocate for clients and address diverse needs. Students gain exposure to various service delivery models and remain informed about emerging trends in the field. Strong ties with alumni and professional state and national organizations provide mentorship and career insights.
Ultimately, the TR sequence aims to produce Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialists (CTRS) who are well-equipped for certification and practice, empowering them to lead and positively impact the lives of those they serve.
SCHOOL OF KINESIOLOGY & RECREATION
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.
ILLINOIS STATE UNIVERSITY
Illinois State University, IllinoisState.edu, was founded in 1857 as Illinois’ first public university. We enroll approximately 21,000 students in six 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
Minimum $60,000/year
Required Qualifications
Required qualifications:
1. Master’s degree in Recreation & Sport Management, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related discipline.
2. Current certification as a Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist.
3. Demonstrated oral proficiency in the English Language, as mandated by state law.
Preferred Qualifications
Preferred qualifications:
1. Prior experience working full-time in Therapeutic Recreation.
2. Prior higher education teaching experience in an accredited Recreation & Sport Management, Therapeutic Recreation, or closely related program.
3. Demonstrated ability to design, deliver, and assess a variety of courses across the RSM curriculum .
4. Prior experience as a professional internship/fieldwork supervisor or faculty internship/fieldwork supervisor for Therapeutic Recreation interns.
5. A commitment to high impact teaching practices.
6. Demonstrated ability to contribute to a program dedicated to collaboration.
7. Terminal degree in Recreation & Sport Management, Therapeutic Recreation, or a closely related discipline.
Work Hours
Varies
Proposed Starting Date
8/16/2025
Required Applicant Documents
Letter of application summarizing your interest in the position and how your professional resume aligns with the qualifications for this position.
Curriculum vita or resume, with NCTRC certification number included.
The names and contact information for three references (name, address, telephone, and email).
Please Note: These documents are required to be submitted online in order to complete the application process. Please have these documents ready prior
Special Instructions for Applicants
Open until filled, with review of applications beginning 2-1-2025 .
Contact Information for Applicants
Search Committee Chair
Tracy Mainieri
tmainie@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/Affirmative Action 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.
Application Opened: 12/05/2024 02:00 PM CST
Application Closes:
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