Project FLEX

The Department of Kinesiology and Physical Education prepares professionals in exercise and sport science disciplines and for careers in athletic training, coaching, exercise science, fitness, physical education, sport and exercise psychology or sport management. The department also houses the Physical Activity and Life Skills Group, which uses sport and other physical activity programs to promote positive youth development and social change. With approximately 16,000 students, Northern Illinois University (NIU) is one of the largest public universities in the state of Illinois. NIU strives to improve outcomes for all students by identifying and removing barriers that disproportionately hinder the academic achievement and student experience of historically and currently underserved populations. As the direct descendant of NIU's origin as the Northern Illinois State Normal School opened to prepare teachers, the College of Education (CoE) continues that legacy as the state's second largest producer of teachers. Students prepare for, or advance in, professional careers across the P-20 educational spectrum as teachers and administrators and in fields such as counseling, higher education, student affairs, exercise science, athletic training and sport management. We cultivate an equity-focused, inclusive, engaging and supportive learning environment that inspires students, faculty and staff to strive for excellence. We commit to proactively meeting the changing educational and professional needs of students and their fields while advancing teaching, learning, research, practice and advocacy in our program areas. NIU's geographical reach extends beyond its main DeKalb campus (65 miles west of downtown Chicago, 60 miles from the O'Hare International Airport, and 40 miles west of Naperville - a booming community with one of the best school systems in the nation) to satellite campuses in Naperville, Chicago and abroad as well as to students online. Position Summary Project FLEX seeks an ambitious, justice-oriented, and collaborative individual to join a team of faculty and graduate students to serve as a project manager overseeing a sport-based leadership program for incarcerated youth. The project manager will help ensure overall program success through a diverse set of duties. Fit within the specific team setting will be prioritized, along with relevant experiences. At the end of this grant-funded, 9-month appointment (currently funded through May 2028), this position will be eliminated in accordance with section 250.110(d) of the State Universities Civil Service System statutes & rules. Essential Duties and Responsibilities Research Duties Conducting evidence-based research, including idea conception, data collection, and data analysis. Packaging findings into peer-reviewed research. Traveling to conferences to present research findings. Researching funding opportunities and grant writing. Program Delivery Delivering sport-based leadership content to incarcerated youth onsite AT youth detention centers. Co-creating programming and supervising graduate students program delivery. Assessing programming through program evaluation methods. Spearheading on-campus events showcasing university life to incarcerated youth. Innovation and Program Growth Recruiting prospective graduate students. Identifying support agencies and forging community-based partnerships. Marketing program outputs to stakeholders. Developing strategies to encourage new or increased contributions of program. Securing commitments of participation or donation from organizations. Other related duties as assigned Minimum Required Qualifications (Civil Service) Bachelor's Degree in any field of study and one year professional experience in physical education, sport psychology, criminal justice, sociology, public health, psychology, or a closely related field ORthree (3) years professional experience in physical education, sport psychology, criminal justice, sociology, public health, psychology, or closely related field. Demonstrated experience of advancing equity, justice, and inclusion. Demonstrated experience in achieving development through sport and physical activity. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) (Civil Service) Knowledge of general program practices and procedures. Skill in oral and written communication. Ability to work effectively with staff, the public, and outside constituency groups. Ability to organize and multi-task. Ability to supervise and knowledge of leadership concepts and methods. Ability to utilize various computer software packages. Ability to work independently and exercise judgment in order to be able to analyze and investigate a variety of questions or problems. Ability to effectively communicate on a daily basis. Specialty Factors (Civil Service) N/A Preferred Qualifications (Civil Service) Master's Degree or Doctoral degree. Experience managing / supervising students. Professional experience in the field. Record of scholarly collaboration in the field. Experience writing grants and obtaining external funding. Individuals identifying with underrepresented classes are encouraged to apply. Minimum Required Qualifications (SPS) N/A Additional Requirements (SPS) N/A Preferred Qualifications (SPS) N/A Physical demands/requirements Ability to work for extended periods at a computer workstation. Ability to be moderately physically active in a sport setting. May include moderate travel. Hybrid remote work is possible.