Director, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Director, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center.

Position Details

Location Hattiesburg

118 College Drive

Hattiesburg, Mississippi, 39406-0001

United States

Division School of Communication

Position Type Staff

Employment Status Full Time

Grant Funded Yes

Pay Grade

E13

Posting Close Date June 30, 2024

Special Instructions to Applicants

Please include a resume, cover letter, and statement of leadership philosophy.

Job Summary

The director is responsible for the efficient and visionary general operations of the journalism center. The director works closely with an advisory board and oversees a team of media professionals and teams of student journalists, ranging from high school age to seniors in college. The director ensures the center meets all production, pedagogic, and budgetary mandates with the highest integrity and adherence to journalistic values and ethics.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

• Responsible for supervising, training, and establishing duties for staff and members of the center.

• Directly supervises administrative specialist, managing editor and community liaison.

• Serves as the primary recruiter for students and professional journalists.

• Serves as the public face of the center for the media, public, university administration and other key stakeholders.

• Acts as liaison to the center Advisory Board, including making regular reports as directed by the board, establishing meeting agendas, annual budgets, and other matters.

• Acts as primary liaison to the Scripps Howard Foundation.

• Responsible for ensuring timely, accurate and complete performance and financial reports to the Scripps Foundation.

• Works closely with the Director of the School of Media & Communication and advisory board to establish and maintain the center’s strategic plan.

• Performs and/or supervises all necessary functions pertaining to equipment inventorying, maintenance, and reservation in accordance with university policy.

• May teach as assigned by the school director, depending on qualifications and availability.

• Serves as practicum instructor of record for the center.

• Performs other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in media or related field. At least seven years’ experience in professional media with rising level of responsibility.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Ability to effectively lead teams with a wide variety of backgrounds, experiences and skill sets.

• Ability to understand and implement all appropriate university and board-established center policies.

• Ability to assimilate large amounts of data quickly and accurately.

• Ability to communicate effectively with those from a wide range of backgrounds, education levels and varying skills.

• Ability to effectively deal with the public and establish long-standing relationships with key stakeholders.

• Ability to establish and meet professional journalistic standards, such as deadlines, adequate sourcing, ethical and considerations, language and production, and other measures as established by the board.

Preferred Qualifications

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in mass communication or related field and at least 10 years industry or higher education management experience.

About The University of Southern Mississippi

Since our founding in 1910, The University of Southern Mississippi has remained dedicated to preparing students for success. We deliver programs to more than 13,000 students in Hattiesburg and Long Beach, at teaching and research sites across the Mississippi Gulf Coast, as well as online. We are a community-engaged Carnegie R1 university, earning distinction as one of the nation's leading research institutions.

Southern Miss is known for pioneering work in polymer science, ocean science, spectator sports safety and security, and bringing language to children with communication disorders. We are also a national leader in a broad range of disciplines, including cybersecurity, hydrography, nutrition, aquaculture, kinesiology, and economic development, among others.

We produce graduates ready to enter fields that are leading the way in emerging technologies through programs such as computer engineering, information technology, and ocean engineering. We’re developing the next generation of business leaders, while also responding to critical workforce shortages by producing skilled professionals in education and nursing. With a tradition of excellence in the arts, we are one of only 36 public institutions in the nation accredited in four major areas of the arts. Home to the Golden Eagles, our student-athletes compete in 17 NCAA Division I sports. With a culture marked by passion and persistence, Southern Miss is delivering graduates who are ready for life. For more information, visit www.usm.edu.

As an Affirmative Action/Equal Employment Opportunity employer/Americans with Disabilities Act institution, The University of Southern Mississippi encourages minorities, women, veterans and persons with disabilities to apply.