Director of School of Journalism and Media Studies

College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts | San Diego State University

The School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS) at San Diego State University (SDSU) invites applications for a Director of the School of Journalism and Media Studies (JMS), to start in July 2020. The Director should be able to provide visionary leadership and strong advocacy for the School. The director should be able to work collaboratively and collegially with faculty and staff to foster innovative curricula and teaching; strong research and creative activities; and engagement with the university, communities and professions served by the School of JMS.

 

Responsibilities:

The Director serves as the facilitator to the School’s vision, mission and strategic plan. The Director provides effective leadership of the management of the School’s administrative staff and faculty, program planning, undergraduate/graduate curriculum development, instructional/equipment budgets, external funding and development, facility/equipment resources, and faculty recruitment/mentoring/evaluation. The Director reports to the Dean of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA) and represents the School to both on-campus and off-campus stakeholders. The Director also has a leadership role in fundraising as well as developing and maintaining relationships within and outside the University. The Director will bring professional values that strengthen inclusion, diversity, equity and access across the broad constituencies served by the School.

 

Required Qualifications:

  • Hold a relevant terminal degree in one or more of the disciplinary areas of the School of Journalism and Media Studies: advertising, public relations, journalism, higher education and technology, mass communication or media studies
  • Experience in academic administration and possess relevant management skills.
  • Ability to oversee a variety of administrative and operational staff.
  • Experience in university-teaching and a record of research/creative activity in relevant disciplinary areas of the School.
  • A record of community engagement, alumni outreach, and abilities needed to be effective in donor development and fundraising.
  • Demonstrated experience in international and intercultural outreach.
  • Outstanding communication and interpersonal skills and team-building skills.
  • Experience in budgetary planning and curricular assessment.
  • A strong commitment to working with diverse student populations.
  • A commitment to transparency and shared governance.
  • Relevant professional experience in the media industry (e.g. journalist, editor, advertising or public relations practitioner, media/communications professional in a media company, etc.)

 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusive Excellence

SDSU is a large, diverse, urban university and Hispanic-Serving Institution with a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusive excellence. Our campus community is diverse in many ways, including race, religion, color, sex, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, pregnancy, medical condition, and covered veteran status. We strive to build and sustain a welcoming environment for all. SDSU is seeking applicants with demonstrated experience in and/or commitment to teaching and working effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and members of underrepresented groups. To be in a better position to serve a fast growing and highly diverse student body, and to fulfill the University’s commitment to promoting diversity, inclusiveness, and excellence on our campus, we actively seek candidates with demonstrated experience working with, teaching or mentoring students from under-represented communities.

Candidates should address how they meet two or more of the following areas as part of SDSU’s commitment to inclusiveness and diversity in their application cover letter: how one currently serves underrepresented populations in higher education and in what capacity; knowledge of the barriers for underrepresented students and faculty in higher education; experience in teaching and mentoring underrepresented students; the integration of underrepresented populations and communities into one’s research; the opportunities and challenges in achieving artistic / scholarly success to members of underrepresented groups; research that engages underrepresented communities; expertise in cross-cultural communication and collaboration; and research interests that contribute to diversity and equal opportunity in higher education.


Rank and Salary: Faculty appointment with administrative responsibilities. Priority consideration will be given to candidates with Full professorship. Candidates with associate professorship must have proven record of experience for qualifications as noted in job description, and also proven record of professional growth to be promoted to full professor upon appointment. Salary is nationally competitive.

Applications: Review of application materials will begin January 6, 2020, and continue until the position is filled. Applicants should apply via Interfolio at https://apply.interfolio.com/70823. All additional inquiries should be addressed to: Amy Schmitz Weiss, Ph.D., Search Committee Chair, Associate Professor, School of Journalism and Media Studies San Diego State University aschmitz@sdsu.edu

 

About the School of Journalism and Media Studies: The successful candidate will become part of a school with 18 tenured and tenure-track faculty, about two dozen non-tenure-line lecturers, and more than 600 majors, pre-majors, and graduate students. Marquee programs in the School include bilingual media writing, digital/social media research and curricular initiatives, media entrepreneurship, and the Center for Science and Media. Undergraduate program areas include advertising, journalism, media studies, and public relations. The School offers a master’s degree program in mass communication and media studies, as well as a master’s degree program in learning design and technology. The School is also part of the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts, one of seven colleges that serve a university community of 35,000 students in a fast-growing, culturally rich, metropolitan area with a loyal regional base and strong national and international relationships. For more information, visit: http://jms.sdsu.edu.

 

About the College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts (PSFA)

The College of Professional Studies and Fine Arts comprises seven professional schools and three departments committed to the pursuit of excellence in academic and artistic endeavors. With over 5,000 majors and approximately 300 faculty, PSFA is recognized for its excellent academic programs that prepare students for professional careers in a wide spectrum of artistic, cultural, educational, social, and technical fields. The College views its connection to the local and global community as a “laboratory for learning” and educational opportunities that prepare the student to engage in the worldwide community through creativity, involvement, leadership, and innovation are a hallmark of the PSFA experience. The College actively seeks applications from candidates whose professional interests align with SDSU’s and PSFA’s strategic goals, who will sustain excellence in their research, promote student success, and continue to advance our commitment to diversity. PSFA website: http://psfa.sdsu.edu/

 

About San Diego State University:

SDSU is the oldest and largest higher education institution in the San Diego region. Since its founding in 1897, the university has grown to become a leading public research university. Each year, SDSU provides more than 36,000 students with the opportunity to participate in an academic curriculum distinguished by direct contact with faculty and an increasing international emphasis that prepares them for a global future. Overall, SDSU students can choose from 84 undergraduate majors, 76 master’s programs and 21 doctoral degree programs.

SDSU ranks among the top universities nationwide in terms of ethnic and racial diversity among its student body, as well as the number of bachelor’s degrees conferred upon students of color. Increasingly recognized for innovative research, SDSU is establishing itself as one of the leading public research universities. It is classified as a "research-high" institution by the Carnegie Foundation. Research funding has more than doubled from a decade ago. Since 2000, SDSU faculty and staff have attracted more than $1 billion in grants and contracts for research and program administration.

EO-1083 Mandated Reporter Statement: The person holding this position is considered a "mandated reporter" under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirement set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 as a condition of employment.

Background Statement: A background check (including a criminal records check) must be completed satisfactorily before any candidate can be offered a position with the CSU. Failure to satisfactorily complete the background check may affect the application status of applicants or continued employment of current CSU employees who apply for the position.

EEO Statement: SDSU is a Title IX, equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against persons on the basis of race, religion, national origin, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity and expression, marital status, age, disability, pregnancy, medical condition, or covered veteran status.