Executive Director, Investigative Reporters & Editors

Executive Director, Investigative Reporters & Editors

Investigative Reporters & Editors is looking for an executive director with the vision to lead the world’s largest organization supporting investigative and data journalism. The position involves overseeing a dynamic organization with more than 6,300 members internationally, 13 full-time staff members and dozens of volunteer contributors, as well as serving as a faculty or staff member at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

For 45 years, IRE — a nonprofit organization — has led the journalism industry in supporting and training journalists and college students in techniques for investigative reporting and data analysis. The organization runs the world’s biggest conferences on investigative journalism, and its data arm – the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR) – runs the world’s biggest data journalism conference. IRE provides training and resources for journalists in news organizations of all sizes, from rural U.S. communities to cities across the globe. Its website, ire.org, offers a growing portfolio of training tools, including podcasts, video tutorials and an extensive library of resources.

The right candidate will have experience in investigative journalism, management experience, teaching or training experience and an enthusiasm for evangelizing on behalf of investigative journalism and raising funds to support that mission. IRE is located in Columbia, Missouri, and while not required, there is a preference for a candidate who would relocate after the pandemic. For a Columbia-based candidate, a faculty appointment could include teaching one class per semester at the School of Journalism. The position also involves considerable travel, both domestically and internationally. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Candidate screening will begin immediately, with a goal of filling the position by early 2021.

Qualifications
Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree

Candidates will be evaluated on:

• Extensive experience as a journalist with solid credentials in investigative reporting and/or data journalism
• Managerial/supervisory experience, including building and sustaining diverse and inclusive organizations
• Journalism teaching and/or training experience
• Experience working with nonprofit organizations
• Fundraising/development experience or enthusiasm for networking and fundraising

Responsibilities
The executive director will:

• Oversee the continuing evolution of IRE’s renowned training programs and national conferences, publications and website, as well as overseeing the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting
• Manage a staff of 13 full-time employees, plus graduate and undergraduate student workers and volunteers
• Plan and supervise financial matters, including IRE’s $2.8 million budget and its $4 million endowment
• Raise funds, including seeking grants and donations
• Report to a 13-member elected Board of Directors
• Serve as spokesperson for the organization
• Hold a staff or faculty appointment at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

To apply: This is a full-time, benefit-eligible appointment. Screening of applications will begin immediately, with a goal of filling the position by early 2021. Applicants must submit a resume, a letter outlining employment history and achievements, a statement no longer than two pages of your vision for the organization, as well as relevant material or samples that demonstrate work in investigative journalism, any evidence of teaching experience and fundraising, and a one page diversity statement that specifically addresses how you would engage with a diverse student population with regards to teaching, research, mentoring, and advising. The names and contact information for three references should be provided. Please visit http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ to access the online application system. The job identification number is 34900.

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.