The Lee Caplin School of Journalism & Media in the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts (CARTA) at Florida International University seeks applicants for a Founding Executive Director, full-time, five-year, non-tenure-earning, open rank, Associate Teaching Professor or Teaching Professor who will shape the future of journalism and media education and thus the next generation of journalists and media professionals. The School’s philosophy is to educate through immersive learning opportunities. The Founding Executive Director must demonstrate exceptional leadership skills, energy, and entrepreneurial creativity. The Founding Executive Director will report directly to the Dean of CARTA.

QUALIFICATIONS

We invite applicants with an advanced professional degree and industry experience in Journalism, media, communication or a closely related field OR equivalent professional experience.

Successful candidates must have a passion for higher education and demonstrated abilities to fulfill the Caplin School’s promises to the communities we serve through providing our students with:

· A solid grounding in the researching, reporting, writing, storytelling, and critical thinking skills that form the foundation of all journalism endeavors

· The opportunity to learn from and be mentored by a dedicated, innovative, and acclaimed faculty of professional practitioners and scholars

· An engaging, inclusive, content-producing curriculum that supports our experiential “learn by doing” teaching philosophy

· Instruction in the use of industry standard equipment, software, and the latest immersive and emerging technologies

· Information, media, and digital literacy skill sets required to combat misinformation and disinformation.

· Access to participate in and engage with our local, national, and global media partnerships

· Need-based and merit-based financial assistance

· The opportunity to complete their degree in a timely manner with career ready skills sets.

HOW TO APPLY
Qualified candidates are encouraged to apply to Job Opening ID 534658 at https://careers.fiu.edu/ and upload the following:

1. A letter of interest (maximum two pages) that summarizes the candidate's professional background, fundraising or development experience, and media leadership experience.

2. Curriculum vitae.

3. Names and contact information of three references. They will be contacted if the applicant is shortlisted.

Direct any questions to Dr. Susan Jacobson, Chair of the Search Committee, via email at: sujacobs@fiu.edu. To receive full consideration, applications and required materials should be received by April 30, 2025. Review will continue until the position is filled. The initial appointment will start in August 2025.

FIU is a State University System of Florida member, Equal Opportunity, Equal Access, and Affirmative Action Employer for individuals with disabilities and veterans. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, disability, or protected veteran status. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination, contact FIU's Office of Civil Rights Compliance and Accessibility at 305.348.2785 or email ocrca@fiu.edu.

Successful candidates will also have the following personal qualities, skills, and professional experiences to inspire and lead the Caplin School to international prominence:

· Demonstrated record of professional achievement, integrity, and inclusivity while leading a media organization and/or a content-producing school or college of journalism/communication.

· Demonstrated record of success in fundraising, grant development, and cultivation of external professional partnerships.

· Demonstrated commitment to local news, and engagement with diverse communities.

· Demonstrated commitment to the ethical practices and principles of journalism.

· Demonstrated success in executing a strategic plan and aligning resources with strategic goals.

· Demonstrated record of success in recruiting, developing, and retaining high-performance staff.

· Demonstrated financial acumen and a record of fiduciary transparency and accountability.

· Demonstrated knowledge of changing and evolving media landscape.

· Demonstrated ability to adapt to evolving laws, regulations and guidelines involving media and higher education.

· Demonstrated communication and relationship skills including being an effective advocate and spokesperson

Candidates will be expected to travel. Location flexibility and hybrid work are possible for exceptional candidates.