Assistant Director, Journalism

Position Overview

The Assistant Director of the Journalism Program plays a pivotal role in operationalizing the strategic vision of journalism and media education at Denison University. Reporting directly to the Program Director, this position balances high-level administrative management, student mentorship, curricular support, and community outreach. The Assistant Director serves as a primary hub for student engagement, managing co-curricular media spaces, coordinating high-impact learning opportunities (such as internships and fellowships), and fostering a vibrant, inclusive storytelling culture across campus.

This is a dynamic role requiring a blend of administrative acumen, familiarity with contemporary media landscapes, and a deep commitment to undergraduate student success within a liberal arts context.

Key Responsibilities

• Daily Operations: Manage the day-to-day administrative, logistical, and financial functions of the Journalism program, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with university policies.
• Budget Management: Monitor program expenditures, process vendor payments, track budgets for special initiatives, and assist the Director in annual budget forecasting.
• Event Coordination: Plan, publicize, and execute high-profile program events, including guest lecture series, workshops, panels, and networking events with visiting journalists and alumni.
• Data & Assessment: Collect, track, and analyze program data—including enrollment trends, internship placements, and alumni outcomes—to support institutional reporting and programmatic improvements.
• Co-Curricular Mentorship: Serve as a supportive resource and advisor to student-led media organizations, campus publications, and storytelling initiatives, helping students navigate ethical, technical, and editorial challenges.
• Career & Internship Liaison: Cultivate relationships with media outlets, newsrooms, and alumni networks to secure high-quality internship, fellowship, and post-graduation opportunities for students.
• Skill-Building Workshops: Design and facilitate practical, non-credit workshops focused on professional skills (e.g., audio/video editing software, digital publishing platforms, pitching stories, and media ethics).
• Digital Strategy: Oversee the program’s public identity by managing and producing content for the journalism department website, newsletters, and social media channels to showcase student achievements and faculty research.
• Campus Collaboration: Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal partners, including the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, Admissions, Institutional Advancement, and related academic departments.
• Alumni Engagement: Track and engage with journalism alumni, creating opportunities for them to mentor current students, speak in classes, or participate in networking initiatives.
• Course Scheduling & Logistics: Assist the Program Director with academic scheduling, course tracking, and coordinating logistics for community-based learning or off-campus reporting trips.
• Special Projects: Support innovative pedagogical initiatives, such as cross-disciplinary media labs, student research projects, and digital storytelling showcases.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.

3–5+ years of professional experience in news/media environments, higher education administration, student affairs, or a closely related role.

Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, executives, and external media professionals.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree
• Experience working with students