"Open Rank (Assistant, Associate or Full Professor), Investigative Journalism and Executive Editor"

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Department:

School of Communication

Time Type:

Full time

FLSA Status:

Exempt

Job Description:

Open Rank (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor): Investigative Journalism and Executive Editor of the Investigative Reporting Workshop (IRW)

Journalism Division

School of Communication

The Division of Journalism in the School of Communication at American University invites applications for a full-time, open rank position (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) and the concurrent role as Executive Editor of the Investigative Reporting Workshop: a professional, nonprofit, editorially independent newsroom based in the School of Communication. The candidate selected for this position has the possibility of starting as Executive Editor at IRW in January 2026 or August 2026 and as a faculty member in the School of Communication in August 2026. Depending on qualifications, the appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring. Preference will be given to those applicants with an advanced degree in the field of journalism, media studies, history, or related fields. Preferred applicants will have at least five years of experience in reporting or editing and in organizational leadership, including fundraising.

Candidates should be effective teachers and must be strongly committed to excellence in scholarly research. We welcome applications from candidates engaged in high-quality scholarship in areas including but not limited to media studies, journalism, investigative journalism, history, political science, or related fields. Teaching specialization in journalism is preferred, though all areas will be considered. In addition to scholarship and teaching, responsibilities will include participation in division, school, and university activities.

In addition to teaching and directing the center’s prize-winning investigations, candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage relationships with funders, media partners, and freelancers. We seek a hands-on, inspirational leader to carry on the Workshop’s mission of informing the public and training the next generation of journalists to uncover hard truths that help society thrive.

The Investigative Reporting Workshop was founded in 2008 by former "60 Minutes" producer and MacArthur “genius grant” recipient Chuck Lewis. The IRW has contributed to Pulitzer Prize-winning investigations with media partners, pairing graduate fellows with experienced professionals at legacy media and nonprofit newsrooms.

Salary and benefits are competitive, with an expected salary range of $95,000 to $100,000 (Assistant Professor), $98,000 to $107,000 (Associate Professor), and $100,000 to $130,000 (Full Professor). The Investigative Reporting Workshop also provides a generous stipend for the Executive Editor role, which is externally funded by grants and gifts. Review of applications will begin September 15, 2025, and will continue until the position is filled, subject to ongoing budgetary approval. Application materials sent over email will not be accepted or considered. Include a letter of application, curriculum vitae, and copies or links to recent published work, whether in the mainstream media, start-up journalistic sites or academic papers. Recommendation letters and evaluations of teaching will be requested at a later stage. Please contact Liz Kan, Operations Manager, IRW at lizkan@american.edu if you have any questions.

American University is a private institution within easy reach of the many centers of government, business, research, and the arts located within the nation’s capital. For more information about American University, visit www.american.edu.

Established in 1993, the School of Communication offers undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral degree programs www.american.edu/soc/. Learn more about the Journalism division at https://www.american.edu/soc/journalism/.

Benefits

AU offers a competitive benefits package including a 200% matching retirement plan, tuition benefits for full-time staff and their families, several leadership development certificates, and has been recognized by the American Heart Association as a fit-friendly worksite. Click here to learn about American University's unique benefit options.