Job Description Summary
Organization's Summary Statement:
The University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism is seeking a director to lead its Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, which was named a Pulitzer finalist in investigative reporting in 2025 for a national collaboration with The Associated Press and Frontline.
Funded by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Howard Center has consistently produced projects that have won national awards, including a medal from IRE, while training the next generation of watchdog journalists. We are looking for someone with the vision, skills, ideas, and commitment to that dual mission.
A successful candidate must be able to help students learn to tell investigative stories on multiple platforms and in forms that will reach and resonate with new audiences. The candidate will be an editor, leader, collaborator, and innovator who embraces the ethical use of new reporting techniques.
The position requires a deep understanding of investigative journalism, the ability to manage complex collaboration, and an abiding commitment to mentoring student journalists. The successful candidate must have the skills required to create interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of Maryland, with other universities, and with professional partners on multiple platforms.
The candidate will manage a multi-million dollar budget; orchestrate and edit groundbreaking investigative projects in collaboration with the Howard Center’s data editor and faculty experts in investigative journalism; appear in national and international news outlets as a spokesperson for the center; champion the importance of investigative journalism for civil society and democracy; recruit top-notch students as Howard Center fellows; and work closely with the dean to raise funds to sustain and grow the center.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
Experience: Ten (10) years of professional investigative journalism experience. Five (5) years of experience supervising or managing professional staff.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES:
Knowledge of investigative journalism.
Skill in oral and written communication.
Skill in the use of Microsoft Office products.
Ability to multitask and prioritize assignments.
Ability to interpret and apply policies, procedures, regulations, and laws.
Additional Job Details
Newsroom leadership and mentoring experience required, as well as 10 or more years of professional experience. Experience leading or participating in multi-newsroom collaborations required. Fund-raising and teaching experience are a plus. We are looking for someone excited to explore new forms of storytelling and eager to mentor the next generation of investigative journalists.
Preferences:
Required Application Materials:
CV
Cover Letter
Best Consideration Date:
September 24, 2025
Posting Close Date:
Open Until Filled:
Yes
Job Risks
Not Applicable to This Position
Financial Disclosure Required
No
For more information on Financial Disclosure, please visit Maryland's State Ethics Commission website.
Department
JOUR-Philip Merrill College of Journalism
Worker Sub-Type
Staff Regular
Salary Range
$145k - $215K
For more information on Regular Exempt benefits, select this link.
Background Checks
Offers of employment are contingent on completion of a background check. Information reported by the background check will not automatically disqualify anyone from employment. Before any adverse decision, the finalist will have an opportunity to provide information to the University regardingdisclosablebackground check information. The University reserves the right to rescind the offer of employment or otherwise decline or terminate employment if the information reported by the background check is deemed incompatible with the position, regardless of when the background check is completed.
Employment Eligibility
The successful candidate must complete employment eligibility verification (on Form I-9) by presenting documents that establish identity and work authorization within the timeframe required by federal immigration law, and where applicable, to demonstrate renewed employment authorization. Failure to complete employment eligibility verification or reverification within the timeframe set forth by law may result in suspension or termination of employment.
EEO Statement
The University of Maryland, College Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment. Please read the University’s Equal Employment Opportunity Statement of Policy.
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