Executive Director, School of Journalism

MSU Careers Recent Jobs; East Lansing (MI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

MSU Careers Recent Jobs is seeking a Director to serve as the chief executive leader of the School of Journalism, providing strategic, financial, and operational leadership to advance teaching, research and student success at Michigan State University.

The Director will work with faculty, staff, students and external partners to ensure transparent governance, sustainable resources, and innovative curricula that respond to evolving media landscapes.

Qualifications

• Terminal degree (Ph.D.) in Journalism, Mass Communication, Media Studies, or a closely related field.
• Record of achievement commensurate with appointment as a tenured faculty member.
• Three years or more of demonstrated administrative or leadership experience in higher education.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in financial and operational management, including budget oversight, personnel management, and accreditation or program review processes. (e.g., ACEJMC).
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills with demonstrated ability to build trust and work collaboratively across constituencies.
• Demonstrated understanding of contemporary journalism, media ethics, emerging technologies, and the evolving digital media environment.
• Commitment to inclusive, transparent, collaborative leadership.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction and vision for the School in alignment with MSU and College priorities.
• Manage the School’s budget and resources responsibly and strategically, including financial planning, personnel allocations, facilities, technology, and external funding oversight.
• Foster a respectful, inclusive, and safe environment that values differing perspectives, constructive dialogue, and shared governance.
• Oversee personnel processes including reappointment, promotion, tenure, and advancement reviews in collaboration with college leadership and according to university policies and procedures.
• Promote interdisciplinary collaboration and opportunities that advance emerging areas of journalism, digital storytelling, and professional practice.
• Provide leadership and oversight for undergraduate and graduate programs in journalism, media, and related fields.
• Collaborate with faculty to advance innovative, future‑focused curricula responsive to changes in journalism, technology, media industries, and audience engagement.
• Promote academic rigor, experiential learning, cross‑platform storytelling, community‑engaged learning, and professional preparation.
• Support assessment, accreditation, and continuous improvement efforts to maintain high standards of academic quality and relevance.
• Advocate for infrastructure, technology, and resources supporting scholarly productivity, innovation and professional dissemination.
• Foster a student‑centered learning environment that promotes belonging, engagement, access, and academic success.
• Strengthen partnerships with media organizations, alumni, professional associations, and community stakeholders to advance the School’s mission and strategic priorities.

Skills

Leadership

Financial management

Budget oversight

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Collaborative leadership

Industry understanding

Education

Doctorate in Journalism/Mass Communication/Media Studies or closely related field

Job description

MSU Careers Recent Jobs is seeking a Director to serve as the chief executive leader of the School of Journalism, providing strategic, financial, and operational leadership to advance teaching, research and student success at Michigan State University.

The Director will work with faculty, staff, students and external partners to ensure transparent governance, sustainable resources, and innovative curricula that respond to evolving media landscapes.