POSITION HAS BEEN FILLED
Application deadline: February 6, 2023

The University of South Carolina invites applications and nominations for the position of Director of the School of Journalism and Mass Communications. The director reports directly to the dean of the College of Information and Communications. The position is available in July 2023.

The University of South Carolina (USC), located in the capital city of Columbia, is a Carnegie Tier I Research Institution and is the flagship institution of the University of South Carolina System. The university system includes 16 colleges and schools.

The School of Journalism and Mass Communications (SJMC) is part of the College of Information and Communications, which also includes the School of Information Science. The College is one of only a few universities to combine its communications and information science programs, two rapidly evolving — and converging — fields united by a shared belief that information accessibility and integrity is the cornerstone of a strong democracy. New assets available to faculty and students in both schools include a social media insights lab and a biometric and UX lab — both are designed to study issues related to data, media and their impact on society. See Blueprint for Academic Excellence College of Information and Communications AY2021-2022 for a detailed report on major accomplishments, challenges and opportunities.

SJMC is nationally accredited by the Accrediting Council on Education in Journalism and Mass Communications (ACEJMC).  The school is committed to the university’s mission to foster a diverse and vibrant academic environment in the university. Toward that end, the school recognizes the importance of embracing diversity in its various forms and creating a welcoming environment that encourages all to excel. See the complete Diversity and Inclusiveness Plan.

SJMC seeks a balance of faculty experience, bringing to the students a variety of scholarship and perspectives from focused researchers, work experiences, and scholarly work from creative specialists. The faculty includes nationally renowned scholars, photojournalists, creative directors, media planners, broadcast managers, reporters, editors, and graphic designers. In fall 2022 there were 1,454 undergraduate students enrolled in degree programs across advertising, broadcast journalism, journalism, mass communications, public relations, and visual communications; and more than 80 graduate students.

The Director of the SJMC, who serves as a member of the college’s leadership team, will provide leadership and help to focus the teaching, research, and service missions of the school; represent the school to a wide range of campus and professional constituencies; and administer the school’s activities and budget. The director should have the ability to articulate and effectively advocate the school’s mission to the students, faculty, alumni, external funding agencies, and other decision-making bodies. The successful candidate will be expected to play a major leadership role in developing strong academic and research programs that enhance the school’s quality and reputation and to secure external funding to support those endeavors.

The director is required to have a record of university teaching, scholarly and creative activity that satisfies eligibility of appointment to the rank of tenured full professor in an academic program in the school, and a record of successful administrative leadership in positions of increasing responsibility.

This search is assisted by Academic Search. For a full list of qualifications and for application instructions, as well as more detail on the School, the College, and the University, see the full position profile.

Nominations and applications should be sent to UofSCDIS@academicsearch.org.  Nominators and prospective applicants may also reach out directly to Senior Consultant Cynthia M. Patterson at cynthia.patterson@academicsearch.org to arrange a confidential discussion about this opportunity.

The position is open until filled but only applications received by February 6, 2023, can be assured full consideration.

The University of South Carolina does not discriminate in educational or employment opportunities on the basis of race, sex, gender, gender identity, transgender status, age, color, religion, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, genetics, protected veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions.