Lecturer/Sr Lecturer & CJC DC Director

Job Description

Come and join the University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications and live in Washington, D.C.!

The UF College of Journalism and Communications is hiring a 12-month lecturer/senior lecturer and director for its CJCxDC program, located in the Washington, D.C., metro area. This exciting opportunity is an expansion of the College’s footprint to provide new opportunities for students to develop skills and experiences related to federal government communications, particularly in journalism and public relations.

The director will be responsible for designing and overseeing the program, including developing program parameters, creating curricula, and teaching at least one course per term. The director will also establish connections with individuals and companies that can provide instruction, advice, and internship/career opportunities. Other duties include organizing events, promotion/recruitment for the program, overseeing admissions, and helping students find housing.

The director will report to the Dean and consult with the Executive Associate Dean and other department chairs for CJCxDC duties. They will report to their department chair for departmental duties.

Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will have at least 10 years of professional experience in journalism/communications, significant leadership experience, deep knowledge of the political landscape and federal government, and extensive connections with individuals and organizations related to the federal government (e.g., journalists, legislators, lobbyists, government communication directors, public relations executives).

Candidates should also have some teaching and curriculum development experience and excellent organizational and project-management skills.

University Benefits

At the University of Florida, you will find competitive salaries, elevated benefits, leave options, tuition assistance programs, and opportunities for advancement. You can review UF’s Total Reward benefit package here.

Job Duties

Teaching

• Teach one course per semester (fall, spring, and summer) in addition to overseeing for-credit internship experiences.
• Course content will depend on the candidate’s area of expertise and will focus on communications/journalism in Washington, D.C.

Program Operations

• Responsible for administrative tasks related to the CJCxDC program, including budgeting, developing a website, establishing application/approval processes, liaising with the UF Federal Relations Office, and working with the CJC Communications Department on promotional materials.
• Assist students with accommodations and host networking and special events for students, alumni, and employers in D.C.
• Coordinate with other remote CJC programs to grow the College’s remote immersion experiences.

Curriculum and Experiential Opportunities

• Develop curricula for the DC program, design week- and semester-long immersion opportunities, and arrange visits with local entities (e.g., news organizations, congressional delegations, government facilities).

Industry Connections

• Build connections with DC-based individuals and organizations to participate in the CJCxDC immersion programs.
• Work with the CJC Office of Careers and Corporate Partnerships to establish internship and career pipelines, and arrange tours of companies and government facilities.

Fundraising

• Collaborate with the Office of Advancement and Alumni Relations on potential fundraising opportunities.

College and Departmental Service

• Participate in departmental and college-level service, with the majority of responsibilities dedicated to the CJCxDC program.

About UF’s College of Journalism and Communications

We are recognized as a national leader in communication scholarship and professional skills development. Our accredited college has earned its reputation for excellence over the last half-century through its programs, faculty, students, and alumni. The College enrolls about 2,500 undergraduates both in-person and online, with over 83 full-time faculty members and 150 part-time instructors. Additionally, more than 700 graduate students are earning master’s and doctoral degrees.

About the University of Florida

Ranked in the top 6 among public universities and #1 in online undergraduate programs by the 2024 U.S. News and World Report, UF continues to expand its faculty and research impact. UF faculty annually generate more than $1 billion in research expenditures.

The university has a student body of more than 60,000, representing all 50 states and over 100 countries. Gainesville and the surrounding community offer diverse cultural events, restaurants, and outdoor recreational activities.

About Washington D.C., Metro Area

Washington, D.C., is a 68-square-mile federal district home to the U.S. Capitol, the White House, the Supreme Court, and more than 170 embassies and international cultural centers.

Expected Salary

Commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization and 10-12 years of relevant experience.
• Significant leadership experience.
• Knowledge of the federal government and connections in relevant industries.
• Professional experience in journalism.
• Commitment to advancing the College’s diverse and inclusive environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s degree in an appropriate area of specialization.
• Deep knowledge of the Washington, D.C. market and environment.
• Extensive connections within journalism, public relations, and federal government offices.
• Experience with building learning opportunities for college-age students.
• Experience with promotion and branding.

Special Instructions to Applicants

Applications must be submitted online via UF Jobs and include:

• A cover letter detailing the candidate’s leadership and knowledge of the political landscape and federal government.
• A complete curriculum vita.
• Evidence of teaching experiences.
• Contact information for at least three references.

The Search Committee may request additional materials later.

For questions or more information, contact search committee chair Ted Spiker at [email protected].

The review of applications will begin on October 18 and continue until the position is filled.

Degrees from institutions outside the U.S. must be evaluated by a credentialing service approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES).

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information, and veteran status.

Health Assessment Required

No.

Applications Close

Open until filled.

To apply, visit https://apptrkr.com/5694128