Assistant Director, Journalism

Denison University•Granville, OH

About The Position

The Assistant Director of the Journalism Program plays a pivotal role in operationalizing the strategic vision of journalism and media education at Denison University. Reporting directly to the Program Director, this position balances high-level administrative management, student mentorship, curricular support, and community outreach. The Assistant Director serves as a primary hub for student engagement, managing co-curricular media spaces, coordinating high-impact learning opportunities (such as internships and fellowships), and fostering a vibrant, inclusive storytelling culture across campus. This is a dynamic role requiring a blend of administrative acumen, familiarity with contemporary media landscapes, and a deep commitment to undergraduate student success within a liberal arts context.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, Media Studies, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
3–5+ years of professional experience in news/media environments, higher education administration, student affairs, or a closely related role.
Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with a proven ability to engage effectively with students, faculty, executives, and external media professionals.
Bachelor's Degree
Experience working with students

Responsibilities

Manage the day-to-day administrative, logistical, and financial functions of the Journalism program, ensuring efficient use of resources and alignment with university policies.
Monitor program expenditures, process vendor payments, track budgets for special initiatives, and assist the Director in annual budget forecasting.
Plan, publicize, and execute high-profile program events, including guest lecture series, workshops, panels, and networking events with visiting journalists and alumni.
Collect, track, and analyze program data—including enrollment trends, internship placements, and alumni outcomes—to support institutional reporting and programmatic improvements.
Serve as a supportive resource and advisor to student-led media organizations, campus publications, and storytelling initiatives, helping students navigate ethical, technical, and editorial challenges.
Cultivate relationships with media outlets, newsrooms, and alumni networks to secure high-quality internship, fellowship, and post-graduation opportunities for students.
Design and facilitate practical, non-credit workshops focused on professional skills (e.g., audio/video editing software, digital publishing platforms, pitching stories, and media ethics).
Oversee the program’s public identity by managing and producing content for the journalism department website, newsletters, and social media channels to showcase student achievements and faculty research.
Build and maintain strong collaborative relationships with internal partners, including the Austin E. Knowlton Center for Career Exploration, Admissions, Institutional Advancement, and related academic departments.
Track and engage with journalism alumni, creating opportunities for them to mentor current students, speak in classes, or participate in networking initiatives.
Assist the Program Director with academic scheduling, course tracking, and coordinating logistics for community-based learning or off-campus reporting trips.
Support innovative pedagogical initiatives, such as cross-disciplinary media labs, student research projects, and digital storytelling showcases.