Dean, School of Journalism & Communication

UO HR Website•Eugene, OR

About The Position

Big ideas, cross-disciplinary work, critical thought, and dialogue—these ideas resonate deeply for academics and professionals working in journalism and communication today. In the evolving global landscape, the role that media professionals and scholars play in fostering understanding, building trust, and leveraging innovative technologies wisely and effectively has never been more important. The moment is clear for the SOJC: emerging technologies and shifting media ecosystems bring both exciting opportunities and intense responsibilities for journalism and communication fields. The next dean must have a clear vision for the future of journalism education that is grounded in the traditions and history of a democratic society and the SOJC’s legacy but not blinded by or locked into the past. The dean must at the same time embrace the future of the communication professions and be willing to do the hard work of creating space for faculty, students, and alumni who can see and achieve that future. Reporting to the provost and senior vice president, the dean of the School of Journalism and Communication is the chief academic and administrative officer for the school and is responsible for developing and implementing academic strategies; recruiting and retaining faculty, students, and staff; and managing organizational and financial structures that promote excellence in research, scholarship, creative practice and education. The dean will work with university administration, faculty, alumni and other internal and external leaders to promote the national and international visibility of the school and to ensure that resources align with its strategic objectives and potential. The dean is a member of the Provost’s Council and the President’s University Leadership Team.. The dean is expected to have achieved professional distinction in one or more of the fields within the school. The dean will understand and be able to cultivate the possibilities associated with the school’s rich array of disciplines, while promoting collegiality and shared purpose.

Requirements

PhD or highest degree in a field appropriate to one of the School’s programs.
A distinguished record in teaching or comparable experience, research/creative activity, and professional service sufficient to merit appointment as a tenured full professor at the UO.
Progressive record of executive leadership, including substantial experience in the management of budgets, personnel, and a multifaceted organization.
Commitment to high-quality research, teaching, and diversity as important components of academic excellence.
Strategic leadership and organizational management skills in an academic setting and a track record of successful collaboration.
Experience with and/or aptitude and commitment to enable successful advocacy and fundraising on behalf of the school.
Capacity to provide leadership and vision across the school, work well in a collaborative decision making environment, bring talents and academic values that will support the high aspirations of our faculty, and possess the ability to maintain patience and equilibrium in a job with many demands.
Commitment to academic freedom and autonomy in academic programs and scholarly pursuits and the student experience.
Proven experience in recruiting, developing, retaining and evaluating faculty or professional staff, and a commitment to diversity in areas of hiring, promotion and retention.
Commitment to principles of diversity, equity and inclusion, and evidence of success in fostering a diverse staff and in serving a broad community