Visiting Professor

University of Maryland•College Park, MD

1d•$145,000 - $170,000•Onsite

About The Position

The University of Maryland’s Philip Merrill College of Journalism is seeking an experienced journalist for a dual appointment as Visiting Professor and Public Editor for National Public Radio (NPR). The Public Editor represents the public to NPR on journalism and ethics, provides a forum for audience views, reports on behalf of the public, and works to ensure NPR journalism meets high editorial standards and remains accountable to its values and mission. The role is intended to help build and retain public trust in NPR. The position is based at Merrill College, with access to NPR facilities, including its Washington, D.C. headquarters, and work with more than 240 independently owned and operated NPR Member stations across the states and territories. The position is full-time and year-round, with travel to NPR offices and member stations as required. It is a three-year, non-tenure-track appointment with potential for renewal. The successful candidate will join the Merrill College faculty, teach one or two classes per year to journalism students and/or the wider university on topics such as trust in the press, journalistic transparency, media criticism, media law and ethics, or related subjects, and serve on college and university governance committees. The Public Editor will supervise two employees supporting the office’s work. The Philip Merrill College of Journalism at the University of Maryland develops journalists and media scholars through rigorous reporting, research, and analytical training, emphasizing ethics and the First Amendment. The college has approximately 450 undergraduate and graduate students and about 60 faculty and staff.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree.
Substantial experience as a journalist and/or academic in a journalism program.
Proven record of journalistic excellence and the highest standards of professional ethics and personal integrity.
Substantive knowledge of journalism ethics and experience leading ethics initiatives and/or reporting on journalism ethics issues.
Excellent writing and public speaking skills, and strong self-editing skills.
Ability to travel as needed.
Digital and social media proficiency and sophistication.
Diplomatic style that engenders respect and trust.
Ability to work with a minimum of supervision and manage others.

Nice To Haves

National journalism experience; public media experience is a plus.
Master’s degree or other higher-level degree.
Teaching and mentoring experience, including university-level teaching or a demonstrated record of mentoring or running professional workshops.

Responsibilities

Write and speak about NPR’s news coverage and journalism ethics, aiming for several blog and/or social media posts each week.
Analyze NPR journalism, providing independent, informed, constructive criticism and praise.
Report on audience questions, complaints, and comments by seeking insights and answers from newsroom leaders.
Inform the public about NPR’s policies and practices.
Provide leadership across public radio on journalism ethics and standards.
Visit and connect regularly with NPR Member stations across the country.
Stay current on media ethics issues and trends.
Prepare semiannual activity reports for NPR’s President and CEO and provide an annual update to the NPR Board.
Supervise two employees who support the Public Editor’s work.
Teach one or two classes per year on journalism-related subjects.
Serve on college and university governance committees.
Travel to NPR offices in Washington and to member stations as required.