The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University supports the teaching and practice of historically informed investigative reporting in the service of multiracial democracy. Through academic and financial support, the Center empowers students, faculty, and journalism organizations at Howard University and across the nation’s HBCUs. The Center promotes the values of press freedom, racial justice, and public accountability through research, partnerships, and programming.
For nearly 200 years, the Black press has spoken, written, and delivered truth to power. Now, under the leadership of Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Nikole Hannah-Jones, the Center for Journalism & Democracy and its students are writing the next chapter of this rich legacy. Housed at the iconic Howard University, the Center is training the journalists who will report on the most pressing issues of the day.
Opportunity:
The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University seeks a motivated and passionate Associate Director of Journalism Education to advance the mission of the Center and serve as a key member of its leadership team. Reporting to the Executive Director, this role will oversee design, implementation, and continuous improvement of the Center’s educational programming, ensuring that every initiative strengthens the pipeline of historically informed investigative journalists at Howard University and across the nation’s leading historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs).
The Associate Director will collaborate closely with faculty, students, and partner institutions to integrate academic rigor with real-world training opportunities that prepare the next generation of journalists to report fearlessly and hold power accountable. By managing strategic partnerships, developing innovative curricula, and providing both academic and operational leadership, this role will be instrumental in positioning the Center as a national leader in journalism education.
This is a unique opportunity for a mission-driven educator and program builder to shape the future of journalism education, leveraging the Center’s academic and financial resources to support students, faculty, and HBCU-based news organizations.
Responsibilities:
Academic Program Leadership
- Provide vision and oversight for the Center’s academic and faculty development programs, ensuring alignment with its mission.
- Lead and manage the journalism education programs team, fostering collaboration and high performance across the Center’s HBCU Consortium.
- Partner with faculty to design and evaluate courses for the investigative journalism concentration and expand innovative academic programs, including cross-campus and online offerings.
- Assess program effectiveness and use feedback to improve outcomes.
Faculty development & partnerships
- Recruit and support visiting professors while providing faculty training and resources to strengthen investigative journalism instruction.
- Build and maintain academic partnerships between Howard University and HBCU collaborators to create shared resources and professional development opportunities.
Investigative projects & strategic initiatives
- Oversee student-led, national, multi-campus investigative reporting projects that advance racial and economic justice.
- Strengthen and expand the TruthBeTold fact-checking initiative across Howard and partner HBCUs.
- Contribute to the development and execution of the Center’s broader strategic initiatives.
Innovation & collaboration
- Collaborate with instructional design teams to create engaging learning experiences and digital modules.
- Work with faculty, staff, and external partners to integrate new tools and interdisciplinary approaches into academic programs.
- Cultivate relationships with the University community, HBCU partners, and external stakeholders to support program success.
Ideal Candidate:
- Ability to design, develop, and oversee instructional and experiential programs rooted in journalistic concepts, practices, and procedures.
- Strong skills in planning, executing, and evaluating complex academic and programmatic initiatives.
- Proven ability to work collaboratively across functions, levels, and departments, and to engage effectively with senior leaders, faculty, and external partners.
- Experience creating and delivering academic courses, workshops, or other learning experiences in journalism or related fields.
- Skilled at giving and receiving direct, actionable feedback in support of continuous improvement.
- Passion for and familiarity with HBCU student populations, culture, and academic environments.
- Experience working within academic institutions and navigating institutional frameworks, policies, and procedures.
- Expertise in coordinating cross-institutional academic partnerships and implementing online or virtual learning projects (preferred).
- Master’s degree in journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and progressive experience.
- At least 5 years of professional experience, including a minimum of 2 years in a supervisory or management role.
Location: Washington, DC
DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University.
