Director of Howard Center for Investigative Reporting

Job Description

The University of Maryland Philip Merrill College of Journalism is seeking a director to lead its Howard Center for Investigative Journalism, which was named a Pulitzer finalist in investigative reporting in 2025 for a national collaboration with The Associated Press and Frontline.

Funded by the Scripps Howard Foundation, the Howard Center has consistently produced projects that have won national awards, including a medal from IRE, as it has trained the next generation of watchdog journalists. We are looking for someone with the vision, skills, ideas and commitment to that dual mission.

A successful candidate must be able to help students learn to tell investigative stories on multiple platforms and in forms that will reach and resonate with new audiences. The candidate will be an editor, leader, collaborator and innovator who embraces the ethical use of new reporting techniques.

The position requires a deep understanding of investigative journalism, the ability to manage complex collaborations and an abiding commitment to mentoring student journalists. The successful candidate must have the skills required to create interdisciplinary collaborations within the University of Maryland, with other universities and with professional partners on multiple platforms.
 
The candidate will manage a multi-million dollar budget; orchestrate and edit groundbreaking investigative projects in collaboration with the Howard Center’s data editor and faculty experts in investigative journalism; appear in national and international news outlets as a spokesperson for the center; champion the importance of investigative journalism for civil society and democracy; recruit top-notch students as Howard Center fellows; and work closely with the dean to raise funds to sustain and grow the center.

Job Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required. Newsroom leadership and mentoring experience required, as well as 10 or more years of professional experience. Experience leading or participating in multi-newsroom collaborations required. Fund-raising and teaching experience are a plus. We are looking for someone who is excited to explore new forms of storytelling and eager to mentor the next generation of investigative journalists.

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