Professor and Director, School of Journalism, Writing, and Media

The Faculty of Arts at The University of British Columbia (UBC) – Vancouver campus invites applications to fill the position of Professor and Director of the School of Journalism, Writing, and Media, with an anticipated start date of July 1, 2021. The administrative appointment as Director is for an initial five-year term, with the possibility of reappointment for a second term. We expect that the successful candidate will be appointable at a senior professorial rank; thus, we seek applicants who have a distinguished record of research publications and scholarly activity commensurate with appointment at the rank of Professor. Appointment at the rank of Associate Professor at a senior level may be considered. The area of academic specialization is open. We welcome applications from scholars and researchers in the fields of journalism, media, and communications, including those with specializations in rhetoric or writing studies, as well as scholars with expertise and experience in professional journalism practice.

 

Applicants with a PhD/DPhil degree or other appropriate terminal degree are preferred, but in exceptional circumstances a combination of education and appropriate professional experience and publishing experience may be considered. Other requirements include: demonstrated ability to publish research of exceptional quality and originality that complements or expands upon research strengths in the School; record of high quality undergraduate and graduate teaching; demonstrated skill in methods of engaged and inclusive learning and appropriate use of instructional technology; record of successful graduate supervision; excellent interpersonal and communication skills; administrative skills and experience; and leadership abilities and experience. The successful candidate will be expected to demonstrate familiarity with digital technologies/trends, current issues in journalism, writing, and media; commitment to the advancement of research, practice, and public scholarship in the fields of journalism, media, and communications; commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion of underrepresented groups in academia and engaging the needs of a diverse student population; vision and creativity needed to inspire all members of the newly expanded School to develop new curriculum and academic programming that furthers the dissemination of knowledge for diverse public and scholarly audiences and communities; and an ability to foster a collaborative, respectful, and inclusive environment for students, staff, faculty, and community partners.

 

The School of Journalism, Writing, and Media (JWAM) is a newly expanded unit that brings together the graduate Master of Journalism program and the undergraduate Arts Studies in Research and Writing program. Faculty in JWAM are known for their leadership and contributions to the fields of journalism, writing studies, and media studies. The Master of Journalism degree provides academic grounding alongside professional experience across a variety of media platforms and aims to prepare a global cohort of graduate students to thrive in an evolving media environment, using research and journalistic practices to contribute to meaningful public discourse across all forms of media. Arts Studies in Research and Writing (ASRW) teaches approximately 6,000 students annually through courses that provide students with an introduction to academic research and writing in the university. ASRW has become a centre for innovation in undergraduate curriculum development and pedagogies of rhetoric and writing studies, contributing to scholarship of teaching and learning and field research in these areas. ASRW instructors bring a wide range of scholarly expertise to the study of research and writing both within and across the humanities and social sciences.

 

For information about the MJ program, visit https://journalism.ubc.ca and for information about ASRW, visit https://asrw.arts.ubc.ca.

 

The University of British Columbia (UBC) is a global centre for research and teaching, consistently ranked among the top 20 public universities in the world. UBC-Vancouver’s Point Grey Campus is located on the traditional, ancestral and unceded territories of the Musqueam people, with whom UBC shares a framework Memorandum of Affiliation. For information relating to Aboriginal initiatives that are available at UBC, visit the UBC Vancouver Aboriginal portal at: http://aboriginal.ubc.ca/.

 

How to apply: Apply online by November 25, 2020 at https://ardo.air.arts.ubc.ca/?p=4853.

Applicants must be prepared to provide: a curriculum vitae; letter of application; five statements (no longer than 1 page each) summarizing their: (a) research program, (b) teaching philosophy/practice, (c) experience in and approach to administrative and leadership roles, (d) vision for the School in a research-intensive University, and (e) experience working with a diverse student body and contributions or potential contributions to creating/advancing a culture of equity and inclusion.

Review of applications will begin in November 2020 and will continue until the position is filled.

 

Applicants are also asked to provide the names and contact information for at least four referees who may be approached at a later date for a confidential and objective assessment of the applicant’s suitability for the directorship position and a professorial appointment.

 

At a later stage of the search process, longlisted applicants will be asked to provide evidence of teaching effectiveness and samples of published research. Enquiries may be directed to Associate Dean Gillian Creese, via email to arts.headships@ubc.ca with “JWAM director search” in the subject line.

 

The position is subject to final budgetary approval. Salary will be commensurate with qualifications and experience.

 

Equity and diversity are essential to academic excellence.  An open and diverse community fosters the inclusion of voices that have been underrepresented or discouraged. We encourage applications from members of groups that have been marginalized on any grounds enumerated under the B.C. Human Rights Code, including sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, racialization, disability, political belief, religion, marital or family status, age, and/or status as a First Nation, Métis, Inuit, or Indigenous person. All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadians and permanent residents of Canada will be given priority.


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