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Director of Student Media

Posting Details

Posting Details

Posting Number S04647P
Position Title Director of Student Media
Functional Title
Department Student Media
Salary Range $70,000-DOQ
Pay Basis Monthly
Position Status Regular full-time
Location Richardson
Position End Date (if temporary)
Posting Open Date 08/22/2023
Posting Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Desired Start Date
Job Summary
The UT Dallas director of Student Media manages the Student Media department, a diverse and complex unit comprising four nationally recognized student media organizations. The director recruits, trains and develops student staff, advising them on editorial and business matters. He or she routinely assesses student products and provides robust feedback to participants. The director is responsible for instructing students in industry-standard practices in writing/reporting, editing, photography, graphic design and production.
Minimum Education and Experience

Bachelor’s degree in mass communication, journalism or communications. Three to five years professional experience in media or a related capacity, including supervisory/management experience with fiscal responsibility.

Preferred Education and Experience
Master’s degree or higher in journalism or communication. Experience as a newsroom leader or student newspaper adviser.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
- Oversees and advises student staff in producing print and online versions of the student newspaper and student opinion magazine.
- Develops and implements consistent staff training programs and workshops to promote skills in relevant aspects of student media.
- Sets publication dates and deadlines for print products.
- Establishes advertising rates, secures ad clients, prepares ad quotes and packages, and oversees invoicing and collections.
- Prepares departmental budgets for seven cost centers and manages budgets throughout the fiscal year.
- Collaborates with students, departmental staff and division leadership to set goals, identify learning outcomes and assess program results.
- Maintains extensive departmental inventory.
- Participates in strategic planning for the department and the Division of Student Affairs.
- Chairs the Student Media Operating Board, a campus-wide committee of staff, faculty and students.
- Serves as the responsible university official at state and national conferences and on-campus events.
- Contributes to the Division of Student Affairs by supporting programs, events and special projects.
- Supervises two full-time professional staff members (assistant director and administrative assistant II).
- Provides robust written and oral feedback about all content production, programs and events for the student magazine and newspaper; provides supplementary feedback to radio and television groups.
- Provides pre-publication advice to students upon request, serving as a resource while ensuring students’ editorial independence.
- Meets weekly or biweekly with publication leadership staff to provide updates on departmental business and feedback about publications and products.
- Works with student leaders to create and implement recruiting strategies, onboarding processes and leadership transition plans.
- Sets publication dates and deadlines, coordinate printing purchase orders with offsite printing company.
- Collaborates with students, departmental staff and division leadership to set goals, identify learning outcomes and assess program results.
- Develops and implements staff training programs and workshops to promote skills in relevant aspects of student media.
- Educates student staff about media ethics and law, as well as industry best practices and university policies that impact their journalistic operations.
- Chairs the Student Media Operating Board.
- Prepares annual budgets for seven cost centers (five fee accounts; two revenue accounts).
- Maintains departmental inventory (reviewed annually), which includes computers for each of the four media organizations and departmental staff, as well as production equipment (photography, audio and video items and accessories).
- Assists student leaders in collecting and submitting entries in state and national contests.
- Reviews and approves all purchases for the department and its four media groups.
- Reviews and approves all account activity as part of monthly budget reconciliations.
- Reviews and approves all student employment, including ePARs for monthly stipend-paid students and contributors; review and approve timesheets for hourly student workers.
- Reviews and approves all purchasing card transactions and travel authorizations.
- Coordinates staff and student travel with departmental administrative assistant for state and national conferences and workshops.
- Meets with faculty, staff, administrators, students and unaffiliated individuals seeking resolution in cases of controversial or unfavorable coverage. Educates individuals about speech protections, media law, department policies and industry best practices.
- Identifies and secures faculty, student and media professionals for membership on the Student Media Operating Board.
- Develops and implements strategic plans in consultation with students, colleagues and divisional leadership.
Physical Activities
Working Conditions
Additional Information
Remote Work Notice:
FOR FUTURE AVAILABILITY
- After the probationary period, this role may be eligible for a hybrid (partly remote/partly in office) work schedule, subject to business need and manager approval. May be required to use personal computer and other standard office equipment. Must be located within the DFW Area and have the ability to be on campus with 24 hours of notice. A UT Dallas Remote Work Agreement will be required within 14 days after approval.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions | Minimal physical demands: primary duties conducted at desk. Some standing and lifting (no more than 25 pounds, periodic).

Environmental Conditions | Private office for director with desk and chair; assistant director office; kitchenette; student workstations/workrooms; storage areas.
Special Instructions Summary
Important Message
1) All employees serve as a representative of the University and are expected to display respect, civility, professional courtesy, consideration of others and discretion in all interactions with members of the UT Dallas community and the general public.

2) The University of Texas at Dallas is committed to providing an educational, living, and working environment that is welcoming, respectful, and inclusive of all members of the university community. UT Dallas does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, genetic information, or veteran status in its services, programs, activities, employment, and education, including in admission and enrollment. EOE, including disability/veterans. The University is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities. To request reasonable accommodation in the employment application and interview process, contact the ADA Coordinator. For inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies, contact the Title IX Coordinator.

Supplemental Questions

Required fields are indicated with an asterisk (*).

Applicant Documents

Required Documents
  1. Resume
  2. Cover Letter/Letter of Application
Optional Documents
  1. Veteran Employment Preference - Form DD-214