The University of Missouri School of Journalism and the Columbia Missourian are looking for a dynamic individual with expertise, vision and energy to serve as sports editor of digital and print editions of the community newspaper. This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, renewable, 12-month faculty appointment. The anticipated start date for the position is August 1, 2020.
This position involves overseeing daily coverage in a rapidly changing organization with as many as two dozen sportswriters or more in a semester as well as a number of teaching assistants.
For more than 100 years journalism students have obtained hands-on experience at the Missourian utilizing the Missouri Method. This learning-by-doing method continues to be the gold standard for training journalists, and the demand for training in sports journalism has never been higher.
In addition to overseeing coverage and serving as a lab instructor in reporting classes, the sports editor teaches the Sports Journalism class that’s open to students from every corner of the Journalism School.
The right candidate will have writing, editing and supervisory skills, teaching or training experience and an enthusiasm for working with aspiring sports journalists.
The sports editor will:
- Oversee the sports coverage and products produced by assigned students
- Manage a staff of several dozen student reporters, plus graduate and undergraduate student workers and volunteers
- Plan and supervise necessary travel
- Teach the Sports Journalism class each semester
- Serve as spokesperson for the Sports Department of the Missourian
- Hold a faculty appointment at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.
- Coordinate with photo, graphics, news and city editors in covering the community.
Minimum Qualifications:
- At least 5 years’ experience of writing, editing and managing staff in a digital sports journalism environment.
- A bachelor’s degree.
Preferred Qualifications:
- The ethical judgment and skill to teach young journalists how to make tough calls on their feet.
- A proven track record of producing quality sports coverage.
- Strong interpersonal and collaborative problem-solving skills.
- A deep, applied understanding of how to use visual and audio journalism, digital video, and social media to enhance journalistic storytelling.
- The ability to juggle a vibrant daily newsroom’s many needs with ambitious, long-term projects.
- A track record as a collegial collaborator in a newsroom without silos.
Applications Process:
Please visit the MU’s Human Resources website (hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic) to access the online application system. Please reference job number 33118.
Applicants must submit a resume, a letter outlining employment history and achievements, relevant work samples including relevant material or samples that demonstrate work in investigative journalism, and any evidence of teaching experience. The names and contact information for three references should be provided. Applicants also must provide a one-page diversity statement that specifically addresses how you would engage with a diverse student population with regards to teaching, research, mentoring, and advising.
Review of applications will begin April 2020 and continue until the position is filled.
For questions, please contact Jennifer Rowe, search committee chair, at rowej@missouri.edu.
The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.
To request ADA accommodations, please contact the Office of Accessibility and ADA Education at 573-884-7278 or CheekA@missouri.edu.
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