Director, Student Media

Job Title:

Director, Student Media

Physical Location:

 Kent Campus - Kent, OH

Salary:

 $74,895 - $102,465

Basic Function:

Lead and manage the strategy, business operations and media partner advising initiatives of the Kent State University's Department of Student Media. Works with student media leaders, staff, faculty, and advisors to set a strategic direction for all Student Media. Reports to the Director of the School of Media and Journalism

Additional Basic Function – if applicable:

 

The School of Media and Journalism at Kent State University invites applicants for our next Director of Student Media. We seek a visionary leader with the background and experience to position our award-winning operation for a new, multi-platform era.

Examples of Duties:

Duties/essential functions may include, but not be limited to, the following: 

Execute strategic plans that enables Student Media to provide the best possible service to the University community and training for students in a variety of media fields, while protecting the independent content decisions of students.

Work collaboratively with student leaders, staff and faculty to ensure Student Media delivers news, information, and entertainment content in text, video, and audio formats that meets professional industry standards.

Work to set clear business, revenue, and distribution objectives for Student Media, leading to the development of each unit's annual budget for approval by the Student Media Board. Ensure each unit's annual strategies are compatible with Student Media's long-term plans, updating the vision and business model as required in response to changes in market conditions.

Serve as the media partners' advisor to student leaders and staff for the University's digital media brand.

Engage in the selection of media partner advisors and coordinate efforts with advisors across all Student Media units, ensuring all students have access to professional mentoring and advising.

Work with the Director of the School of Media and Journalism and its faculty to enhance and create co-curricular opportunities that align with the School’s Strategic Plan and to provide support services to Student Media units.

Serve as a non-voting member of the Student Media Board. Work collaboratively with student leaders to update the Student Media strategic plan and provide the Board and Faculty Advisory Committee with a report on progress each academic year semester.

Develop annual budget for Board review; manage revenue and expenses; recommend and/or approve investments and equipment purchase; ensure the proper maintenance and use of all Student Media equipment.

Serve as the public face of Student Media and cultivate positive relations with the University, community and media industry leaders.

Maintain regular communications with Student Media and University alumni to keep them engaged as volunteers, advocates and donors.

Provide direct supervision of unclassified staff and student employees.

Ensure compliance with relevant University rules and policies.

Perform related duties as assigned.

Additional Examples of Duties – if applicable:

 

The Director is charged with providing functional oversight of advertising, marketing, distribution, finance, and personnel, advising student content leaders and serving as a liaison to the Student Media Board. The Director oversees professional and student staff in Student Media, reports to the Director of the School of Media and Journalism and is welcome to join faculty meetings.

Minimum Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree in journalism or related field. Minimum of five years experience in a professional or college media organization.

License/Certification:

 

Knowledge Of:

Personal computer applications *
Trends and challenges facing media companies and be able to recognize new opportunities or challenges *
Relevent state and federal regulations and laws

Skill In:

Developing and delivering long-term strategic plans *

Ability To:

Develop an operating budget and investment strategy *
Lead a collaborative decision making process *
Provide leadership and direction to others

Preferred Qualifications – if applicable:

Experience with media production, including news writing, photography, video, design, website development, advertising and marketing. Experience mentoring students and experience in digital journalism is desired.

Assessments:

Asterisk (*) indicates knowledge, skills, abilities which may require assessments. Assessments could take the form of interview questions, a request to provide work samples or a written or practical test to assess job related competencies.

Working Conditions / Physical Requirements:

None.

Working Schedule:

 

Additional Information:

 

Must pass a security check.

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.

For official job descriptions, visit www.kent.edu/hr. 

Kent State University is a Smoke-Free, Tobacco-Free University effective July 1, 2017. Smoking and tobacco use are not permitted on any of Kent State’s campuses or other locations and properties that are owned, operated, or leased by Kent State, both domestic and international. For additional details, visit www.kent.edu/smoke-free.

Disclaimer:

The intent of this description is to illustrate the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and should not be interpreted to describe all the specific duties and responsibilities that may be required in any particular position. Directly related experience/education beyond the minimum stated may be substituted where appropriate at the discretion of the Appointing Authority. Kent State University reserves the right to revise or change job duties, job hours, and responsibilities.