Job Summary

The UT Dallas director of Student Media manages the Student Media Department, a 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 and 5 years of related progressive experience.

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, and coordinates 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:
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.

What We Can Offer
UT Dallas is an Equal Opportunity Employer with an employee-friendly and supportive work environment. Our comprehensive compensation and benefits package that is effective as of your hire date includes:

Competitive Salary
Tuition Benefits
Internal Training
BCBS PPO Medical insurance – 100% paid for full-time employees
PPO and DHMO Dental Insurance Plan – PPO plans include ortho benefits
Vision Insurance
Long and short-term disability
TRS Retirement Plan – defined benefit plan offering lifetime annuity upon retirement
Voluntary Retirement Plan Options – additional savings opportunities with Tax-Sheltered Annuity Plans and Deferred Compensation Plans
Dental/Vision/AD&D
Paid time off
Paid Holidays
Paid Winter Break
Fertility Benefits
Remote Work Options – approved by department

All UT Dallas employees have access to various professional development opportunities, including a membership to Academic Impressions, LinkedIn Learning, and UT Dallas Bright Leaders Program.

Visit https://hr.utdallas.edu/employees/benefits/ for more information.

If you are looking for a rewarding career opportunity with great benefits? Look no further! Join our team!

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.

University of Texas at Dallas

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Director, Student Media