The Association of Health Care Journalists, the world’s premier professional organization dedicated to improving the quality of health journalism and advocating for health journalists, is seeking a Director of Education and Content to build on the organization’s strong foundation of training and educational programs. The association and its educational arm, the Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism, are based at the world-renowned Missouri School of Journalism.

The Director of Education and Content reports to the Executive Director and will oversee all educational, conference, workshop, fellowship and programmatic content, including curriculum development, determining field trips, booking panel speakers and serving on fellowship applicant committees. This position will recruit and manage session organizers for AHCJ’s annual conference and workshops, including content for more than 50 panel discussions.

The Director of Education and Content will directly supervise AHCJ’s Managing Editor/Online Services and Web Producer, creating editorial direction for all content on healthjournalism.org, association newsletters and other affiliated websites and programs. This includes directing the planning and maintenance of data-oriented websites and the hiring and oversight of data and web contractors.

In establishing journalistic resources for our members, this position will research, negotiate, and obtain a collection of health-related datasets and other resources on the AHCJ website for daily use by journalists across the country, including scheduling and managing a regular series of webinars and webcasts on health-related matters.

The Director of Education and Content will have significant experience in a newsroom as reporter or editor and have a strong understanding of journalism’s core values and ethics. The ideal candidate will have proven success in collaborating with diverse stakeholders, creating content founded in sound journalistic principles and have experience as a manager or supervisor. Periodic travel is expected for conferences and some fellowship programs.

This is a significant position with AHCJ, but, depending upon the start date, the new Director of Education and Content will have the rare opportunity to overlap with the current director to get up to speed on job duties, program planning, educational development and university policies. 

Although AHCJ is an independent nonprofit organization, it is hosted by and plays an active role in the life of the School of Journalism, including employing undergraduates and graduate research assistants, offering training events and providing student fellowships to conferences. Opportunities to contribute to the campus community, including teaching avenues, may arise for a candidate with the appropriate background. This position is expected to be based in Columbia, Mo.

Application Materials
Please apply at https://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic with job ID 35512.  Applications must include a professional resume, links to recent journalistic work by the candidate, references in the field and a cover letter that addresses the candidate’s qualifications and desire to contribute to AHCJ’s mission. 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.

Salary

Salary is commensurate with education and experience.

Minimum Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience and at least 6 years of experience from which comparable knowledge and skills can be acquired is necessary.

Preferred qualifications:

·         10 years of professional journalism experience as reporter or editor, with at least 2 years of experience covering health and health care topics.

·         Editing experience is strongly preferred.

·         3 years of management/senior leadership experience.

·         Experience directing staff, including setting priorities for others and coaching them toward goals.

·         Experience in collaborative roles and relationship-building with diverse stakeholders.

·         Outstanding written and oral communication, as well as effective interpersonal and technical skills.

·         Experience conducting, moderating or speaking at professional training events.

·         Experience with or understanding of data journalism.

·         Past involvement or membership in professional association or similar nonprofit.

The Association of Health Care Journalists is an independent, nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing public understanding of health care issues. With about 1,500 members across the United States and around the globe, its mission is to improve the quality, accuracy and visibility of health care reporting, writing and editing. The association and its Center for Excellence in Health Care Journalism provide training, resources and numerous benefits, as well as a professional home for journalists. Its offices are based at the Missouri School of Journalism.

Founded in 1908, the Missouri School of Journalism is the world’s oldest and leading journalism program and has been widely recognized for excellence and innovation in undergraduate and graduate education and scholarship. The school offers academic education and practical training to more than 2,000 undergraduates and 300 graduate students. The School has a close and productive relationship with other academic units on campus, the media industry and the local community. It operates award-winning, community-based, multiplatform news outlets and produces comprehensive research-based advertising and public relations campaigns for real clients. The School also houses headquarters of prominent professional organizations, including the News Leaders Association (formerly ASNE), Investigative Reporters and Editors, Pictures of the Year International, and the Association of Health Care Journalists, among others.

About Columbia

Columbia, Mo. is known as an ideal college town combining small-town comforts, community spirit and low cost of living with big-city culture, activities and resources. It consistently ranks among the top small cities to live in the nation. Located midway between St. Louis and Kansas City, MU is the flagship campus of the University of Missouri System. Home to nationally acclaimed public schools and other colleges and educational centers, Columbia is packed with restaurants and entertainment venues and hosts more than a dozen annual cultural festivals.

The University of Missouri is an equal opportunity/access/affirmative action/pro-disabled and veteran employer.