Director, Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project

Classification Title:

DIR, Administrative Services

Job Description:

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications seeks a dynamic, forward-looking leader to direct the next era of our preeminent program focused on supporting freedom of the press and the values of open government. The project is part of the Brechner Center for Advancement of the First Amendment, which concentrates on legal and policy issues affecting First Amendment speech and press freedoms.

The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project is dedicated to protecting a robust, uninhibited marketplace of ideas and exploring what access to public information looks like in the digital age. The Project takes particular interest in the issue of press freedom, recognizing that laws or policies that unduly limit information access impinge on the press’s ability to exercise its First Amendment rights and its duty to support an informed citizenry.

We are seeking an expert and advocate to work closely with partners on and off campus on programs to foster open government and participatory democracy through education and promotion of information access laws and policies. The director will:

• Be a leading voice in the public, with the press and with government officials about the value of open government, access to information, and the important role that the free flow of information plays in a representative democracy.
• Monitor developments in freedom of information issues at all government levels. Curate and/or conduct high-profile thought leadership, research and public accountability publications on issues that underscore the importance of information freedom.
• Provide clear, current and useful information in response to inquiries about access issues.
• Develop expertise in issues of information access in the context of the contemporary digital ecosystem, including the challenges of using data science for information collection and analysis.
• Be an advocate to support equity in access to information regardless of demographic, sociographic, economic resources or lived experience.
• Support the work of state and local press organizations seeking expertise and resources to help in accessing public information and protecting the right to publication.

The Director will work closely with Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication who directs the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project, a joint faculty position with the UF Levin College of Law, whose effort forms the second pillar of the Brechner Center for Advancement of the First Amendment.

The director will oversee several endowments and have the ability to shape the Center’s mission by developing innovative and original ideas for programs, research and education. The director will supervise and mentor students, consultants and staff participating in each of these activities. We are seeking a candidate with the ability to travel in this role attending national and global conferences and symposia related to these issues and who will ensure the profile and visibility of the Brechner Center and UF are integral in discussions of issues related to the First Amendment and an informed and engaged citizenry. The Project will also collaborate closely with the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology (trust.jou.ufl.edu) and participate in other College programs.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated success in this arena or whose experiences demonstrate a clear path to future success via this approach. Ideally, candidates will hold a J.D./L.L.B . with professional experience as an attorney practicing in the areas of communication or media law, or have similar experience and credentials in advocacy organizations on First Amendment or freedom of information issues. Candidates should hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have 6-8 years of professional experience in a media or advocacy organization. We are seeking someone who is a thought leader, collaborator, administrator and strong manager but who also has the capacity and willingness to be hands-on with program execution when needed. This is a 12-month TEAMS staff position at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Our Commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion

The College of Journalism and Communication is committed to a diverse and inclusive environment, preeminent scholarship, cross-disciplinary education, superior skills development, and collaboration spanning the science and practice of communication to produce significant societal impact on a local, state, and global scale. To learn more about CJC IDE efforts, please click on this link: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/diversity .

The University of Florida seeks applications and nominations from a broad spectrum of individuals including women, members of diverse ethnic groups, and persons with disabilities. The University of Florida is an equal opportunity institution dedicated to building a broadly diverse and inclusive faculty, staff, and student community

About the College of Journalism and Communications

The College, widely recognized as one of the premier programs in the country, is driving insights, innovation and engagement across the disciplines of advertising, journalism, public relations and media production, management and technology. The college’s strength is drawn from academic rigor, cutting-edge research, experiential learning and a focus on meaningful social change. It offers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees and certificates, both on campus and online. CJC students have the opportunity to work alongside professionals to gain practical experience in news content, strategic communication programs, video and broadcast production, and more. The College includes seven broadcast and digital media properties, the Brechner Center, and the nation’s only STEM Translational Communication Center and Center for Public Interest Communications. The College is also home to the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology, a multidisciplinary effort to identify and combat the spread of disinformation. Visit the College of Journalism and Communications website for more information: https://www.jou.ufl.edu/

About the University of Florida (UF)

The University of Florida , one of the nation’s top public research universities, is the state’s sole member of the Association of American Universities. It is in the midst of a multi-year pre-eminence initiative that has created more than 500 new faculty positions and generated a $70 million partnership with NVIDIA to create the nation’s top research lab in artificial intelligence. In 2020, UF faculty generated more than $1 billion in research grants.

The University of Florida offers a competitive salary commensurate with similar positions and includes a full benefits package. To view the university’s Total Reward benefit package, please click here: https://benefits.hr.ufl.edu/ .

About Gainesville, Florida

As home to Florida's largest and oldest university, Gainesville ( http://cityofgainesville.org ) is one of the state's centers of education, medicine, cultural events and athletics. Gainesville and the surrounding area is home to about 250,000 people, a robust arts community, several museums, a world-class health care system anchored at UF, a downtown core known for its restaurants and brew pubs, excellent public and private schools, and abundant nature exemplified by clear, natural springs. Additionally, within 2 hours are attractions such as Disney World, University Studios, Busch Gardens, Gulf and Atlantic beaches and historic St. Augustine. Explore Gainesville in 60 Seconds.

Expected Salary:

Commensurate with experience.

Minimum Requirements:

Master's degree in an appropriate area and six years of relevant experience; or a bachelor's degree in an appropriate area and eight years of relevant experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

J.D. or L.L.B degree with professional experience as an attorney practicing in the areas of communication or media law, or equivalent professional experience and credentials in advocacy organization(s) on First Amendment or freedom of information issues. Experience in areas related to journalism, institutional trust, media or technology. Experience in fundraising from both public and private funders.

Special Instructions to Applicants:

Applications must include an electronic copy of the following:

• A statement of interest. We encourage applicants to share why they are interested in the role; what opportunities and challenges they might see for the Project; and a statement on matters of inclusion, equity, diversity, access and belonging including examples where those principles were fundamental to a work experience or project.
• A contemporary resume or curricula vitae.
• Names, titles, e-mail addresses and phone numbers of three professional references
• Applicants may also choose to share examples of public engagements on First Amendment or Freedom of Information issues including but not limited to op-eds, articles, legal briefs for which they hold primary authorship responsibilities, public talks or other works of advocacy in the supplemental materials area of the application portal.
• Please note the search panel may request additional materials in future stages of the search process.

If an accommodation due to a disability is needed to apply for this position, please call (352) 392-4621 or the Florida Relay System at (800) 955-8771 (TDD).

Degrees earned from an educational institution outside of the United States are required to be evaluated by a professional credentialing service provider approved by the National Association of Credential Evaluation Services (NACES), which can be found at http//www.naces.org/. The application packet will be submitted through the UF Jobs website at https://jobs.ufl.edu/. All candidates for employment are subject to a pre-employment screening, which includes a review of criminal records, reference checks and verification of education.

The University of Florida is an Equal Opportunity Employer. The University is committed to non-discrimination with respect to race, creed, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, marital status, national origin, political opinions or affiliations, genetic information and veteran status in all aspects of employment including recruitment, hiring, promotion, transfers, discipline, terminations, wage and salary administration, benefits and training.

Florida’s Government-in-the-Sunshine Laws require that all documents relating to the search process, including letters of application, nomination and reference, be available for public inspection.

Questions about the search may be directed to the search panel via Matt Sheehan, managing director of the University of Florida Center for Public Interest Communications and senior lecturer in journalism ( mattsheehan@ufl.edu )

Application must be submitted by 11:55 p.m. (ET) of the posting end date.

Health Assessment Required: No