Director of the Montana Media Lab, School of Journalism

Application instructions are located at the bottom of the page. Please apply directly through the University of Montana's career portal UM Jobs at https://umjobs.silkroad.com/ for positions at the University of Montana – Missoula, University of Montana Western (Dillon), and Helena College. Do not apply through Indeed.com or use easy apply through Indeed.com * .

The School of Journalism invites applications for a Director of the Montana Media Lab to oversee an audio-centered production and learning center that combines a media literacy and digital storytelling effort aimed at rural and Indigenous communities with a podcast incubator and production house.

The Montana Media Lab is a stand-alone unit housed within the School of Journalism at UM and this director will develop and oversee media literacy efforts aimed at young people, work with audio producers and journalists to develop and produce narrative podcasts and hire and develop student and part-time staff to run all aspects of the Lab and its programming. The director may also assist in developing and maintaining the brand of the Lab and represent it throughout the community and industry.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Execute and continue to revise a sustainable business plan and promotion strategy with the Director of the School to launch a new phase of the Media Lab.
• Develop and revise media literacy programming for young people in high school, middle school and potentially summer programming.
• Hire and oversee freelance producers and staff as well as student employees and interns.
• Work with industry leaders in the region to develop and produce narrative audio projects that align with the Lab’s mission.
• Direct fundraising plans and write grants and grant reports.
• Work with the Director of the School of Journalism and others to create pathways for students exposed to Media Lab programming and interested in pursuing training, education or career opportunities.
• Create and execute a high school strategy that includes expanding media literacy training and journalism programs within Montana high schools.

The University of Montana is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity employer and has a strong institutional commitment to the principle of diversity in all areas. In that spirit, we are particularly interested in receiving applications from a broad spectrum of qualified people who would assist the University in demonstrating its five priorities for action : Place student success at the center of all we do; drive excellence and innovation in teaching, learning, and research; embody the principle of “mission first, people always"; partner with place; and proudly tell the UM story.

Position Details

• Position is full-time, 1.0 FTE, Letter of Appointment and includes a comprehensive and competitive benefits package including Insurance package, mandatory retirement plan, partial tuition waiver, and wellness program.
• Salary for this position is $55,000-$60,000 per year commensurate with qualifications.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and two (2) years experience working within podcast production or narrative audio work, or an equivalent combination for education and experience.
• Demonstrated experience in media creation or project management.

• Ability to identify needs of the School, UM and the community in terms of media literacy and production opportunities.
• Demonstrated ability to think independently.
• Highly organized and able to balance long-term projects and short-term needs.
• Demonstrated ability to work well independently and as part of a group.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with teaching media skills or literacy.
• Four (4) years experience in media creation or project management.
• Knowledge of rural or Indigenous communities.
• A Masters Degree in Journalism or a related field.

About UM and the School of Journalism

The University of Montana is a flagship, research-intensive R1 institution with approximately 10,000 undergraduate and graduate students. It is located in Missoula, a culturally vibrant community of about 75,000, surrounded by mountains where three rivers converge. Abundant recreational opportunities in surrounding state and national forests and nearby Glacier National Park and Yellowstone National Park complement a thriving intellectual atmosphere.

The mission of The University of Montana School of Journalism is to provide students with a professional education in journalism; to teach them to think critically, act ethically, and communicate effectively; to help them understand the challenges and changes in the news media; and to inspire them to use their talents to improve journalism and enhance a diverse and democratic society.



To learn more about the University of Montana, and Missoula, please visit the links below.

• University of Montana
  • Video: Mission First, People Always
  • UM on YouTube
• City of Missoula
  • Video: There's This Place
  • Destination Missoula
  • Missoula Area Chamber of Commerce

Criminal Background Investigation is required prior to Offer of Employment. In accordance with University policy, finalists for this position will be subject to criminal background investigations. ADA/EOE/AA/Veteran's Preference. Reasonable accommodations are provided in the hiring process for persons with disabilities. For example, this material is available in alternative format upon request. As an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer, we encourage applications from minorities, veterans, and women. Qualified candidates may request veterans’ or disabilities preference in accordance with state law. References *References not listed on the application materials may be contacted; notice may be provided to the applicant. Testing Individual hiring departments at UM may elect to administer pre-employment tests, which are relevant to essential job functions. E mployment Eligibility. All New Employees must be eligible and show employment eligibility verification by the first date of employment at UM, as legally required (e.g., Form I-9).Must be eligible to work in the United State upon hire.


How to Apply

Priority Application Date : Wednesday, May 31, 2023 by 11:59 PM (Mountain Time)

Complete applications received by this date will be guaranteed consideration. To receive full consideration, candidates are required to submit all of the following materials.

Please submit the following application materials** via the UM Jobs portal and by clicking "New Resume/CV" button. Please do not apply through Indeed.com*.

• Letter of Interest – addressing the stated required skills for the position
• Detailed resume listing education and describing work experience
• Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information

* Applying through Indeed.com or easy apply through Indeed.com may result in submission of an incomplete application. Applications may be removed from full consideration if they are not complete with materials listed above under the "How to Apply" section. It is the responsibility of the applicant to ensure complete application materials are submitted and received by the date listed above.

** Please note: only five (5) attachments are allowed per application. Please combine documents accordingly.

Job Location Missoula, Montana, United States
Position Type Full-Time/Regular