Initial application deadline approaching for IRE executive director post

Investigative Reporters & Editors is looking for an executive director with the vision to lead the world’s largest organization supporting investigative and data journalism. The position involves overseeing a dynamic organization with more than 5,500 members internationally, 15 full-time staff members and dozens of volunteer contributors, as well as serving as a faculty member at the University of Missouri School of Journalism.

For more than 40 years, IRE -- a nonprofit organization -- has led the journalism industry in supporting and training journalists in techniques for investigative reporting and data analysis. The organization runs the world’s biggest conferences on investigative journalism, and its data arm – the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting (NICAR) – runs the world’s biggest data journalism conference. IRE provides training and resources for journalists in news organizations of all sizes, from rural U.S. communities to cities across the globe. Its website, ire.org, offers a growing portfolio of training tools, including podcasts, video tutorials and an extensive library of resources. 

The right candidate will have investigative reporting experience, management experience, teaching or training experience and an enthusiasm for evangelizing on behalf of investigative journalism and raising funds to support that mission. The job is located in Columbia, Missouri, and the faculty appointment includes teaching one class per semester at the School of Journalism.  The position also involves considerable travel, both domestically and internationally. 

Candidate screening will begin June 2, though additional applications will be accepted until the position is filled.

Qualifications

IRE is looking for a candidate with:

• Extensive experience as a journalist with solid credentials in investigative reporting and/or data journalism
• Managerial/supervisory experience
• Journalism teaching and/or training experience
• Fundraising/development experience or a willingness to raise funds
• A bachelor’s degree

Responsibilities

The executive director will:

• Oversee the continuing evolution of IRE’s renowned training programs,  (including two national conferences), publications and website, including the National Institute for Computer-Assisted Reporting and DocumentCloud
• Manage a staff of 15 full-time employees, plus graduate and undergraduate student workers and volunteers
• Plan and supervise financial matters, including IRE’s $2.2 million budget and its $3.5 million endowment
• Raise funds, including seeking grants and donations
• Report to a 13-member elected Board of Directors
• Serve as spokesperson for the organization
• Hold a faculty appointment at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. 

To apply: This is a full-time, benefit-eligible, renewable, 12-month faculty appointment. Screening of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.  Applicants must submit a resume, a letter outlining employment history and achievements, including relevant material or samples that demonstrate work in investigative journalism, and any evidence of teaching experience and fund-raising. The names and contact information for three references should be provided.  Please visit http://hrs.missouri.edu/find-a-job/academic/ to access the online application system. Reference job number 19604.

The University of Missouri is fully committed to achieving the goal of a diverse and inclusive academic community of faculty, staff and students. We seek individuals who are committed to this goal and our core campus values of respect, responsibility, discovery and excellence.