IRE begins search for new executive director

Investigative Reporters & Editors has launched its search for a new executive director to lead the world’s largest organization supporting investigative and data journalism.

The position involves overseeing a dynamic organization with more than 6,300 members internationally, 13 full-time staff members and dozens of volunteer contributors, as well as serving as a faculty or staff member at the University of Missouri School of Journalism. Those interested in the position can access application materials here. You can search for the position by using the job identification number: 34900. The application deadline is January 15.

For 45 years, IRE — a nonprofit organization — has led the journalism industry in supporting and training journalists and college students 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 job search began after current Executive Director Doug Haddix submitted his resignation, effective in January. Haddix has served as IRE’s director since 2016, overseeing the organization’s first virtual conference in September with nearly 3,000 attendees. Haddix also developed initiatives to further IRE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, including training and mentorship programs for journalists of color.

Six veterans in the field of investigative journalism have been appointed as members of IRE’s executive director search committee. IRE board president Cheryl W. Thompson has appointed Mark Rochester and Ziva Branstetter co-chairs of the committee. Thompson will serve on the committee along with Cindy Galli, Manny Garcia and Mark Horvit.

The committee is meeting regularly to review applicants for the position of executive director and will recommend finalists for the position to the full 13-member board of directors, which will make the final selection.

The right candidate will have experience in investigative journalism, management experience, teaching or training experience and an enthusiasm for evangelizing on behalf of investigative journalism and raising funds to support that mission.

IRE is located in Columbia, Missouri, and while not required, there is a preference for a candidate who would relocate after the pandemic. For a Columbia-based candidate, a faculty appointment could include teaching one class per semester at the School of Journalism.  The position also involves considerable travel, both domestically and internationally. Salary will be commensurate with experience.

Candidate screening will begin immediately, with a goal of filling the position by early 2021.

Applicants must submit a resume, a letter outlining employment history and achievements, a statement no longer than two pages of your vision for the organization, as well as relevant material or samples that demonstrate work in investigative journalism, any evidence of teaching experience and fundraising, and 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. The names and contact information for three references should be provided.