Director and Clinical Faculty, Graduate Program in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism

Director and Clinical Faculty, Graduate Program in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism . University of Montana: Provost: Missoula: College of the Arts and Media . Missoula, MT, United States . The School of Journalism at the University of Montana seeks a director for its master’s program in Environmental Science and Natural Resource Journalism .

The two-year interdisciplinary degree combines journalism and science coursework to prepare students to report on environmental and natural resource issues across print, photo, video and multimedia platforms. The director will provide strategic leadership and implement a vision for how the program will continue to prepare journalists to define coverage on a beat that impacts all facets of society and our world. They will lead recruitment and admissions, advise students through the curriculum, oversee the program's signature field projects, including the Crown Reporting Project and the Story Lab course, and represent the program to university leadership, donors and the professional journalism community. This is a full-time, benefited clinical faculty position that combines teaching, student mentorship and program administration.

Position Details Title: Director/Clinical Faculty Salary: $60,000-$70,000 commensurate with experience Schedule: Full-time, academic year position beginning August 2027 Benefits: Medical Insurance/Mandatory Retirement Contribution/Professional Development/Partial Tuition Waiver/Wellness .

Required Qualifications

Master's degree in journalism or a related field, the terminal degree for this position. In rare cases, substantial national-level professional journalism experience may be considered in lieu of the terminal degree. Significant professional experience in journalism, with demonstrated strength in environmental or natural resource reporting. Experience teaching or mentoring early-career journalists in a classroom, newsroom, or field setting.

Demonstrated record of producing or editing published or broadcast journalism covering environmental or natural resource topics. Strong organizational, leadership and interpersonal skills. Experience with student advising, program administration, team leadership or related management responsibilities. Ability to lead and advance a small graduate program while supporting student success and program growth.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior successful experience directing, coordinating or managing an academic program, newsroom or similar initiative. Established professional network in environmental journalism, science communication or natural resource reporting. Experience securing grants, fellowships, donor support or other external funding for journalism or academic programs. Experience teaching multimedia storytelling, including audio, video, photography, data journalism or emerging digital storytelling approaches.

Experience working with Indigenous communities and/or reporting on tribal natural resource, environmental or sovereignty issues. Familiarity with the issues and communities of the American West, including Montana's tribal nations, is desirable. Commitment to fostering partnerships that support student learning, professional development and community engagement. . Screening of applications will begin after the closing date of December 6, 2026 ; however, applications will continue to be accepted until an adequate applicant pool has been established.

Complete applications received by the closing date will be guaranteed consideration. To apply, please upload the following materials: Letter of interest – addressing the stated required and preferred skills for the position. Detailed curriculum vitae or resume - listing education and describing work experience. Three (3) professional references - Names and contact information.

A statement of teaching and mentoring philosophy Examples of published or broadcast journalism Questions about the position may be directed to the Joe Eaton, the search committee chair, at [email protected] . The University of Montana is interested in receiving applications from 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.