Special Instructions to Applicants

Review of applications will begin February 1, 2026 and will continue until the position is filled. Please feel free to contact Dr. Marek Steedman to inquire about the position (marek.steedman@usm.edu). A completed application will include: 1) cover letter including a 2-3 page leadership statement describing your approach to leadership and how you are prepared for this position, 2) CV, 3) contact information for 3 references, and 4) academic transcripts (unofficial transcripts are acceptable until final hiring process). Application materials must be uploaded through the Human Resources site at: https://jobs.usm.edu.

Applicants must be currently authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without the need for visa sponsorship. The University will not sponsor applicants for work visas (e.g., H-1B).

Job Summary

The School of Media and Communication at The University of Southern Mississippi invites applicants for our open School Director position. The Director will provide energetic and visionary leadership, as well as principled administrative guidance and advocacy for the mission of the School in teaching, research, and public service/outreach. The Director serves as the chief academic and administrative officer of the School, reporting to the Dean of Arts and Sciences. The position is full-time, 12-month, tenure track, and begins July 1, 2026. Salary competitive and commensurate with experience.

About the School of Media and Communication

The School of Media and Communication is a strong intellectual community of 22 full-time faculty members on both the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses and over 350 undergraduate and graduate students. Academic programs include undergraduate majors in Communication Studies, Digital Journalism, Film Studies, Media and Entertainment Arts, and Strategic Communication. Master's and doctoral degrees in Communication are offered. The School also has a significant presence on campus, incorporating the Student Media Center, including the campus newspaper, radio station, and a TV studio, the USM Speaking Center, a nationally competitive speech and debate team, the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, a dedicated studio for the Rural Digital Forensics Initiative (RDFI), and several student organizations. The School is also fully accredited by the ACEJMC.

Primary Duties and Responsibilities

Holds responsibility for leadership of the School and representing the School to the College and University administration. In addition, the School Director:

+ Oversees and guides strategic planning and analysis of School operations, budget, technology, facilities, and fundraising;

+ Guides student recruitment and retention practices, especially for first generation and minority students;

+ Engages in program and curriculum development for undergraduate and graduate academic programs;

+ Works closely with the Student Media Center, Speaking Center, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, and other academic support units within the School to enhance co-curricular opportunities;

+ Engages in regular attention to faculty recruitment, review, and retention practices; fosters a collegial, and aspirational environment to recruit, engage, and retain faculty, staff, and students of distinction; and promotes faculty governance;

+ Ensures continuing compliance with the principles and standards of accrediting bodies; builds relationships with alumni and stakeholders;

+ Promotes scholarship productivity and fosters an environment conducive to impactful, externally funded scholarly activities among faculty and students;

+ Remains engaged as a member of the university and active in scholarship activities; and

+ Other duties as assigned by Dean of Arts and Sciences.

Job #NLX284995476