American University: Open Rank Professor, Investigative Journalism & Executive Editor, Investigative Reporting Workshop
The Division of Journalism in the School of Communication at American University invites applications for a full-time, open rank position (Assistant, Associate, or Full Professor) and the concurrent role as Executive Editor of the Investigative Reporting Workshop: a professional, nonprofit, editorially independent newsroom based in the School of Communication. The candidate selected for this position has the possibility of starting as Executive Editor at IRW in January 2026 or August 2026 and as a faculty member in the School of Communication in August 2026. Depending on qualifications, the appointee to this position may be recommended for tenure at the time of hiring. Preference will be given to those applicants with an advanced degree in the field of journalism, media studies, history, or related fields. Preferred applicants will have at least five years of experience in reporting or editing and in organizational leadership, including fundraising.
Candidates should be effective teachers and must be strongly committed to excellence in scholarly research. We welcome applications from candidates engaged in high-quality scholarship in areas including but not limited to media studies, journalism, investigative journalism, history, political science, or related fields. Teaching specialization in journalism is preferred, though all areas will be considered. In addition to scholarship and teaching, responsibilities will include participation in division, school, and university activities.
In addition to teaching and directing the center’s prize-winning investigations, candidates must demonstrate the ability to manage relationships with funders, media partners, and freelancers. We seek a hands-on, inspirational leader to carry on the Workshop’s mission of informing the public and training the next generation of journalists to uncover hard truths that help society thrive.