Interim Executive Director

The Talent Acquisition department hires qualified candidates to fill positions which contribute to the overall strategic success of Howard University. Hiring staff “for fit” makes significant contributions to Howard University’s overall mission. At Howard University, we prioritize well-being and professional growth. Here is what we offer:

- Health & Wellness: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus mental health support
- Work-Life Balance: PTO, paid holidays, flexible work arrangements
- Financial Wellness: Competitive salary, 403(b) with company match
- Professional Development: Ongoing training, tuition reimbursement, and career advancement paths
- Additional Perks: Wellness programs, commuter benefits, and a vibrant company culture

Join Howard University and thrive with us https://hr.howard.edu/benefits-wellness

JOB PURPOSE:

Reporting to the Founding Director, the purpose of this position is to provide day-to-day leadership for all Center for Journalism & Democracy (CJD) staff while a permanent Executive Director search is conducted. The interim Executive Director will be responsible for implementation and oversight of Center programs at Howard and at its campus partners at various HBCUs. The interim Executive Director will be responsible for operationalizing the vision of the Founding Director, supervising Center staff and its day-to-day operation, and provide guidance to all members of the team. This position will help the Center fulfill its mission: To bolster the field of journalism in service of our multiracial democracy by supporting the teaching and practice of historically informed investigative reporting at Howard University and across the constellation of historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). The Center provides academic and financial support to students, faculty and news organizations located at Howard University and the nation’s largest journalism programs located at HBCUs.

SUPERVISORY AUTHORITY:

Responsible for providing supervision for multiple functions within a department. Formally plans, assigns, directs, and coordinates the work of these functions. Typically, responsible for performing some non-supervisory duties in addition to supervisory responsibilities. Performs staff evaluations and makes recommendations regarding pay and/or performance.

NATURE AND SCOPE:

Internal contacts include executives, administrators, faculty, students, and staff of the university at large. External contacts include alumni, consultants, representatives from other colleges and universities, visitors, and the general public.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES:

- Provide strategic, holistic, high-level oversight and direction for the Center
- Works closely with the Chief of Staff and Business Manager to manage grant spending and tracking for the CJD’s multi-million dollar grant portfolio
- Works closely with the Chief of Staff, Business Manager and Development Manager to supervise the development and monitoring of grant proposal budgets and grant reports, ensuring alignment with the University advancement team and relevant grant accounting offices.
- Creates, in collaboration with division heads, budgets for programming
- Lead Center staff and directors in developing and implementing programs and ensure alignment across the Center’s strategic pillars
- Identify and execute strategic partnerships within and outside of the university
- Develop and execute fundraising campaigns in partnership with the Development Manager
- Serve as spokesperson to represent the Center externally in public, professional, and community activities
- Foster an inclusive and productive team culture
- Create a space for professional development of team members
- Ensure that the work of the Center is aligned with the Founding Director’s vision and proceeds in a timely and fiscally responsible manner
- Set clear, measurable goals to direct the Center’s ongoing work and develop systems to evaluate progress towards those goals
- Lead the development and launch of new projects as appropriate for the Center.
- Perform other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

- At least 10 years of experience leading and managing a team of 10+ individuals.
- Demonstrated ability to organize and bring together a team in pursuit of common, measurable goals
- Familiarity with journalism and investigative reporting; journalism experience preferred.
- Proven success in managing multiple, complex, high-profile projects.
- Demonstrated success performing and leading in a high growth/startup environment.
- Fundraising experience
- Experience developing systems and processes in support of implementing a high-level vision.
- Comfort with developing and managing budgets, including management of intake and use of philanthropic funds.
- Proven experience in successfully navigating and building partnerships across large, complex organizations.
- Willingness to provide and receive direct, constructive feedback
- Passion for working with students and HBCUs
- Ability to prepare and maintain timely and accurate reports and correspondence.
- Extensive experience in the use of computers and experience in word processing, spread sheets, database, and power point applications.
- Ability to communicate effectively orally and in writing with a diverse population. Must be detail oriented and organized.
- Ability to exercise discretion and ensure a high-level of confidentiality.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective and harmonious work relations and work collaboratively across functions, levels, and departments toward shared objectives.
- Experience navigating policy requirements at an academic institution

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

Advance degree (Master’s, JD, LLM, Ph.D or equivalent) and a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience.

Compliance Salary Range Disclosure

Expected Salary Range: $140,000 - $160,000