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Position Summary:
The Dorothy F. Schmidt College of Arts and Letters at Florida Atlantic University seeks an experienced, innovative, and visionary leader to serve as Director of the School of Communication and Multimedia Studies (SCMS).
The School of Communication and Multimedia Studies at Florida Atlantic University seeks scholars who are committed to supporting the learning needs of students from diverse backgrounds and to thoughtfully engaging all communities in higher education. Florida Atlantic University embodies a culture of strategic and collaborative community engagement that results in mutual benefit to the institution and the various internal and external communities that it serves.
About the School
The Director will lead a dynamic school that offers:
Three in-person undergraduate degree programs: Communication Studies, Film & Media, and Multimedia Journalism.
An online undergraduate degree program in Communication Studies.
Several certificates and minors including Film & Video, Political Communication, Public Relations, and Sport Studies.
An MA in Communication and Media with potential to add new programs.
Programs across three campuses: Boca Raton, Davie, and Fort Lauderdale.
Participation in the interdisciplinary PhD program in the College of Arts and Letters.
Faculty with specializations in film and media studies as well as film and digital production with emphases on independent, experimental, and/or documentary film and media, activist media, and digital cultures; journalism with emphases on local news and environmental reporting and political communication and public opinion research; and communication theory and research including intercultural, organizational, health, performance and rhetorical approaches to theory and criticism. Faculty blend academic rigor with practical experience to emphasize civic engagement.
The Director will oversee and strengthen communication and media facilities including:
Academic movie theater facilities
BrandStar Studios@Florida Atlantic
The Media, Innovation, and Creativity Sandbox (MICS, in progress)
The Speaking Center
MediaLab@FAU, a faculty-led community news initiative with legacy media partnerships
Labs for Pol-Com, Media Production, and Broadcast
Further information about the School can be found at: www.fau.edu/scms.
About the Position
This is an exciting opportunity to shape the School's vision and strategic plan as FAU transitions to R1 status in 2025.
The Director will play a pivotal role in:
Elevating the School's national prominence through innovative research, creative activities, and grant-seeking excellence,
Strengthening alumni and industry connections to create robust partnerships and mentorship opportunities.
Implementing creative fundraising strategies to bolster resources for cutting-edge programs and research.
Nurturing a talented community of faculty and students, fostering academic excellence and professional growth.
Developing forward-thinking programs that address the evolving needs of South Florida's dynamic metropolitan landscape.
Key responsibilities include:
Managing 35 full-time faculty, 5 staff members, and 20-25 adjuncts in a school that serves 1500 students.
Cultivating partnerships with regional media and communication entities.
Driving fundraising efforts and managing resources across multiple campuses.
Enhancing internal and external communications.
Collaborating with college and university leadership as part of the Dean's leadership team.
Collaborating with other College and University units.
Overseeing faculty mentorship, development, and ongoing program assessment.
Leading enrollment strategies and program renewal initiatives.
Conducting ongoing program assessment and renewal.
Experiential student learning experiences including industry exploration and internships.
Minimum Qualifications:Minimum Qualifications: *Terminal degree (PhD or MFA) in field *Evidence of excellence in research and teaching appropriate for appointment as a tenured Full Professor in the department
Preferred Qualifications: *Significant leadership experience and a record of success *Commitment to fundraising and creating strategic alliances with industry and artistic communities *Exceptional communication skills *Awareness of current trends in communication, media, industry and higher education.
Salary:Commensurate with Experience
College or Department:School of Communication and Multimedia Studies
Location:Boca Raton
Work Days and Hours:N/A
Application Deadline: 2025-01-31
Special Instructions to Applicant: This recruitment has been reopened; all previous applicants are still under consideration and need not reapply. This position is open until filled and may close without prior notice.
This position is subject to funding.
All applicants must apply electronically to the currently posted position on the Office of Human Resources' job website (https://fau.edu/jobs) by completing the required employment application for this recruitment and submitting the related documents.
Required Documents: FAU's Career Page permits the attachment of required/requested documentation.
PLEASE NOTE: A maximum of five (5) documents may be attached to your application. If more than five (5) documents are required for submission, please combine additional documents into a single attachment to not exceed the maximum permitted.
The site permits the attachment of required/requested documentation. When completing the online application, please upload the following: (1) Cover Letter (2) Curriculum Vitae (3) Sample of Scholarly or Creative Work: *For PhD applicants: Please include one writing sample, such as an article, book chapter, or dissertation chapter. *For MFA applicants (or those with creative backgrounds): You may alternatively provide a portfolio of work (e.g., media projects, films, digital installations, or other creative outputs) that best demonstrates your expertise and contributions to your field.
Letters of Recommendations: Applicants who are shortlisted for this position will be required to arrange for the submission of two letters of recommendation.
Transcripts: The selected candidate for this position is required to submit an official transcript sent directly from the institution for the Provost's credential file prior to the first day of employment. Similarly, for degrees from outside the United States, the evaluation by an organization belonging to the National Association of Credential Evaluation (NACES), with an indication of the documents the evaluation was prepared from (official transcripts, diplomas, dissertation abstracts) is required for the Provost's credential file prior to the first day of employment. Transcripts must be issued to Florida Atlantic University, not to the individual applicant.
Background Screening: Selected candidates must successfully complete and pass all employment screenings prior to the start of employment. Employment screenings may include a criminal background check (level I and level II), motor vehicle check, credit check, reference checks, alcohol, and drug screening check.
As a Hispanic-serving institution, Florida Atlantic University (FAU) is one of the most racially and ethnically diverse institutions in the Florida state university system. We are committed to recruiting and retaining talented faculty and staff. We embrace our shared responsibility to create and celebrate a welcoming and inclusive campus environment for all. Our community features excellent schools, a vibrant and safe community, and a sub-tropical climate conductive to year-round outdoor activities.
