Posted : Tuesday, June 11, 2024 06:17 PM
The Director of the Liberty Champion is required to advise the student newspaper staff in original content development, coach the writing skills of the 60+ practicum and community service students, recruit and mentor the staff of 16 writers, producers and editors in professional development, and act as senior managing editor of all Champion content for print and digital mediums according to university standards.
The Director ensures development of stories and content are accurate, supportive and seek to promote and advance Liberty University’s Gospel mission, student achievement, academic programming and athletic success.
This position reports directly under the supervision of the Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts and works under the general guidance of the Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement and the Office of the Liberty University President.
The Director also coordinates with the faculty of the School of Communication and the Arts at Liberty to provide the best overall experience for student success.
This includes any courses and academic programming that coincides with Liberty Champion work.
The position must rigorously review web and media content for the online and print newspaper, which is everchanging and updated in real time.
Additionally, the position must implement an annual budget for needs and expenses incurred in the academic experience, including equipment, printing the paper, professional development and continuing education.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reviewing content in light of acceptable standards set by the university, journalism guidelines and for accuracy are the primary duties.
Instruct, oversee and evaluate the JOUR 390 practicum students to discuss assignments, story development and techniques for improving their writing.
Instruct, oversee and evaluate the JOUR 391 practicum students to discuss assignments, photo or design skills and techniques for improving their contributions to the newspaper or website.
Oversee the CSER students involved in writing, delivery, photography and design.
This includes instruction and evaluation of their work.
Manage the staff of students who work to produce the paper, direct them in matters of production, and assist in story presentation.
This includes being present on the heavy production days throughout week, until the paper is delivered to the printer electronically.
Lead the effort to acquire advertisements to help with the costs of printing the paper (because there is no longer an Advertising Director to sell ads.
) Serve as a mentor and point of reference for the students as they seek employment for their internship and after graduation.
Serve as a point of contact for the President, Provost and others to give input for funneling story ideas, story development and special projects (such as elections).
Provide the needed oversight and development support for getting the newspaper on Facebook, liberty.
edu/Champion and posted to Twitter and Instagram.
Remain abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services and leading industry performance benchmarks.
This is essential in view of changing media trends.
Research the cost and equipment needs to accurately budget printing and distribution.
Serve as a networking point of contact between current students and those who have graduated.
Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position is responsible for 16 scholarship or work study students and one Graduate Student as well as the students in the JOUR 390 and 391 practicum and CSER volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Education and Experience Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors and Masters degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and quick learner of Liberty systems and online tools.
Management experience in supervisory position, writing proficiency, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills.
Must have leadership qualities and skillsets.
Able to serve as exemplary role model for university students.
Preferred Qualifications: In addition to a relevant degrees and credentials, 5-7 years’ experience in journalism, newsroom, reporting, and other related media.
Significant experience in a writing related field that involves reporting, copy editing, and storytelling.
Proficient with Liberty proprietary systems and software.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.
Strong organizational skills.
Computer and scheduling skills.
Problem Solving Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities Required to travel to local and campus locations.
May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting.
It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.
Working environment also includes facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.
Driving Requirements Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.
Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.
The Director ensures development of stories and content are accurate, supportive and seek to promote and advance Liberty University’s Gospel mission, student achievement, academic programming and athletic success.
This position reports directly under the supervision of the Dean of the School of Communication and the Arts and works under the general guidance of the Senior Vice President of Communications and Public Engagement and the Office of the Liberty University President.
The Director also coordinates with the faculty of the School of Communication and the Arts at Liberty to provide the best overall experience for student success.
This includes any courses and academic programming that coincides with Liberty Champion work.
The position must rigorously review web and media content for the online and print newspaper, which is everchanging and updated in real time.
Additionally, the position must implement an annual budget for needs and expenses incurred in the academic experience, including equipment, printing the paper, professional development and continuing education.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES Reviewing content in light of acceptable standards set by the university, journalism guidelines and for accuracy are the primary duties.
Instruct, oversee and evaluate the JOUR 390 practicum students to discuss assignments, story development and techniques for improving their writing.
Instruct, oversee and evaluate the JOUR 391 practicum students to discuss assignments, photo or design skills and techniques for improving their contributions to the newspaper or website.
Oversee the CSER students involved in writing, delivery, photography and design.
This includes instruction and evaluation of their work.
Manage the staff of students who work to produce the paper, direct them in matters of production, and assist in story presentation.
This includes being present on the heavy production days throughout week, until the paper is delivered to the printer electronically.
Lead the effort to acquire advertisements to help with the costs of printing the paper (because there is no longer an Advertising Director to sell ads.
) Serve as a mentor and point of reference for the students as they seek employment for their internship and after graduation.
Serve as a point of contact for the President, Provost and others to give input for funneling story ideas, story development and special projects (such as elections).
Provide the needed oversight and development support for getting the newspaper on Facebook, liberty.
edu/Champion and posted to Twitter and Instagram.
Remain abreast of existing and emerging technologies, processes, products, services and leading industry performance benchmarks.
This is essential in view of changing media trends.
Research the cost and equipment needs to accurately budget printing and distribution.
Serve as a networking point of contact between current students and those who have graduated.
Work effectively as a team member, embracing and fostering LU’s mission.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES This position is responsible for 16 scholarship or work study students and one Graduate Student as well as the students in the JOUR 390 and 391 practicum and CSER volunteers.
QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS Education and Experience Minimum Qualifications: Bachelors and Masters degree in journalism, communications, or a related field.
Working knowledge and proficiency with Microsoft Office, Adobe Suite and quick learner of Liberty systems and online tools.
Management experience in supervisory position, writing proficiency, multi-tasking and problem-solving skills.
Must have leadership qualities and skillsets.
Able to serve as exemplary role model for university students.
Preferred Qualifications: In addition to a relevant degrees and credentials, 5-7 years’ experience in journalism, newsroom, reporting, and other related media.
Significant experience in a writing related field that involves reporting, copy editing, and storytelling.
Proficient with Liberty proprietary systems and software.
ABILITIES AND COMPETENCIES ESSENTIAL TO THE FUNCTION OF THE JOB Communication and Comprehension Ability to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing to convey clear, well articulated information.
Ability to understand, speak, and write English in order to convey messages and correspond in an articulate and professional manner.
Possess public communication skills that allow professional representation of Liberty University to a variety of business, government and community customers and associates.
Strong organizational skills.
Computer and scheduling skills.
Problem Solving Intuitively able to reason, analyze information and events, and apply judgment in order to solve problems of both a routine and complex nature.
Physical and Sensory Abilities Required to travel to local and campus locations.
May be required to sit to perform deskwork or type on a keyboard.
Regularly required to hear and speak in order to effectively communicate orally.
Regularly required to stand, walk, and climb stairs to move about the campus.
Handle materials, reach overhead, kneel or stoop in order to conduct business.
Regularly lift 10 or fewer pounds.
WORKING CONDITIONS Work Environment The working environment in which one will typically perform the essential functions of this position is a climate-controlled setting.
It is well lighted and the noise level is moderate.
Working environment also includes facilitation of events outdoors occasionally.
Driving Requirements Use of one’s personal vehicle (or LU vehicles) may be required for travel in the performance of the essential functions of this position.
Proof of a valid Virginia driver’s license, an acceptable DMV record, and liability insurance is required.
• Phone : NA
• Location : 1971 University Blvd, Lynchburg, VA
• Post ID: 9004321712