Temple University

James B. Steele Chair in Journalism Innovation

Klein College of Media and Communication

The Department of Journalism in the Klein College of Media and Communication at Temple University invites applications for the James B. Steele Chair in Journalism Innovation. This endowed position was created in 2016 to bridge academy and industry in support of journalism innovation. It is named for James B. Steele, a longtime investigative journalist and winner of two Pulitzer Prizes, whose work included the 1991 Philadelphia Inquirer series, “America: What Went Wrong?” documenting the dismantling of the American middle class through pioneering data analysis.

This position is designed for a nationally recognized journalist with a history of leadership and innovation. Applicants must demonstrate experience in teaching, whether at the university level or in other settings. Applicants should outline a research or project agenda that advances journalism’s societal role and supports its sustainability, preferably among the communities Temple serves. Additionally, applicants should bring one or more specialties to the department among the following areas of innovation:

• media economics
• journalism business models
• data journalism
• community engagement
• audience engagement
• AI in journalism
• product development

The successful candidate will be expected to teach at least two courses per semester in their areas of expertise and use the remainder of their time conducting research, advancing projects, and otherwise leading thought and practice in journalism and journalism education. We seek a colleague who can contribute to teaching, mentoring, and programmatic development across the college and the field of journalism.

Faculty in the Department of Journalism share a commitment to collegiality and caring – for each other, for our students, and for the communities we belong to. We embody diversity and practice inclusivity. Our creative work and research inform our practice and lead us to pursue solutions. We seek colleagues who are willing to collaborate within and without our department and who want to join us in building better journalism education.

Candidates with a variety of educational and professional experiences commensurate with the rank of associate or full professor (with or without tenure) will be considered. Candidates requesting consideration for tenure will be expected to present a portfolio and agenda that meets the university’s requirements for tenure.

Our department has about 300 undergraduate majors and offers an undergraduate major and minor. We are also home to a Master of Journalism program, and faculty may contribute to Klein’s other graduate programs, including an interdisciplinary Ph.D. program in Media and Communication. In addition, faculty may collaborate with Klein-based initiatives such as the Logan Center for Urban Investigative Reporting, the Claire Smith Center for Sports Media, and the Center for Community-Engaged Media.

The Lew Klein College of Media and Communication is among the largest comprehensive colleges of communication in the nation. The college enrolls nearly 2,000 undergraduate students and more than 100 graduate students. Temple University’s community at large includes over 30,000 students in the region and at several international campuses. For more information about the department, college, and university, please visit http://klein.temple.edu.

Temple University is an equal opportunity, equal access affirmative action employer, committed to achieving a diverse community.

Applicants should submit the following: (1) a cover letter describing the candidate’s research or project agenda, fit with the department’s mission, and commitment to diversity and inclusion; (2) a curriculum vitae; (3) a statement of teaching interests and philosophy; (4) names and contact information for at least three references. Review of applications will begin on October 1, 2024, and will continue until the position is filled. Please submit applications and inquiries to . You may also direct queries to the chair of the search committee, Dr. David Mindich, at .