Professor of Environmental Journalism

The University of Colorado Boulder seeks a tenure-track Professor of Environmental Journalism to lead the Center for Environmental Journalism (CEJ). The role involves teaching, supervising staff, managing budgets, and organizing events. Candidates should have a background in journalism, ideally with experience in environmental topics. A commitment to inclusivity and mentoring diverse students is essential. The position starts in August 2025, with an annual salary range of $90,000-$150,000.
About the position

The Department of Journalism in the College of Media, Communication and Information (CMCI) at the University of Colorado Boulder is seeking applications for a tenure-track open-rank professor of environmental journalism. This position also includes the role of Faculty Director of the college's Center for Environmental Journalism (CEJ), which has been a leader in the field since its establishment in 1992. The CEJ aims to enhance public understanding of environmental issues by improving the quality and depth of journalism coverage. The successful candidate will be expected to contribute to the CEJ's mission by supporting both seasoned and emerging journalists in their understanding of the scientific, economic, political, and social dimensions of environmental issues. The CEJ also oversees the Ted Scripps Fellowships in Environmental Journalism and the Water Desk, which are integral to its operations. Candidates should have a specialization within the broad field of journalism, particularly in environmental journalism. While a background in practicing environmental journalism is preferred, the department is open to hiring candidates from both academic and professional backgrounds. The ideal candidate will have a strong foundation in journalism studies and be open to interdisciplinary collaboration with colleagues who employ various qualitative, quantitative, and practice-based methodologies. A commitment to inclusive pedagogies and mentoring a diverse student body is essential. The position entails teaching two courses each academic year, typically one per semester, and dedicating 40% of the effort to maintaining a robust scholarly or creative work profile. The appointment is set to begin in August 2025, and the University of Colorado Boulder is dedicated to fostering a culturally diverse community of faculty, staff, and students. The department is particularly interested in candidates who can contribute to an inclusive campus environment and who understand the experiences of historically underrepresented groups in higher education.

Responsibilities
• Serve as a full-time tenured member of the Department of Journalism.
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• Act as the Faculty Director of the Center for Environmental Journalism (CEJ).
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• Supervise a staff of three, including the CEJ's Program Manager and two Water Desk co-directors.
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• Oversee the CEJ-directed work of the Assistant Director of the CEJ.
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• Manage budget and fundraising for existing and new programs and initiatives.
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• Organize symposia and seminars related to environmental journalism.
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• Plan weekly seminars and regular field trips for the Scripps program.
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• Select, onboard, and support Scripps Fellows.
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• Administer all aspects of The Water Desk and other CEJ initiatives.

Requirements
• An MA in journalism or a closely allied field is required at the time of appointment.
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• At least one year of teaching experience at the undergraduate level.

Nice-to-haves
• A PhD in journalism or a closely allied field is preferred.
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• Three or more years of teaching experience at the undergraduate level is preferred.
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• Experience teaching at the graduate level is preferred.
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• An already tenured candidate is strongly preferred.

Benefits
• Annual salary of $90,000-$150,000 plus full benefits for the base faculty appointment as a tenured professor.
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• Annual stipend of $12,500 for the secondary faculty appointment as the Faculty Director for the Center for Environmental Journalism.
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• Medical and dental insurance coverage.
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• Retirement benefits.
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• Paid time off and tuition benefits.
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• ECO Pass for public transportation.