Center for Journalism & Democracy
Executive Director
Center for Journalism & Democracy, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Executive Director – Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University
The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University seeks a strategic, mission‑driven Executive Director to provide day‑to‑day leadership and management for the Center’s operations, programs, and team. Reporting to and working closely with Founding Director Nikole Hannah‑Jones, the Executive Director will translate vision into action—advancing the Center’s mission to support historically informed investigative journalism at Howard University and our consortium of eight HBCU journalism programs. Pay Range
Base pay range: $147,000.00 – $170,000.00 per year. Total compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications. Responsibilities
Serve as a thought partner to the Founding Director, translating vision into operational and strategic plans. Provide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight for all CJD staff, programs, and operations. Set clear, measurable goals across the Center’s strategic pillars and develop systems to track progress and impact. Build and maintain an inclusive, collaborative, supportive, and high‑performing organizational culture. Oversee the Center’s multi‑million‑dollar grant portfolio, including budget development, spending, tracking, and compliance. Supervise preparation of grant proposals and reports, ensuring coordination with Howard University’s advancement and accounting offices. Collaborate with the Development Manager to design and implement major fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies. Ensure responsible stewardship of philanthropic funds and long‑term financial sustainability. Programs & Operations
Lead the implementation of the Center’s academic, professional development, and journalistic programs at Howard and across HBCU partners. Collaborate with division heads to develop program budgets and operational plans. Launch and scale new initiatives aligned with the Center’s mission and goals. Promote a supportive and welcoming professional environment and ensure growth for staff and team members through structured development and coaching. Partnerships & External Relations
Represent the Center publicly in professional, academic, and philanthropic communities. Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships both within and outside the university, particularly with HBCUs, media organizations, and funders. Support the expansion and deepening of the Center’s network of collaborators, institutions, and allies. Ideal Candidate
At least 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience, including management of teams of 10+ staff. Demonstrated success leading in high‑growth, startup, or entrepreneurial environments. Ability to build and operationalize systems, processes, and culture aligned to long‑term strategic vision. Proven experience managing large‑scale philanthropic grants and complex program budgets. Fundraising success, particularly with high‑net‑worth donors, foundations, and institutional supporters. Familiarity with journalism and investigative reporting; direct journalism experience preferred but not required. Skilled communicator and collaborator with the ability to work effectively with a visionary Founder. Deep understanding of higher education, nonprofit operations, or similarly complex institutions. Experience navigating university or academic policy structures, including grant administration and compliance. Proven ability to establish strategic partnerships across sectors and institutions. Location:
Washington, D.C. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/ed-center-for-journalism-democracy/
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The Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University seeks a strategic, mission‑driven Executive Director to provide day‑to‑day leadership and management for the Center’s operations, programs, and team. Reporting to and working closely with Founding Director Nikole Hannah‑Jones, the Executive Director will translate vision into action—advancing the Center’s mission to support historically informed investigative journalism at Howard University and our consortium of eight HBCU journalism programs. Pay Range
Base pay range: $147,000.00 – $170,000.00 per year. Total compensation may vary based on experience and qualifications. Responsibilities
Serve as a thought partner to the Founding Director, translating vision into operational and strategic plans. Provide day‑to‑day leadership and oversight for all CJD staff, programs, and operations. Set clear, measurable goals across the Center’s strategic pillars and develop systems to track progress and impact. Build and maintain an inclusive, collaborative, supportive, and high‑performing organizational culture. Oversee the Center’s multi‑million‑dollar grant portfolio, including budget development, spending, tracking, and compliance. Supervise preparation of grant proposals and reports, ensuring coordination with Howard University’s advancement and accounting offices. Collaborate with the Development Manager to design and implement major fundraising campaigns and donor engagement strategies. Ensure responsible stewardship of philanthropic funds and long‑term financial sustainability. Programs & Operations
Lead the implementation of the Center’s academic, professional development, and journalistic programs at Howard and across HBCU partners. Collaborate with division heads to develop program budgets and operational plans. Launch and scale new initiatives aligned with the Center’s mission and goals. Promote a supportive and welcoming professional environment and ensure growth for staff and team members through structured development and coaching. Partnerships & External Relations
Represent the Center publicly in professional, academic, and philanthropic communities. Cultivate and maintain strategic partnerships both within and outside the university, particularly with HBCUs, media organizations, and funders. Support the expansion and deepening of the Center’s network of collaborators, institutions, and allies. Ideal Candidate
At least 10 years of progressively senior leadership experience, including management of teams of 10+ staff. Demonstrated success leading in high‑growth, startup, or entrepreneurial environments. Ability to build and operationalize systems, processes, and culture aligned to long‑term strategic vision. Proven experience managing large‑scale philanthropic grants and complex program budgets. Fundraising success, particularly with high‑net‑worth donors, foundations, and institutional supporters. Familiarity with journalism and investigative reporting; direct journalism experience preferred but not required. Skilled communicator and collaborator with the ability to work effectively with a visionary Founder. Deep understanding of higher education, nonprofit operations, or similarly complex institutions. Experience navigating university or academic policy structures, including grant administration and compliance. Proven ability to establish strategic partnerships across sectors and institutions. Location:
Washington, D.C. For more information on how to apply, please visit: https://driwaterstonehc.com/position/ed-center-for-journalism-democracy/
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