Director: SARB Centre for Economics Journalism

About this role

Rhodes University’s School of Journalism and Media Studies in Makhanda is looking for a Director for the SARB Centre for Economics Journalism. The Centre is a research and teaching unit funded from outside the University, under an agreement between Rhodes and the South African Reserve Bank. The Director leads its teaching, research, partnerships and day-to-day running.

What you’ll do

• Set the direction for the Centre and guide its academic growth, long-term sustainability and reach in South Africa and across the continent.
• Lead the postgraduate teaching programme, supervise postgraduate students and keep the curriculum current and strong.
• Design and run experiential learning projects that give students hands-on training and editorial experience in economics journalism.
• Grow the Centre’s research and publishing output in economics journalism.
• Manage the relationship with the funder and other stakeholders, and take part in the Steering Committee.
• Oversee the budget, financial controls and reporting to the funder.
• Build and lead the Centre’s staff, manage its scholarship programme and alumni network, and run its community engagement and short courses.

What you need

• Lecturer level: a Master’s in Journalism Studies, Media Studies, Economics, Finance or a closely related field. You must complete the degree, or make reasonable progress against agreed targets, during probation if appointed.
• Senior Lecturer level: a PhD in Journalism Studies, Media Studies, Economics, Finance or a closely related field. An MA in one of these fields is also considered if you are actively working towards a PhD and are within 12 months of submission.
• At least seven years of professional experience in financial or economics journalism, central bank communications or a comparable field.
• Senior Lecturer level: a demonstrated record of leadership at bureau chief, editor, head of unit, head of communications or an equivalent level.
• Experience working between the media and a central bank, financial regulator, multilateral institution or a similar body. For Senior Lecturer this is required. For Lecturer it is an advantage.
• Teaching experience. Lecturer: some is required. Senior Lecturer: 7 to 10 years of teaching experience, including considerable postgraduate teaching.
• Familiarity with online or blended teaching, testing and marking, or willingness to learn these quickly.
• Ability to teach in Journalism Studies, Economic Journalism, Economics or Finance.
• Senior Lecturer level: research supervision experience to Master’s completion.
• Research relevant to financial or economics journalism. Published work in mainstream or trade media, and accredited academic output, are advantageous. Senior Lecturer level also needs peer-reviewed publications and an emerging national profile.
• Senior Lecturer level: experience managing a budget of at least R2.5 million a year, including donor reporting and audit work.
• A track record in administration, management or leadership. Informal leadership roles count.
• Postgraduate mentoring or supervision experience is advantageous.

Is this job for you?

This post suits an experienced financial or economics journalist who has moved into teaching and research. You should be comfortable leading people and budgets, and you should have a clear link to central banking or financial institutions. It also suits someone who wants to shape how the next generation of economic journalists is trained.

Tips before you apply

• Write a motivation letter that answers each requirement for the level you are applying at, with examples. Mention your economics journalism practice specifically.
• Have your certificates, degree or PhD proof, and a portfolio of evidence ready to upload under Additional Documents. Missing documents can disqualify your application.
• In your CV, give budget figures, team sizes and publication details. Include reasons for leaving past jobs and referees who were your direct line managers, with their contact details.