The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is dedicated to exploring the future of journalism worldwide through debate, engagement, and research. It is part of the University of Oxford’s Department of Politics and International Relations with a constitution that commits to providing an independent forum for exchanges between practitioners and analysts of journalism, and all those affected by it, and to the pursuit of impartial scholarship of the highest standard. 

The Reuters Institute’s activities include:

• A Journalist Fellowship programme, which brings high calibre mid-career practising journalists to Oxford and offers them a period of reflection and an opportunity to carry out a piece of relevant in-depth research, away from the pressure of tight deadlines.
• Leadership programmes which gather editors, executives, and journalists in leadership roles in small, intimate, off-the-record settings to engage with each other, exchange best practices and benefit from current research relevant to the challenges they face.
• Research programmes which provide timely, accessible, and evidence-based independent analysis of issues facing journalism and news media around the world, and include a series of RISJ publications, as well as more specialised academic articles and book-length treatments of important topics.

Building on the legacy of the outgoing Director, Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, this is an exceptional opportunity to lead the Institute at a time of global geo-political change. One only needs to browse the content of the Institute’s site to see how prolific, contemporary and indeed visible its work is. This momentum must be sustained and built upon which requires a passion for and dedication to the subject matter, as well as strong leadership abilities.   

The new Director will have the standing to engage with the academic community as well as the world of journalism (nationally and internationally), global media businesses and governments/ policy institutions. Active involvement in the recruitment and oversight of Institute staff and management of the Journalist Fellowship Programme are also key responsibilities. As is the development and implementation of a strategic plan for the Institute to address short and long-term research strategy, public events and seminars, financial management and fundraising priorities. The appointed candidate will be a member of the Department of Politics and International Relations and therefore expected to contribute to research and/or publications.

This is a role that has a significant internal and external profile through working closely with the Steering Committee to review and implement said strategic plan, as well as engagement with journalistic communities in order to reflect, curate, contribute to and, where appropriate, lead debates and thinking about the practice of journalism in the 21^st century. The Institute has a number of critical external partnerships not least with the core funder, the Thomson Reuters Foundation. Allied to this, is the need to enable the capture of other external monies in line with the diversity of funding that the Institute has enjoyed hitherto.

Candidates should either have a world-leading research track record in the practice and development of journalism or experience of practising exceptional journalism and contributing to the debate about the issues facing the news media in the 21^st century. They will be an exceptional communicator who can foster connections within the University of Oxford and the Department of Politics and International Relations. As mentioned previously, leadership, management and fund raising skills are critical as they will lead the Institute’s team in pursuit of strategic goals all the while being the custodian of the Institute’s values. 

How to Apply

Applications should consist of a CV accompanied by a covering letter addressing the criteria in the person specification.

If you are unable to apply online, please email your application to response.manager@berwickpartners.co.uk  

For an informal, confidential discussion, please contact Clare Bromley, Principal Researcher 

E: Clare.Bromley@berwickpartners.co.uk 

Closing Date for Applications: Friday 17 January 2025 5pm