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Assistant Professor in Indigenous Journalism

Last updated: October 20, 2023, 10:41 a.m.

Job title: Assistant Professor, Indigenous Journalism
Position code: 23_T_JOUR_M
Date posted: October 20, 2023
Application deadline: November 30, 2023
Advertised until: Position is filled

Position description

The Department of Journalism in the Faculty of Arts and Science at Concordia University invites applications for a tenure-track position in Indigenous Journalism at the rank of Assistant Professor. Exceptional candidates at the Associate level may also be considered. As part of the Department’s commitment to respond to the Calls to Action from the Truth and Reconciliation Commission and the university’s Indigenous Directions Action Plan, this position combines next generation journalism with a focus on decolonizing journalism practice. We are seeking candidates who are practitioners-teachers-scholars in Indigenous journalism. The successful candidate will lead a research program centered on Indigenous journalism, examining ways in which journalism and journalism education can be decolonized, focusing on the inclusion of Indigenous voices. The successful candidate will develop courses and supervise students in these areas, to further the Department’s efforts in inclusive and conciliatory journalism practices. Duties include research, teaching at both the graduate and undergraduate levels, and service to the institution. 

Qualifications and assets

Candidates must have completed a Master’s Degree in Journalism or Indigenous Education or a related field by the start date of the appointment. Candidates will need to demonstrate evidence of teaching effectiveness and strong potential for impactful research in Indigenous journalism and journalism education. Qualified candidates must possess strong professional and contemporary journalism credentials. They will have competencies with a range of digital journalism platforms and tools and be able to develop and teach a range of classes in their areas of expertise, including classes on Indigenous journalism. Preference will be given to candidates who have strong audio and/or visual journalism skills. They must provide evidence of an evolving research program in Indigenous journalism and journalism education or professional outputs in journalism studies, and be driven to be a leader in the field of journalism while contributing to the academic and administrative life of the Department. 

The main criteria for selection are scholarly and teaching excellence. The successful candidate will provide evidence of high-quality scholarly output that demonstrates potential for independent research leading to peer assessed publications and the securing of external research funding, as well as strong potential for outstanding teaching contributions at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. Candidates are encouraged to share any career interruptions or personal circumstances that may have had an impact on their career goals in their letter of application. These will be carefully considered in the assessment process. The Department values diversity among its faculty and strongly encourages applications from women and members of underrepresented groups. Concordia University is an English-language institution of higher learning at which the primary language of instruction and research is English. Since this position supports academic functions of the university, proficiency in English is required. Working knowledge of French, including reading and grading student work in French, is an asset.

How to apply

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however Canadians and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applicants must include one of the following statements: 

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada 

or 

No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada

Application packages  should be addressed to Dr. Andrea Hunter, Chair of the Department of Journalism, and must include the following items in the given order as a single .pdf document: a cover letter clearly identifying the title and position code [23_T_JOUR_M], a detailed curriculum vitae, evidence of teaching effectiveness (e.g. statement of teaching philosophy and interests, teaching evaluations, supporting materials such as course syllabi), a research statement that describes research endeavours and approach to a research program centered on Indigenous journalism, and contact information for three referees who are prepared to submit letters of reference. Applications should be submitted electronically to Donna Stewart, Department Administrator, at donna.stewart@concordia.ca, with the subject heading Tenure-Track Application in Indigenous Journalism, by November 30, 2023, but will continue to be reviewed until the position is filled. Only short-listed candidates will be notified. The appointment is expected to commence in August 2024.

Concordia University is strongly committed to building a diverse, equitable, and inclusive community, and recognizes the importance of inclusion in achieving excellence in teaching and research. As part of this commitment to providing our students with the dynamic, innovative, and inclusive educational environment of a Next‐Generation University, we require all applicants to articulate in their cover letter how their background, as well as lived and professional experiences and expertise have prepared them to teach in ways that are relevant for a diverse, multicultural contemporary Canadian society. 

Possible examples to demonstrate a diverse experience may include, but are not limited to: 

• teaching about underrepresented populations 

• mentoring students from underrepresented backgrounds 

• committee work 

• offering or organizing educational programming 

• participation in training and workshops 

All applicants will receive an email invitation to complete a short equity survey. Participation in the survey is voluntary and no identifying information about candidates will be shared with hiring committees. Candidates who wish to self-identify as a member of an underrepresented group to the hiring committee may do so in their cover letter or by writing directly to the contact person indicated in this posting.

Adaptive measures

Applicants who anticipate requiring adaptive measures throughout any stage of the recruitment process may contact, in confidence, Anna Barrafato, Accessibility Change Lead: anna.barrafato@concordia.ca or by phone at 514-848-2424 extension 3511.

The Department of Journalism has been at the forefront of training skilled journalists who think critically about the profession and society for over 45 years. The faculty and staff are committed to serving the profession by producing scholarship, criticism, and commentary on journalism. Our graduates are nationally recognized journalists striving to fight injustice in a world awash with misinformation. They are known for their intelligence and rigour. We offer five programs: an undergraduate major in journalism program, an undergraduate minor in science journalism, two graduate diplomas, and an MA in Digital Innovation in Journalism Studies. Candidates are encouraged to visit our departmental website for additional information concerning our programs and priorities: https://www.concordia.ca/artsci/journalism.html  

The Faculty of Arts and Science was created in July 1977 through the merger of the former Loyola Faculty of Arts and Science, the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Arts, and the former Sir George Williams Faculty of Science.

The Faculty consists of 27 academic departments, colleges, institutes, and schools as well as more than 20 research centres. The Faculty is committed to responsible and innovative leadership in developing and disseminating knowledge and values and encouraging constructive social criticism. We achieve these objectives through inclusive and accessible academic programs which stress a broad-based, interdisciplinary approach to learning. We are dedicated to superior teaching and research supported by excellence in scholarship and creative activity, and a tradition of service to the community. The Faculty serves many interdependent academic communities in an urban environment where students and faculty can pursue their shared commitment to lifelong learning. For more about the Faculty of Arts and Science, please visit: www.concordia.ca/artsci.

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, on the traditional lands and waters of the Kanien’kehá:ka Nation, is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

 Building on the skills of our faculty and the strengths of Indigenous, local, and global partnerships, we set our sights further and more broadly than others and align the quality of learning opportunities to larger trends and substantial challenges facing society.

 “Concordia is a young, forward-looking university. It’s a unique place where experimentation, innovation and creativity are truly valued. Our community of students, faculty, staff and alumni all contribute to our momentum as Canada’s next-gen university.” — Concordia President Graham Carr.

Profoundly global, Concordia is North America’s top university under the age of 50 and is recognized for attracting some of the most talented faculty and students from around the world. Driven by ambition, innovation and a commitment to reconciliation, research and community engagement, Concordia is celebrated for advancing transformative learning, convergent thinking and public impact.

Tiohtià:ke/Montreal, is exceptional; safe, vibrant and diverse, with new things to discover around every corner. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather and conduct our activities. With a population of 1.7 million, Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is home to four major universities and several clinical research centres and has been named the best student city in the world. It offers the most affordable tuition in Canada.

The city enjoys a thriving multicultural scene. Bilingualism is a part of Montreal’s tradition and adds to its inspiring atmosphere. While supporting a significant anglophone population, it is the one of the largest French-speaking cities in the world.

Montreal is famed for its innovative culinary scene and festivals. It was also the first metropolis to be designated a UNESCO City of Design by the Global Alliance for Cultural Diversity.

The city is recognized globally as an important centre for commerce, aerospace, transport, finance, pharmaceuticals, technology, design, gaming and film.

Territorial Acknowledgement

Concordia University is located on unceded Indigenous lands. The Kanien’kehá:ka Nation is recognized as the custodians of the lands and waters on which we gather today. Tiohtià:ke/Montreal is historically known as a gathering place for many First Nations. Today, it is home to a diverse population of Indigenous and other peoples. We respect the continued connections with the past, present and future in our ongoing relationships with Indigenous and other peoples within the Montreal community.

Employment Equity

Concordia University is strongly committed to employment equity within its community, and to recruiting a diverse faculty and staff. The University encourages applications from all qualified candidates, including women, members of visible minorities, Indigenous persons, members of sexual minorities, persons with disabilities, and others who may contribute to diversification; candidates are invited to self-identify in their applications.

Immigration Status

All qualified candidates are encouraged to apply; however, Canadian and Permanent Residents will be given priority. To comply with the Government of Canada’s reporting requirements, the University is obliged to gather information about applicants’ status as either Permanent Residents of Canada or Canadian citizens. While applicants need not identify their country of origin or current citizenship, all applications must include one of the following statements: 

Yes, I am a citizen or permanent resident of Canada 
or
No, I am not a citizen or permanent resident of Canada.

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