COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST, ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER.

The University of Southern Mississippi is currently accepting applications for the position of Community Engagement Specialist, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center..

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Engagement Specialist is responsible for managing outreach, visibility, and relationship-building efforts for the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center (RHCJC). A key part of this role is oversight of the Center’s What Is True? program, which includes comprehensive mis- and disinformation investigations and the Ask Me What Is True? media literacy certification training. Based at the University of Southern Mississippi, the RHCJC is a grant-funded newsroom dedicated to delivering impactful, multi-platform journalism and fostering trust between news organizations and the communities they serve across Southeast Mississippi.
In addition, this position supervises undergraduate and graduate students, providing coaching and mentorship to ensure the production of accurate, ethical, and compelling storytelling across print, digital, audio, and broadcast platforms. The role requires a strategic and relationship-centered mindset to grow awareness, deepen trust, and strengthen the RHCJC’s reputation among media partners, community stakeholders, and the broader public.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Strong leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills to engage all audiences and build long-term partnerships.
• Excellent organizational and project management skills, with the ability to coordinate multiple initiatives and meet deadlines.
• Proficiency in media literacy principles, journalistic ethics, and digital engagement platforms (or the ability to learn quickly).
• Experience supervising or mentoring students, interns, or early-career professionals in a supportive learning environment.
• Ability to plan and deliver community events, workshops, and trainings that promote media literacy and public trust.
• Strong analytical skills to evaluate program outcomes and communicate impact effectively.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in mass communication or a related field.
Five (5) years of experience in media, teaching, or community engagement.
Demonstrated success in grant writing and/or program evaluation.
Experience building partnerships with schools, nonprofits, or community organizations.

• Lead the development, implementation, and evaluation of the What Is True? services, including fact-checking investigations, certification training, and related workshops for students, educators, and community groups.
• Create and execute outreach strategies to expand the Center’s visibility; build and maintain relationships with media outlets, civic leaders, schools, nonprofits, and community stakeholders.
• Serve as a representative of the Center at community events, conferences, and speaking engagements to promote its mission and programs.
• Supervise and coach undergraduate and graduate students, including graduate assistants. and interns, by assigning projects, reviewing work, and fostering professional readiness in ethical, multi-platform storytelling.
• Collaborate with the Center Director to recruit, onboard, and train student workers and interns while cultivating a supportive learning environment.
• Plan, coordinate, and evaluate community events, trainings, and public-facing activities that align with the Center’s mission.
• Assist with grant writing, fundraising, and program evaluation activities to sustain and expand media literacy and journalism programs.
• Support the Center Director and staff with special projects, reporting, and other responsibilities assigned.
  Minimum Qualifications
  Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public relations, marketing, English, journalism, mass communication, or a related field and three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in community relations, journalism, nonprofit management, media coaching, or a related field.