Executive Director

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 the 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.

This is a unique opportunity to lead the Center through its next phase—transitioning from a successful startup into an established, influential institution. The Executive Director will oversee a growing team, develop and manage multimillion-dollar budgets and grant portfolios, cultivate strategic partnerships, launch and oversee ambitious programming, and lead fundraising efforts that match the urgency of the Center’s work in defending and advancing pro-democracy journalism.

The Executive Director is a strategic builder and operational thought leader who thrives in collaborative partnerships and dynamic environments. The ideal candidate has a track record of developing teams, scaling programs, and navigating complex systems—whether in higher education, media, or philanthropy. The successful candidate will be someone passionate about journalism, democracy, and racial equity, and ready to help shape the next chapter of the Center’s national impact.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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 deeperening of the Center’s network of collaborators, institutions, and allies.

• 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.

Washington, D.C.

DRiWaterstone is proud to lead this search on behalf of the Center for Journalism & Democracy at Howard University. For more information on how to apply, please visit: