JOB DESCRIPTION. Head of Media I Deputy Heads of Media I Senior Lecturers/Lecturers I Administration Staff

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1 JOB DESCRIPTION 1. JOB TITLE: Lecturer in Journalism (HRMS/10142) 2. ROLE CODE: FINLEC 3. DEPARTMENT: Department of Media 4. ORGANISATION CHART: Head of Media I Deputy Heads of Media I Senior Lecturers/Lecturers I Administration Staff 5. JOB PURPOSE: The Department of Media wishes to appoint a Lecturer in Journalism to teach on a range of existing programmes and to contribute to the development of new programmes at both undergraduate and postgraduate levels. The successful candidate will be expected to teach both practical and theoretical aspects of journalism and have a good working knowledge of online media. Knowledge of media law would be an advantage. The role holder will also be expected to maintain their strong industry links, develop collaborative activities with industry partners, add to the department s research and knowledge exchange profile and enhance students employability prospects in the creative industries. 6. BACKGROUND INFORMATION: The Department of Media, incorporating the Northwest Media Centre, is a leading centre of teaching and learning in the field of media education. Its range of honours degree programmes is one of the longest established in Britain, having recruited its first students in 1975 and taught journalism since We are proud that the department continues to expand and flourish and this has been most recently recognised through the signing of a collaborative agreement in support of the BBC Connect and Create Partnership. We consider ourselves to be a creative department that reflects readily on industry developments across its academic and more practically oriented provision and one that produces independent, critical and creative individuals who could operate effectively across a range of media and non-media related careers. The department supports the teaching of more than 500 students through extensive and well-developed facilities at both its Warrington and Chester Campuses. There are 21 permanent lecturers, visiting lecturers who offer external teaching inputs from industry, 5 dedicated technicians and four administrative staff who contribute to a positive, productive and industry responsive atmosphere across our two delivery sites. The department s principal journalism facilities comprise three dedicated newsrooms at Chester, and two at Warrington.

2 The department offers a number of programmes across a range of related media disciplines including single and combined honours programmes in Journalism, TV and Radio Production, Advertising, Film Studies, Media Studies, Digital Photography and Commercial Music Production. The department also offers Masters programmes in Newspaper Journalism and Television Production. The Department is committed to developing a research culture the majority of existing staff being recognised as academics and/or media practitioners. This year we have attracted a number of small-scale Knowledge Transfer projects that have successfully generated income for the university and the department. We intend to build on this recent development through expanding the work of the department s outward facing production unit The Hotroom which provides a range of media services to local and regional businesses and non profit making organisations. 7. WORK PERFORMED AND/OR KEY RESULT AREAS: The Department of Media requires a dynamic and inspiring individual who can engage equally with colleagues and industry partners and enthuse and support students in their learning. Programmes within the department are based on the synergy of the practical and the academic and the appointed individual will have strengths that will further enhance this ethos. To support the development of the Media Department and the Northwest Media Centre applications are being sought from individuals with relevant expertise and experience who can contribute to the high quality of provision across the Media Department. The appointee will play an important role in helping to plan, enhance, support and develop the curriculum within the department, build on our ability to deliver successful Knowledge Transfer outcomes and extend our range of industry networks and partnerships for the benefit of the department and its students. Though the successful candidate may come from a traditional print or broadcast journalism background, applicants will be expected to have experience of working in a convergent journalism environment. It is anticipated that the post will be predominantly Warrington based in the first instance but travel between campuses will be expected. 7.1 Communication The successful candidate will be expected: To communicate effectively with colleagues and students to ensure effective delivery of the subject area. Provide timely and effective feedback to students and aspects of their work as appropriate. Devise and implement where possible innovative curriculum developments and delivery strategies leading to an enhanced teaching and learning experience for staff and students ensuring the maintenance of academic quality and standards.

3 Promote and evidence professional approaches and standards when dealing with external agencies and contacts in the development of industry contacts, links and partnerships. 7.2 Teamwork and Motivation As part of an established journalism team, the successful candidate will contribute to the positive working atmosphere in the media department in general and the journalism team in particular. He/she will lead and or contribute to teams responding to external briefs in respect of knowledge transfer/income generating project opportunities. 7.3 Liaison and Networking The successful candidate will be expected to: Foster collaboration with external contacts, networks and partnerships including educational bodies, employers and professional bodies. Identify and develop research and/or knowledge transfer initiatives and where possible foster collaboration with external agencies and generate income as appropriate. 7.4 Service Delivery The successful candidate will prepare and deliver effective teaching, learning opportunities and provide timely and relevant feedback to the students of your modules. 7.5 Decision Making The new post will contribute to the decision-making processes involved in effective delivery of the above services to students. Take pastoral responsibility for an agreed number of tutees and keep effective records of meeting recommending referral to institutional support where necessary. 7.6 Planning and Organising Resources The successful candidate will plan alongside colleagues effective delivery strategies understanding the resource implications of these decisions. 7.7 Initiative and Problem Solving Supported by the journalism team and the wider department structures, the successful candidate will to respond to issues both programme/subject related and pastoral. 7.8 Analysis and Research To undertake subject specific scholarship and research as appropriate.

4 7.9 Sensory and Physical Demands Standard office environment and equipment reflecting the needs of the classroom, studio, field and placement activities as appropriate Work Environment The role holder will work in news and lecture rooms. Travel between Chester and Warrington sites will be required. Further off site working may be appropriate e.g. industry networking and formal and informal partnership meetings. The role holder will be responsible for the health and safety of students in their immediate working environment, reporting any health and safety concerns to the Head of Department Pastoral Care and Welfare The role holder will undertake Personal Academic Tutor (PAT) duties. This role will require the tutor to meet regularly with students, keep accurate records of meetings and refer students to relevant institutional support where necessary Team Development The post holder will be required to take part in the department s annual staff development processes, including Performance Development Review (PDR) and the department s peer observation processes. Attendance at the university s formal induction event is required and a relevant mentor will be identified to support new staff in post Teaching and Learning Support The role holder will be expected: To design inductions to modules and programmes for students, adapting delivery to suit learners needs To design and deliver one off lectures or workshops as required, providing feedback on performance To develop and design course content and materials, ensuring compliance with the quality standards and regulations of the University and department. Develop and research own teaching materials, methods and approaches with guidance and ensure that content, methods of delivery and learning materials meet defined learning objectives. To conduct seminars and tutorials, introducing new methods of delivery where required. To assess students overall performance, through setting/ marking programme work, practical sessions, supervisions, fieldwork and examinations, providing appropriate feedback to students. To challenge thinking, foster debate and develop the ability of students to engage in critical discourse and rational thinking. To supervise the work of students, provide advice on study skills and help them with learning problems Knowledge and Experience See person specification below.

5 7.15 General To undertake any other duties commensurate with your grade, and/or hours of work, as may reasonably be required of you To take responsibility for upholding and complying with the University s Equality and Diversity policies and for behaving in ways that are consistent with fair and equal treatment for all To comply with all University Health and Safety policies.

6 PERSON SPECIFICATION Job Title & Department: Lecturer in Journalism, Department of Media. Criteria Qualifications: Good honours degree preferably in a relevant area A higher degree and/or doctorate in appropriate specialism. Relevant professional qualification(s) and/or membership of professional body (e.g. Higher Education Academy, NCTJ) OR Method identification application interview, test) of (i.e. form, Selection Panel use this section to match your skills and abilities to the criteria outlined Form Form Form Proven Experience: Recent and relevant HE teaching experience at undergraduate and postgraduate levels Relevant print or broadcast experience in journalism Understanding and experience of working in a convergent journalism environment / Presentation / Presentation form/interview

7 Knowledge, skills and abilities: A broad knowledge of journalism working practices and applications. Academic knowledge of journalism/media theory Knowledge of media law. A readiness to work collaboratively with existing and identify new national, regional and local partnership opportunities Evidence of ability to consult, lead and work as part of a closely-knit and collegial team Ability to contribute to the research and knowledge exchange aspects of the department s work Ability to enhance students employability prospects in the creative industries. Form/interview Form/interview Other Attributes: Respect for diverse perspectives of students and colleagues and their relation to research, teaching and the student experience Excellent communication and interpersonal skills and high level of computer literacy Ability to expedite multiple administrative tasks to deadline in a complex environment. Interview Interview Requirements are those, without which, a candidate would not be able to do the job. Applicants who have not clearly demonstrated in their application that they possess the essential requirements will normally be rejected at the shortlisting stage. Requirements are those that would be useful for the post holder to possess and will be considered when more than one applicant meets the essential requirements.

8 SALARY SCALE TSR 3, points 31 34, 30,870-33,734 per annum. UNIVERSITY OF CHESTER TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT DEPARTMENT OF MEDIA LECTURER IN JOURNALISM CONDITIONS OF APPOINTMENT Permanent contracts will be offered to those candidates who possess both a higher degree and a postgraduate teaching qualification/higher Education Academy membership. A successful candidate who lacks either will be offered a fixed term contract, pending fulfilment of these conditions. RESIDENCE REQUIREMENT It is a requirement of this post that within 12 months of appointment, the post-holder should live within a 30 mile radius or within a one hour travelling time by public transport from the University. HOLIDAY ENTITLEMENT 35 days per annum (pro-rata during the commencement and cessation years). Two extra statutory days during the Christmas period. MEDICAL EXAMINATION The successful candidate will be required to complete an Occupational Health Questionnaire and will also be required to undergo a medical examination. ESSENTIAL CERTIFICATES Short-listed candidates will be asked to bring to interview, proof of qualification as outlined on the Job Description and Person Specification provided. Upon appointment, copies of essential certificates will be required by HRM Services. CRB CHECKS The successful applicant will have to undergo a CRB check before an appointment can be made. PENSION SCHEME The University is an admitted body to the Teachers Pension Scheme. All academic staff are eligible for membership of the scheme, and upon appointment, will be asked to indicate whether or not they wish to join the scheme. EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES The University has a policy of equal opportunity aimed at treating all applicants for employment fairly. SMOKING POLICY The University operates a No-Smoking policy. PROBATIONARY PERIOD A nine months' probationary period applies to all Academic posts. CLOSING DATE Completed application forms should be returned to HRM Services, University of Chester, Parkgate Road, Chester, CH1 4BJ, no later than 12 noon on Thursday 20 th October 2011, quoting reference number HRMS/10142.