Director, Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project – University of Florida

The University of Florida College of Journalism and Communications seeks a dynamic, forward-looking leader to direct the next era of our preeminent program focused on supporting freedom of the press and the values of open government. The project is part of the Brechner Center for Advancement of the First Amendment, which concentrates on legal and policy issues affecting First Amendment speech and press freedoms.

The Joseph L. Brechner Freedom of Information Project is dedicated to protecting a robust, uninhibited marketplace of ideas and exploring what access to public information looks like in the digital age. The Project takes particular interest in the issue of press freedom, recognizing that laws or policies that unduly limit information access impinge on the press’s ability to exercise its First Amendment rights and its duty to support an informed citizenry.

We are seeking an expert and advocate to work closely with partners on and off campus on programs to foster open government and participatory democracy through education and promotion of information access laws and policies. The director will:

• Be a leading voice in the public, with the press and with government officials about the value of open government, access to information, and the important role that the free flow of information plays in a representative democracy.
• Monitor developments in freedom of information issues at all government levels. Curate and/or conduct high-profile thought leadership, research and public accountability publications on issues that underscore the importance of information freedom.
• Provide clear, current and useful information in response to inquiries about access issues.
• Develop expertise in issues of information access in the context of the contemporary digital ecosystem, including the challenges of using data science for information collection and analysis.
• Be an advocate to support equity in access to information regardless of demographic, sociographic, economic resources or lived experience.
• Support the work of state and local press organizations seeking expertise and resources to help in accessing public information and protecting the right to publication.

The Director will work closely with Brechner Eminent Scholar in Mass Communication who directs the Marion B. Brechner First Amendment Project, a joint faculty position with the UF Levin College of Law, whose effort forms the second pillar of the Brechner Center for Advancement of the First Amendment.

The director will oversee several endowments and have the ability to shape the Center’s mission by developing innovative and original ideas for programs, research and education. The director will supervise and mentor students, consultants and staff participating in each of these activities. We are seeking a candidate with the ability to travel in this role attending national and global conferences and symposia related to these issues and who will ensure the profile and visibility of the Brechner Center and UF are integral in discussions of issues related to the First Amendment and an informed and engaged citizenry. The Project will also collaborate closely with the Consortium on Trust in Media and Technology (trust.jou.ufl.edu) and participate in other College programs.

We are seeking candidates with demonstrated success in this arena or whose experiences demonstrate a clear path to future success via this approach. Ideally, candidates will hold a J.D./L.L.B. with professional experience as an attorney practicing in the areas of communication or media law, or have similar experience and credentials in advocacy organizations on First Amendment or freedom of information issues. Candidates should hold at least a bachelor’s degree or equivalent and have 6-8 years of professional experience in a media or advocacy organization. We are seeking someone who is a thought leader, collaborator, administrator and strong manager but who also has the capacity and willingness to be hands-on with program execution when needed. This is a 12-month TEAMS staff position at the University of Florida in Gainesville.

Apply here.