News Center Director Job at Purdue University in Fort Wayne

Join Purdue University Fort Wayne (PFW):

We are currently seeking a full-time onsite News Center Director in the Office of Strategic Communications. The News Center Director primary responsibility is to generate compelling and timely content for the university’s online News Center, its newsletters, and other official internal and external communications. The pay for this position is $73,000.00 annually.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Working closely with, and reporting to, the Senior Director of Media Relations under the guidance of the Vice Chancellor for Strategic Communications, support the development and implementation of communications strategies and activities for assigned areas and projects that promote and advance the university’s visibility and reputation internally and externally.


• Enthusiastically seek out topics and identify internal sources to help tell PFW’s many stories of impact.


• Serve as the primary source of content for PFW’s highly visible online News Center, which is syndicated across the university’s website, as well as internal newsletters for faculty, staff, and students.


• Work collaboratively with colleagues in the Office of Strategic Communications to coordinate necessary assets such as photography, video, and graphics to ensure relevant and fresh content that reflects positively on the university.


• Identify, cultivate, and write content that conveys the reach and impact of the university’s academic units. Coordinate closely with key stakeholders to set priorities and expectations, grow opportunities, identify subject matter experts, respond to media inquiries, and ensure consistency and continuity of overall messaging.


• Develop and maintain a reliable stable of go-to sources.


• In coordination with the Senior Director of Media Relations, package, produce, and pitch stories that advance the university’s strategic priorities.


• As needed, facilitate interviews with faculty, staff, and administrators; manage a range of logistics for media to ensure successful outcomes; and serve as an official university spokesperson.


• Serve as backup and university spokesperson in the absence of the Senior Director of Media Relations.


• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in journalism, communications, liberal arts, business, or related field.


• 7 years of relevant communications/media experience, supported by portfolio.


• Must possess exceptional oral and written communications talent and skill, as well as strong organizational skills, with ability to think strategically and purposefully.


• The position sometimes requires presence and commitment before 8 a.m., after 5 p.m., and on weekends, both on and off campus.


• Some local and regional travel may be required for meetings, events, and conferences.


• A willingness to regularly collaborate with colleagues in the Office of Strategic Communications, senior administrators, and/or perform key work tasks in off-hours or off-location conditions to execute special projects or critical communications as conditions may demand.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency in the writing, shooting, and editing of high-quality video packages.


• Previous experience working in professional media organization.


• Proven ability to conceive, pitch, and place stories in local, regional, and national media.


• Free tuition through Purdue University Global.


• Fee remission for a traditional Purdue degree for yourself, your spouse, and your child(ren).


• Insurance starts on first day of employment.


• Generous Paid Time Off – additional PTO in December.


• Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position.


• Resumes and cover letters that contain portraits or personal information are not permitted.


• A background and a misconduct check are required for employment in this position.


• A Motor Vehicle Records check will be required for this position.

Purdue Fort Wayne is an EEO/AA employer.