Job Summary
The Executive Communications Lead and Speechwriter plays a critical role in helping the Executive Vice President for Research and Partnerships (EVPRP) communicate with internal and external stakeholders to advance Purdue’s strategic initiatives and critical research enterprise. The successful candidate will be able to navigate a myriad of topics and translate complicated material into clear, concise messages for briefs, speeches, articles, remarks, talking points, presentations, and other assets. This individual will provide direct support to the EVPRP and will work closely with the EVPRP’s leadership team, including the Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice President and the Director of Research Marketing and Communications on integrating products to ensure consistency of key messages across all communication. The Executive Communications Lead and Speechwriter will be a highly collaborative member of the Office of Research Marketing and Communications and will work with stakeholders across campus, including leadership, faculty, and staff members to strategize, develop, and distribute communications about Purdue’s research, partnerships, and impact.
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree in journalism, writing, English, or related field
- Eight (8) years of experience as a speechwriter for government, industry, higher education, or other related experience
- In lieu of a degree, consideration will be given to an equivalent combination of related education and required work experience
- Exceptional writing skills, sound judgment, and the ability to help shape and translate complicated, nuanced communication for a variety of audiences
- Ability to deliver products that engage, excite, and motivate audiences
- Proven ability to plan, prioritize, and execute communication products for the EVPRP’s complex calendar of engagements, delivering remarks, presentations, and other products well in advance of the event or opportunity
- Ability to work independently and use sound judgment in decision-making, including setting and managing priorities and meeting competing deadlines
- Prior experience conducting research and interviews to identify and develop content
- Creative problem-solving and collaboration skills
- Sound judgment and ability to maintain confidentiality
- Comfortable with accepting feedback and adapting to deliver the desired product
- Proficiency in word processing and MS PowerPoint
Preferred:
- Master’s degree or additional professional training and 10+ years experience
- Experience with organizational and mass communications or public relations support at the executive level
- Experience with preparing oral testimony and statements
Additional Information:
- This position requires the ability to be 100% on-site
- Submitting writing samples or a portfolio is a requirement of the position
- All new hires will be expected to follow Protect Purdue guidelines. To learn more, visit https://bit.ly/3DH3z6f
- To learn more about Purdue’s benefits summary https://bit.ly/3DJE9os
- Purdue will not sponsor employment authorization for this position
- A background check will be required for employment in this position
- FLSA: Exempt (Not Eligible For Overtime)
- Retirement Eligibility: Defined Contributions immediately
- Purdue University is an EOE/AA employer. All individuals, including minorities, women, individuals with disabilities, and veterans are encouraged to apply