Chief Public Relations Officer

Indiana State University
Terre Haute
9+ years
Marketing
Full-time

Job Description

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) is a senior executive leader who will guide the university’s strategic voice, enhance public perception, and build broad-based engagement across local, state, and national platforms. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the CPRO will play a pivotal role in defining how Indiana State presents its priorities, impact, and identity to all constituents.

The successful candidate will possess the foresight, integrity, and executive judgment to represent the University in complex, high-stakes environments. As steward of the University’s reputation, the CPRO will develop long-range strategies to expand visibility, cultivate public confidence, and inspire institutional pride among internal and external audiences alike.

 

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Public Affairs, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.

A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in public relations, media affairs, or strategic communication, preferably in higher education, government, or mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrated expertise in developing narrative strategies and leading external relations at an executive level.
Proven success managing public perception and media engagement, including in high-pressure or crisis environments.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of tone, clarity, and storytelling for diverse audiences.
Experience working closely with senior executives and serving as a trusted advisor in complex institutional settings.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage competing priorities, and drive results in a dynamic environment.

Company Information

Indiana State University is a Tier 2 national University with a Carnegie classification of doctoral/research. Nationally ranked and accredited, we are in Terre Haute, IN and have been recognized by the Princeton Review and the Wall Street Journal among the best universities in the Midwest. Indiana State is one of the most diverse college campuses in Indiana and home to a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff representing nearly every U.S. state and 36 countries around the world.

Our beautiful, active, pedestrian-friendly campus is located within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and activities in Terre Haute’s historic downtown district. Situated near the

Indiana-Illinois border, we are located 70 miles southwest of Indianapolis and within a few hours of major metropolitan centers in St. Louis, Chicago, and Louisville. On campus, there are 160 student-run organizations, an expansive Student Recreation Center, a Performing Arts Series, and University Speakers Series, among other attractions. Indiana State Athletics, known as the “Fighting Sycamores,” fields 15 NCAA Division I athletic teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Ranked nationally for social mobility, Indiana State University transforms the lives of our students through experiential learning, community engagement, and career readiness, serving as a dynamic educational partner for businesses and industries throughout the Midwest. Our faculty provide instruction in small class sizes that provide opportunities for personalized instruction and feedback. Indiana State supports and recognizes faculty research and scholarship, providing an internal grants resource pool and other forms of support, and awarding faculty research honors each spring. Indiana State University is a place of belonging where students, faculty, and staff learn, thrive, and grow together.

Indiana State is a place of belonging where students, faculty, and staff learn and thrive together. Join our Sycamore family!

Indiana State University is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our employment application process.

Chief Public Relations Officer

Indiana State University
Terre Haute
9+ years
Marketing
Full-time

Job Description

The Chief Public Relations Officer (CPRO) is a senior executive leader who will guide the university’s strategic voice, enhance public perception, and build broad-based engagement across local, state, and national platforms. Reporting directly to the President and serving on the President’s Cabinet, the CPRO will play a pivotal role in defining how Indiana State presents its priorities, impact, and identity to all constituents.

The successful candidate will possess the foresight, integrity, and executive judgment to represent the University in complex, high-stakes environments. As steward of the University’s reputation, the CPRO will develop long-range strategies to expand visibility, cultivate public confidence, and inspire institutional pride among internal and external audiences alike.

 

Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Strategic Communications, Public Affairs, or a related discipline required; Master’s degree preferred.

A minimum of 10 years of progressive leadership experience in public relations, media affairs, or strategic communication, preferably in higher education, government, or mission-driven organizations.
Demonstrated expertise in developing narrative strategies and leading external relations at an executive level.
Proven success managing public perception and media engagement, including in high-pressure or crisis environments.
Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, with a strong command of tone, clarity, and storytelling for diverse audiences.
Experience working closely with senior executives and serving as a trusted advisor in complex institutional settings.
Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams, manage competing priorities, and drive results in a dynamic environment.

Company Information

Indiana State University is a Tier 2 national University with a Carnegie classification of doctoral/research. Nationally ranked and accredited, we are in Terre Haute, IN and have been recognized by the Princeton Review and the Wall Street Journal among the best universities in the Midwest. Indiana State is one of the most diverse college campuses in Indiana and home to a welcoming community of students, faculty, and staff representing nearly every U.S. state and 36 countries around the world.

Our beautiful, active, pedestrian-friendly campus is located within walking distance of local shops, restaurants, and activities in Terre Haute’s historic downtown district. Situated near the

Indiana-Illinois border, we are located 70 miles southwest of Indianapolis and within a few hours of major metropolitan centers in St. Louis, Chicago, and Louisville. On campus, there are 160 student-run organizations, an expansive Student Recreation Center, a Performing Arts Series, and University Speakers Series, among other attractions. Indiana State Athletics, known as the “Fighting Sycamores,” fields 15 NCAA Division I athletic teams in the Missouri Valley Conference.

Ranked nationally for social mobility, Indiana State University transforms the lives of our students through experiential learning, community engagement, and career readiness, serving as a dynamic educational partner for businesses and industries throughout the Midwest. Our faculty provide instruction in small class sizes that provide opportunities for personalized instruction and feedback. Indiana State supports and recognizes faculty research and scholarship, providing an internal grants resource pool and other forms of support, and awarding faculty research honors each spring. Indiana State University is a place of belonging where students, faculty, and staff learn, thrive, and grow together.

Indiana State is a place of belonging where students, faculty, and staff learn and thrive together. Join our Sycamore family!

Indiana State University is an equal opportunity employer, and we are committed to providing reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our employment application process.

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