Director, Eugene S. Pulliam Center Contemporary Media

Witt Kieffer is proud to partner with DePauw University as it seeks the next Director of the Eugene S. Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media. Since its establishment in 1991, the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media has been a haven for students eager to immerse themselves in the realm of mass media. Dedicated to experiential learning, the Center features facilities that enable students and faculty to take a hands‑on approach to mass communication.

This inclusive space offers undergraduates opportunities to engage with any or all of the media and student organizations within the Pulliam Center, including radio, newspaper, television and film, podcasting, and literary magazine, or to use its facilities for personal and class projects. Here, every student, regardless of previous experience or field of study at DePauw, can explore media production in its many forms.

In 2000, the facility underwent a transformation and was renamed the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media. This renaming was a testament to the generosity of the Pulliam Family, renowned figures in the newspaper landscape, who bestowed a $5 million gift upon the Center. The Center's extensive resources are now devoted to nurturing a spectrum of student activities, including student radio, TV, and newspaper media, while serving as a catalyst for creativity, innovation, and the development of skills that enhance the education of all who enter its doors.

This leadership opportunity calls for a visionary who can clearly communicate and advance the Center's mission as a national leader in media literacy and experiential learning within a liberal arts setting. The Director will need to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, build strong relationships across campus and with external partners, and support innovative programs that prepare students to become creative, ethical, and engaged leaders in media, journalism, and marketing.

By utilizing the Center's resources and aligning its efforts with DePauw's Bold & Gold 2027 strategic plan, the Director will help expand the Center's influence and increase its value to the university and beyond. The next Director will have the opportunity to elevate the role of media in democracy and will strengthen partnerships between the Center and other campus units and professionals, enhancing appreciation for this important connection.

The ideal candidate for Director of the Pulliam Center for Contemporary Media (PCCM) will possess a distinguished blend of university and industry experience, holding at minimum a bachelor's degree from a four‑year institution, with advanced degrees (Ph.D., terminal degree, or Master’s) strongly preferred. With at least ten years of proven success in journalism, media, or marketing—either in academic or industry settings—the Director will demonstrate exceptional supervisory skills and a steadfast sense of accountability.

This leader excels in active listening and clear communication, fostering understanding among diverse stakeholders. Adaptability and creativity are essential, enabling effective collaboration and innovative problem‑solving in dynamic environments.

We invite you to view the complete leadership profile here.

For full consideration, candidate materials should be received by January 9, 2026
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All applications, nominations, and inquiries are invited. Applications should include, as two separate documents, a CV or resume and a letter of interest addressing the themes in this profile. Professional references are not requested at this time. Applications, nominations, and inquiries can be directed to:
Melody Rose, Ph.D. and Natalie Song at De Pauw Pu .