Communications Director
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH):
The Indiana Department of Health’s mission is to promote, protect, and improve the health and safety of all Hoosiers so that they can reach their optimal health regardless of where they live, learn, work, or play.
Role Overview:
In this role you will oversee the daily operations of the Indiana Department of Health’s Office of Public Affairs in collaboration with the Chief Communications Officer. You will coordinate all communications special projects, serving as a strategist and technical advisor to all agency programs and utilize education, professional expertise, consultation, cooperative programming and coordination to accomplish agency and administration goals. Specific duties include working daily with the Office of Public Affairs (OPA) staff, including the graphic designer, social media coordinator and multimedia coordinator.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $75,010.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
- Works daily with Office of Public Affairs (OPA) staff, including graphic designer social media coordinator and multimedia coordinator.
- Develops and disseminates critical communications regarding agency priorities and outbreaks, ensuring that messaging is distributed in a timely manner in all messaging formats
- Serves as communications leader for outbreaks and directs communication strategy in consultation with Chief Communications Officer
- Serves as point person for bulk message system
- Formulates, establishes, interprets, compiles and disseminates to applicable agencies and groups all relevant communications;
- Identifies target populations in need of communications and works with program experts to develop messaging materials and strategies.
- Reviews all incoming and outgoing communications for compliance with agency and state policies and priorities in consultation with Chief Communications Officer;
- Serves as quality control reviewer for agency grant applications to ensure quality and completeness prior to submission
- Works with other OPA staff to coordinate communications to IDOH staff
- Develops, reviews and approves all agency newsletters and works with programs to ensure content is current, relevant and aligns with agency policies and priorities
- Acts as technical consultant to the entire agency, reviewing all communications, advising program areas on proper protocols, assessing messaging needs and coaching staff for interactions with external stakeholders, including media;
- Serves as a liaison between agency and governor’s office and other state agencies at direction of Chief Communications Officer;
- Assists Chief Communications Officer in evaluating all agency communications needs;
- Coordinates responses to external stakeholders, including legislators and media, in consultation with Chief Communications Officer and Director Legislative & External Affairs
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
- Demonstrates strong leadership and management skills and proven success at performance management;
- Establishes program goals, priorities and methodology;
- Shows history of budget and project management to ensure accountability and best use of funds;
- Maintains extensive knowledge of agency program areas and priorities;
- Exhibits extensive knowledge of communications best practices, including public records laws, Open Door laws, HIPAA and other federal and state laws governing agency programs;
- Demonstrates extensive knowledge of media landscape
- Develops and maintains extensive knowledge of the organization of the agency and of state and federal agencies dealing with agency programs;
- Able to comprehend, analyze, interpret and correlate very technical material and make it easily understandable to lay people and make recommendations on best ways to implement for agency’s benefit with internal and external stakeholders;
- Able to proactively recognize far-reaching implications of agency activities, principles and policies and develop strategies to ensure agency activities are conveyed clearly and effectively;
- Able to communicate clearly orally and in writing, especially in high-pressure situations;
- Able to maintain effective working relationships with local, state and federal partners
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
- Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
- Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
- Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
- Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
- Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
- A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
- 150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
- 12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
- Education Reimbursement Program
- Group life insurance
- Referral Bonus program
- Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
- Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
- Free Parking for most positions
- Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
Nearest Major Market: Indianapolis
