Director, Communications
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 Indiana Economic Development Corporation:
Bring your biggest and boldest ideas to life as an employee of the IEDC. We are a fast-paced and forward-thinking team charged with pursuing economic development opportunities for current and future Hoosiers in our state and around the world. Our culture embodies the spirit of being bold and working collaboratively to create the economy of the future.
The IEDC is organized as a public private partnership led by the Secretary of Commerce and governed by a board chaired by the Governor of Indiana.
Be sure to review our comprehensive benefits package offerings below!
The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognized as one of the 2023 and 2024 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.
Role Overview:
The Director, Communications, a key part of the Marketing and Communications team, will lead the communications strategy and execution for key programs and initiatives within the IEDC as we work to tell the Indiana story in a compelling and exciting way that engages stakeholders. This position reports directly to the VP of Strategic External Communications and requires extensive cross-functional collaboration. The ideal candidate will be entrepreneurial, with direct experience managing media relations and building and executing stakeholder engagement strategies that delivered verified results.
Salary Statement:
The salary range for this position is $80,000 - $85,000 annually.
A Day in the Life:
- Develop and execute communication and content strategies for key IEDC programs, events and initiatives across multiple delivery channels including international support.
- Collaborate with marketing and sales enablement on the development of content for external marketing campaigns and collateral.
- Serve as liaison between IEDC, Indiana businesses and Governor’s office on planning, supporting and staffing economic development-related events for the Governor, Secretary of Commerce and other IEDC leadership.
- Proactively propose new communications strategies to support major agency priorities and initiatives.
- Implement proactive and reactive communications strategies, ensuring researched and accurate media responses, gathering background and data for inquiries or proactive strategies, drafting quotes and statements, and assisting internal leadership in preparation for speaking engagements for IEDC principals, such as SOC, Executive Director and other leadership.
- Work collaboratively with external companies, organizations and executive agencies to plan and coordinate public announcements and events that promote the IEDC’s economic development efforts, i.e. jobs announcements, groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings, industry-focused events.
- Support communications team by writing, editing and approving various types of content including:
a. Speeches and talking points for Commerce and IEDC leadership
b. Press releases
c. Editorials
d. Thought leadership pieces
- Stay apprised of industry data and trends, business rankings and economic development efforts to support communications strategies.
- Actively support media relations efforts, primarily through content creation focused on driving increases in earned media.
- Own content development on specific areas of IEDC website and related microsites such as those related to READI and other IEDC initiatives.
What You'll Need for Success:
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, digital communications and marketing, or related field.
Experience:
- 8-10 years of experience in marketing, communications, content creation or related field
- Experience in both public and private sector is preferred
- Social media strategy and content creation experience
- Strong project management experience required
- Experience in earned media and interview/script preparation
Knowledge of:
- Relevant industry trends
- Public affairs relative to economic development
- Indiana’s political, government and private sector landscapes and key players
- News media, news structure and ethics, journalistic techniques, terminology and AP Style
Ability to:
- Excel in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented team environment
- Effectively communicate information and ideas to multiple audiences
- Maintain confidentiality
- Be comfortable working directly with senior leadership
- Occasionally travel to various locations around the state
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
- Flexible work scheduling options, including the potential for hybrid remote work for employees whose work may be performed outside state facilities
- Deferred compensation 457B account (similar to 401k 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:
- 160 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
- Up to 16 hours of paid community service leave
- Combined 192 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
