Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations Job at Indiana Economic Develo

Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations

Join to apply for the Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations role at Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

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Join to apply for the Senior Manager, Communications & Public Relations role at Indiana Economic Development Corporation.

This range is provided by Indiana Economic Development Corporation. Your actual pay will be based on your skills and experience — talk with your recruiter to learn more.

$71,802.00/yr - $78,000.00/yr

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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.

The Indiana Economic Development Corporation has been recognized as one of the 2023, 2024, and 2025 Top Workplaces by Indianapolis Star.

Role Overview

The Senior Manager of Communications & Public Relations assists in developing, managing, and executing integrated communication strategies that elevate the agency’s mission, brand, and economic development initiatives. This role oversees public relations activities, media engagement, proactive storytelling, crisis communication, and internal communication support. The Senior Manager ensures consistent, accurate, and compelling messaging aligned with executive priorities and supports public trust and stakeholder confidence.

Salary Statement

The salary range for this position is $71,802 - $78,000 annually.

A Day in the Life

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications and public relations strategies that support agency goals.
• Craft clear, compelling content including press releases, speeches, talking points, media statements, and briefing materials.
• Ensure message consistency across platforms and audiences.
• Provide strategic communications support to the Comms team and agency leadership.
• Work in lockstep with the team to align on the shared messaging across the IEDC, ensuring approvals from leadership, the Secretary of Commerce and Governor’s office.
• Stay appraised of the State, IEDC and Secretary of Commerce news to share in a consistent method to leverage the social effect.

Public Relations & Media Engagement

• Serve as a primary point of contact for media inquiries.
• Build and maintain relationships with journalists and media outlets.
• Monitor news cycles for proactive storytelling opportunities or issues requiring response.
• Lead development and execution of press conferences and public announcements.

Content Development & Storytelling

• Assist in creation of high‑quality content highlighting agency programs and statewide impact.
• Manage editorial calendars and coordinate content across print, digital, and social platforms.
• Partner with digital media staff to ensure integrated content strategies.

Crisis & Issues Management

• Support development and execution of crisis communication strategies.
• Prepare scenario‑based messaging, FAQs, and leadership talking points.
• Track and elevate emerging issues requiring rapid communication response.

Internal Communications

• Assist with internal communication plans enhancing employee awareness and engagement.
• Draft agency‑wide messages, internal announcements, and leadership updates.

Project Management

• Manage communication projects from concept through delivery.
• Provide direction to communication staff, contractors, or interns as applicable.
• Collaborate across legal, operations, policy, and executive teams.

What You’ll Need for Success

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Public Affairs, or related field.
• Dedication to ongoing continuing education and growth mindset.

Experience

• 5–7+ years of experience in communications, PR, media relations, or related fields.
• Proven ability to develop communications strategies and manage sensitive or complex issues.
• Experience working directly with media outlets.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast‑paced environment.
• Strong judgment and discretion with confidential matters.
• Experience in government, public sector, economic development, or legislative environments preferred.
• Crisis communications experience.
• Familiarity with digital content strategy and analytics.

Ability to

• Work in a fast‑paced office environment with occasional in‑state travel as necessary.
• Execute multiple projects simultaneously at a high level within tight deadlines.
• Exercise tact and diplomacy when dealing with internal and external stakeholders.
• Interact and communicate effectively orally and in writing.
• Collaborate with other IEDC staff members, other government agencies, economic development organizations and businesses.
• Work some evenings or weekends during major announcements or urgent issues.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana

• 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:
  • 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
• 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

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.

Seniority level

Associate

Employment type

Full-time

Job function

Marketing

Industry

Public Relations and Communications Services

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