Indiana University
Director of Strategic Communications (Communications Leader)
Indiana University, Bloomington, Indiana, United States, 47401
Overview
Director of Strategic Communications (Communications Leader) role at Indiana University. The Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC) at IU advances inclusion and quality of life for people with disabilities across the lifespan. IIDC provides research, training, technical assistance, and resource development; aims to align with IU standards and policies. The Director of Strategic Communications provides vision, leadership, and oversight for communications and public engagement at IIDC, focusing on brand stewardship, audience growth, data-driven strategy, and accessible storytelling. The Director partners with IIDC leadership to ensure alignment with IU standards and policies. Responsibilities
Provide strategic communications leadership and crisis communications planning, escalation protocols, and rapid response. Direct internal communications to promote alignment, transparency, and staff engagement across IIDC centers. Ensure compliance with IU brand, accessibility, and public communications policies. Oversee audience engagement, digital and data strategy; lead audience growth across social media, CRM, email marketing, and digital campaigns. Use analytics to measure performance, refine strategy, and guide resource allocation; conduct audience research and segmentation for policymakers, funders, educators, disability advocates, and the public. Coordinate with IIDC centers to amplify priority initiatives and ensure consistent, accessible messaging. Provide communications leadership for time-bound projects; coordinate cross-center collaborations and public awareness campaigns. Lead web strategy, content, accessibility, and user experience of the IIDC website; ensure engaging, accurate content and integration of web analytics. Engage in media relations; cultivate relationships with journalists, prepare press materials, and provide media training for IIDC leadership as needed. Oversee people, budget, and operations; supervise staff/contractors, establish editorial governance and accessibility checklists, and ensure data privacy and security per IU policies. Qualifications
Education: Bachelors degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field; Masters degree preferred. Experience: 2 years in relevant field required; 5 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications preferred (higher education, research, or nonprofit settings); experience in media relations and high-profile initiatives; experience with CRM-driven campaigns and marketing automation; experience working with multidisciplinary teams. Skills: Proficient written and verbal communication; professionalism; time management and prioritization; quality mindset; strong organizational and collaboration skills; ability to coach and provide feedback; commitment to organizational goals; experience in brand stewardship, digital strategy, analytics-driven decision-making; ability to translate complex topics for diverse audiences; commitment to accessibility in all communications. Location and Benefits
Bloomington, Indiana. Full-time role with IU benefits including health insurance, retirement options, paid holidays, generous PTO, parental leave, EAP, and tuition subsidies where applicable. Additional
The posting notes: regular IU notice of non-discrimination; security and safety reports are available online; eligibility for benefits and job framework are described; application close and submission guidance provided. #J-18808-Ljbffr
Director of Strategic Communications (Communications Leader) role at Indiana University. The Institute on Disability and Community (IIDC) at IU advances inclusion and quality of life for people with disabilities across the lifespan. IIDC provides research, training, technical assistance, and resource development; aims to align with IU standards and policies. The Director of Strategic Communications provides vision, leadership, and oversight for communications and public engagement at IIDC, focusing on brand stewardship, audience growth, data-driven strategy, and accessible storytelling. The Director partners with IIDC leadership to ensure alignment with IU standards and policies. Responsibilities
Provide strategic communications leadership and crisis communications planning, escalation protocols, and rapid response. Direct internal communications to promote alignment, transparency, and staff engagement across IIDC centers. Ensure compliance with IU brand, accessibility, and public communications policies. Oversee audience engagement, digital and data strategy; lead audience growth across social media, CRM, email marketing, and digital campaigns. Use analytics to measure performance, refine strategy, and guide resource allocation; conduct audience research and segmentation for policymakers, funders, educators, disability advocates, and the public. Coordinate with IIDC centers to amplify priority initiatives and ensure consistent, accessible messaging. Provide communications leadership for time-bound projects; coordinate cross-center collaborations and public awareness campaigns. Lead web strategy, content, accessibility, and user experience of the IIDC website; ensure engaging, accurate content and integration of web analytics. Engage in media relations; cultivate relationships with journalists, prepare press materials, and provide media training for IIDC leadership as needed. Oversee people, budget, and operations; supervise staff/contractors, establish editorial governance and accessibility checklists, and ensure data privacy and security per IU policies. Qualifications
Education: Bachelors degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field; Masters degree preferred. Experience: 2 years in relevant field required; 5 years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications preferred (higher education, research, or nonprofit settings); experience in media relations and high-profile initiatives; experience with CRM-driven campaigns and marketing automation; experience working with multidisciplinary teams. Skills: Proficient written and verbal communication; professionalism; time management and prioritization; quality mindset; strong organizational and collaboration skills; ability to coach and provide feedback; commitment to organizational goals; experience in brand stewardship, digital strategy, analytics-driven decision-making; ability to translate complex topics for diverse audiences; commitment to accessibility in all communications. Location and Benefits
Bloomington, Indiana. Full-time role with IU benefits including health insurance, retirement options, paid holidays, generous PTO, parental leave, EAP, and tuition subsidies where applicable. Additional
The posting notes: regular IU notice of non-discrimination; security and safety reports are available online; eligibility for benefits and job framework are described; application close and submission guidance provided. #J-18808-Ljbffr