Manager, External and Strategic Communications

Regenstrief Institute•Indianapolis, IN

15h•Hybrid

About The Position

The Manager, External Communications and Strategic Communications is responsible for executing Regenstrief Institute’s external communications and managing strategic, cross-functional communications that advance institutional priorities. Reporting to the Regenstrief Institute Chief Research Officer, this role focuses on translating research and strategic initiatives into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences, including media, key partners, policymakers, and the public. The Manager serves as a hands-on project manager and content leader, coordinating with executive leadership, researchers, and operational teams to deliver high-impact communications and time-bound strategic initiatives. This role does not set institutional strategy, but ensures priority initiatives are well-planned, communicated, and executed effectively. This position is a hybrid working model with several days of onsite work at the Regenstrief Institute building in Indianapolis, IN, T his role may be considered remote based on location.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree in communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a closely related field. Advanced degree in Communications, Public Health, Health Policy, Journalism, or a related discipline preferred. Extensive experience may be considered in place of degree.
Requires at least three (3) years of progressive experience in external communications and/or strategic communications. Experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, academic, research, public health, scientific journalism, reporting, or similarly mission-driven environment strongly preferred.
Requires demonstrated media relations and media management experience, including building relationships with reporters, pitching stories, preparing media materials, and managing interviews.
Proven experience managing communications projects from strategy through execution, including campaign development, content planning, and performance evaluation.
Requires prior experience supervising staff and/or managing vendors, consultants, or agencies required.
Experience collaborating with executive leadership and working effectively with a diverse group of internal and external stakeholders, including researchers, clinicians, funders, community partners, and media representatives.
Requires strong strategic thinking skills with the ability to translate complex scientific, healthcare, or technical information into clear, compelling narratives for varied audiences.
Requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, including media materials, executive messaging, thought leadership pieces, and digital content.
Requires demonstrated ability to develop and execute external communication strategies aligned with organizational goals.
Proven media pitching, media training, and crisis communications support capabilities.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities, deadlines, and stakeholders simultaneously.
Experience overseeing external vendors (e.g., PR firms, designers, videographers, digital agencies) and managing associated budgets.
Ability to work effectively across diverse teams and build trusted relationships at all levels of an organization.
Proficiency in digital communication tools, content management systems, and analytics platforms.
Sound judgment, professionalism, and the ability to handle sensitive or confidential information with discretion.
Commitment to inclusive communications practices and cultural competence in messaging.
This position requires the physical ability to work 40 hours per week, including the flexibility to work extended hours as necessary to meet organizational needs.
This position requires the ability to sit and/or stand for extended periods of time.
This position requires manual dexterity to operate a keyboard and pointing device.
This position requires the ability to travel to outside meetings as necessary.
This position requires the ability to perform focused work with close attention to detail.
This position requires excellent speaking, writing, and listening skills.

Nice To Haves

Advanced degree in Communications, Public Health, Health Policy, Journalism, or a related discipline preferred.
Experience in a nonprofit, healthcare, academic, research, public health, scientific journalism, reporting, or similarly mission-driven environment strongly preferred.
Experience partnering with organizations operating in real-world data, healthcare, artificial intelligence (AI), data science, health technology, biomedical research, or related innovation-focused sectors preferred.

Responsibilities

Strategic Projects & Initiative Support: Manages communications-related strategic projects aligned with institutional priorities, including timelines, deliverables, and progress tracking. Supports execution of selected strategic plan initiatives through structured project management and communications support. Partners with executive leadership to operationalize priority initiatives through coordinated messaging and external engagement. Leads special projects as assigned that advance research visibility, partnerships, or reputation.
External Communications & Research Storytelling: Leads external communications strategy and execution and brand management, including press releases, thought leadership, newsletters, and feature content. Translates complex research and data initiatives into accessible narratives for non-technical audiences. Pilots AI-enabled workflows for ideation, drafting, editing, and analytics, to enable increased engagement among investigators/researchers. Collaborates with Centers and Units to promote research impact, platforms (e.g., Research Data Services, Health Data Standards/LOINC, Office of Strategic Innovation) and partnerships.
Media Relations: Serves as a primary point of contact for media inquiries in coordination with leadership. Develops media pitches, talking points, and briefing materials. Identifies interview, speaking, and visibility opportunities for investigators and leaders. Supports crisis communications planning and execution as needed related to media, press coverage, press releases, etc.
Digital & Social Media: Develops and manages a storytelling-driven social media approach with clear goals and platform focus. Oversees content planning, posting, and performance monitoring for external channels (e.g., LinkedIn, Facebook). Uses analytics to refine messaging and engagement.
Website & Visual Content: Oversees updates to institutional website content related to research, news, and impact stories. Coordinates photography, video, and graphic assets to support external storytelling. Ensures content aligns with established brand standards and messaging frameworks.
Government & Policy Communications Support: Develops messaging and materials for policymakers and external stakeholders in coordination with leadership. Supports researchers and executives with briefing documents, testimony preparation, and external presentations. Coordinates communications-related aspects of government and public affairs activities (does not independently lead lobbying or policy strategy).
Internal Communications (Selective and Strategic): Supports leadership communications related to major announcements, research milestones, and strategic initiatives. Coordinates messaging for town halls or leadership updates tied to external-facing priorities. Does not own day-to-day internal communications operations but supports the communication of strategic priorities to internal teams.
People Leadership: Manages and develops PR/Communications staff, providing direction, feedback, and performance coaching. Assigns and prioritizes work aligned with external communications goals and strategic projects. Encourages collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. Manages vendor relationships