Public Relations Coordinator

500 Festival • Indianapolis, IN

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The 500 Festival, an Indianapolis-based non-profit corporation, produces nearly 30 annual events and programs reaching over 500,000 people and creating a $20 million positive financial impact on the city of Indianapolis. The organization originated in 1957 as a community-led initiative to celebrate and support the Indianapolis 500. The mission of the 500 Festival is to produce life-enriching events and programs while celebrating the spirit and legacy of the Indianapolis 500® and fostering a positive impact on the city of Indianapolis and the state of Indiana. Events and programs include the Lucas Oil 500 Festival Parade, the JPMorganChase 500 Festival Kids' Day & 500 Festival Rookie Run, presented by Peyton Manning Children’s Hospital, the American Legion 500 Festival Memorial Service, the 500 Festival Princess Program, presented by The National Bank of Indianapolis, the 500 Festival & Indianapolis 500 Education Program, presented by Riley Children’s Hospital, the 500 Festival KidsFit program and many more. Two significant and financially impactful events for the organization are the IU Health 500 Festival Mini-Marathon and the Delta Dental 500 Festival 5K. The Public Relations Coordinator reports to the SVP of Marketing and Communications at the 500 Festival. This person will be responsible for creating and developing marketing content for the 500 Festival’s programs and events. This role maintains knowledge of trends and developments in the market, produces original copy on behalf of the organization, cultivates strong relationships with media outlets, and assists in the coordination of media surrounding the 500 Festival’s events and programs.

Requirements

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Knowledge of public relations tactics and strategies
• Excellent copywriting and editing skills
• Excellent time management skills and ability to prioritize multiple projects
• Ability to show initiative and flexibility to adapt
• Experience using digital marketing platforms and software
• Knowledge of AP style writing
• At least 3-5 years of experience

Responsibilities

• Create and produce original copy for 500 Festival press releases and media advisories, ensuring that the 500 Festival’s schedule of announcements is met on time
• Draft and assist with scripts for 500 Festival events, ensuring the 500 Festival brand and mission are aligned with content
• Build, develop, and maintain relationships with reporters and media outlets, acting as a secondary media liaison
• Assist in the coordination and management of media event-day coverage, including live hits, interviews, hospitality, etc.
• Develop, identify, and pitch strong interest stories for media
• Help shape and unify messaging across the organization by developing communications strategies, identifying storytelling opportunities, and ensuring a consistent voice across all communications channels, including media outreach, digital content, videos, scripts, interviews, newsletters, social media, and stakeholder communications
• Assist with the development of website copy to ensure all information is up-to-date and relevant to the organization
• Assist with writing and copyediting email communications and newsletters to target audiences and key stakeholders
• Prepare brief speaking remarks for 500 Festival events (500 Festival CEO, Government officials, guest speakers)
• Assist with the planning, development, and oversight of the 500 Festival Foundation newsletter communications
• Oversee all communications regarding media credentials and media access to 500 Festival programs and events
• Serve as a liaison with community partners to execute public relations and communications deliverables, support partnership objectives, and assist with other related requests as needed
• Coordinate all aspects of Parade announcer zones, including partner outreach, talent and organization coordination, script development, communications, and onsite support for participating media outlets, schools, and universities.
• Develop and oversee media moments/stunts and community-facing activations that build anticipation for Kickoff to May.
• Assist with the internal approval process and provide continual feedback for projects within the marketing team
• Supervise the Public Relations Intern from January through the conclusion of May activities and post-event wrap-up in early June, including project delegation, workload management, mentorship, and oversight of communications initiatives and deliverables
• Assist with celebrity involvement for 500 Festival events
• Engage with event participants, audiences, and partners to gather testimonials, surface storytelling opportunities, and develop authentic narratives that highlight the impact of the 500 Festival.
• Regular attendance at events and the ability to work a flexible, non-traditional schedule, including early mornings, late evenings, and frequent weekends, is required.
• This role supports onsite event operations, including setup, execution, and teardown, particularly during May and other key organizational events.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed