Senior Director of Communications

Indianapolis Foundation • Indianapolis, IN

2d • $150,000 - $170,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

Senior Director of Communications: This role oversees stakeholder communications, digital content strategies (web and social), mainstream media relations, and internal communications while driving outreach efforts that strengthen the Foundation’s presence in the community. About us: The Indianapolis Foundation is one of the nation’s first community foundations, established in 1916. It received its first gift in 1920 and made its first grant in 1924. For more than a century, The Indianapolis Foundation has served as a catalyst for lasting community impact—mobilizing people, ideas, and investments to create a city where all residents have equitable opportunity to reach their full potential – no matter place, race or identity. What We’re Looking For : The Senior Director of Communications plays a vital role in amplifying the mission and impact of the Indianapolis Foundation by spearheading strategic planning and implementation of the Foundation’s communications strategies. This role oversees stakeholder communications, digital content strategies (web and social), mainstream media relations, and internal communications while driving outreach efforts that strengthen the Foundation’s presence in the community. This person will lead the development and implementation of compelling communications campaigns designed to engage and inspire the Foundation’s diverse audience, including community members, nonprofit organizations, civic and corporate partners, donors, and other key stakeholders. Additionally, the Senior Director will play a key role in shaping and coordinating events and initiatives where the Foundation has a meaningful presence. As a strategic advisor and trusted partner, the Senior Director will ensure the organization’s communications and events are engaging, accessible, inclusive, and impactful, fostering stronger connections and collaborations across the community. The Senior Director of Communications reports to the Chief of Staff & Senior Vice President.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or related field.
• Minimum seven or more years of relevant communications experience.
• Demonstrated ability and experience leading strategic communications in areas such as policy, housing, health, environmental, and economic equity.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to listen well, convey thoughts clearly, and make complex issues understandable and relevant to external audiences.
• Excellent writing and editing skills, including the ability to write for a variety of audiences and types of media.
• Experience managing content for social media platforms, including Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
• Practical experience with campaign evaluation tools such as Google Analytics to assess performance and optimize engagement strategies
• A detail-oriented approach to work, with a track record of success in developing and implementing new ideas and programs in a timely manner, including the ability to prioritize projects and meet deadlines.
• Skilled in creating language, visuals, social media content, and marketing strategies that prioritize accessibility and inclusivity.
• The ability to plan for and manage events, including cross-sector convenings.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively participate in a team environment.
• Experience in managing staff and outside consultants.
• Excellent judgment, integrity, and commitment to personal responsibility and accountability.
• Flexibility and a willingness to take on additional duties to ensure the success of the team.
• Strong alignment with the Foundation’s mission and values of curiosity, compassion, and integrity.
• Passion for community impact and inclusive storytelling

Responsibilities

• Communications Strategy Development and Execution Develop and manage strategies, plans and materials that communicate the Foundation’s goals and strategies, activate target audiences, cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with external audiences, and inspire action.
• Oversee the development and execution of digital content strategies, including website, social media, video production, and photography, ensuring they authentically represent and elevate the Foundation’s work.
• Collaborate on donor communications strategies and materials that strengthen relationships and convey the Foundation’s mission and influence.
• Coordinate internal communications efforts to empower Foundation employees as knowledgeable ambassadors, equipping them with the confidence and resources to engage effectively.
• Outreach and Recognition Build and maintain strong connections with reporters, editors, and producers across local, regional, and state media outlets, strategically pitching impactful stories, securing editorial coverage, and preparing Foundation leaders for media opportunities.
• Drive continuous engagement and outreach efforts to amplify the Foundation’s presence and reach.
• Develop and manage an editorial calendar that aligns communications and community initiatives with grantmaking deadlines, announcements, and event promotions.
• Content Creation & Storytelling Provide communications support to the President & CEO and prepare talking points, speeches, presentations and other materials as needed.
• Create multiple types of written content, including, but not limited to, presentations, one-pagers, reports, collateral, thought leadership, announcements, media materials, emails, byline articles, website content, stakeholder communications, and all other necessary content.
• Manage outside communications-related consultants, including writers, photographers, graphic designers and others.
• Social Media, Digital Marketing and Engagement Monitor and analyze key performance metrics using platforms like Google Analytics to assess campaign effectiveness and optimize strategies based on engagement data.
• Oversee the implementation of the Foundation’s print and electronic communications strategies, including the website, social media accounts, e-newsletter and other channels.
• Ensure digital channels are accessible, engaging, and aligned with Indianapolis Foundation’s brand voice.
• Brand Awareness, Consistency & Quality Control Expand brand awareness by cultivating and managing key relationships with community, nonprofit, corporate, civic, and media partners, grantees, donors, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure that the organization is upholding brand standards in all materials and messaging.
• Ensure consistency in tone, look, and voice across all platforms and departments.
• Collaboration & Stakeholder Engagement Collaborate closely with programs, advancement, and community leadership teams to gather stories, share impact, and drive engagement.
• Plan and oversee major events, convenings, and announcements.
• Support internal communications as needed to reinforce organizational culture.

Benefits

• Employer-provided health, dental, vision
• 7% percent employer discretionary 403b contribution
• 10.5 paid holidays, including MLK Day and Juneteenth
• Flexible, hybrid work arrangement
• An opportunity to do meaningful, results-driven work with a passionate, diverse team , supporting organizations that are committed to building and maintaining a strong, equitable and supportive culture for our team of changemakers.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director