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Communications Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Circle

Director, Corporate Communications

Florence, IN · On-site +1

Circle is looking for a Director of Corporate Communications to lead earnings, M&A, and all corporate news communications for the company. This role sits within the Strategy, Policy & Communications ...

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Communications Director information

See Indiana salary details

$33.3K

$97.3K

$161.8K

How much do communications director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for communications director in Indiana is $97,304.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $70,400.00 and $119,900.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a communications director do?

A Communications Director oversees an organization's internal and external communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging and brand representation. They manage public relations, media inquiries, and often supervise a team responsible for content creation, social media, and crisis communication. Their role is crucial in shaping how the public perceives the organization and in managing its reputation. Communications Directors typically collaborate with executive leadership to align messaging with organizational goals and may also handle speechwriting, press releases, and stakeholder engagement.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a communications director?

To thrive as a Communications Director, you need expertise in strategic communication, media relations, and brand management, often supported by a degree in communications, public relations, or a related field. Familiarity with digital marketing platforms, content management systems, and analytics tools is typically required. Outstanding written and verbal communication, leadership, and crisis management abilities help professionals excel in this role. These skills are vital for shaping public perception, ensuring consistent messaging, and effectively promoting organizational goals.

What are the most common challenges faced by a communications director in managing both internal and external messaging?

A Communications Director often faces the challenge of maintaining consistent messaging across various channels while adapting content to suit different audiences. Balancing the needs of internal stakeholders, such as executives and employees, with the expectations of external audiences, including media and the public, requires strong coordination and adaptability. Additionally, responding quickly and effectively during a crisis or unexpected event is a key responsibility, demanding preparedness and excellent judgment. Effective collaboration with marketing, public relations, and leadership teams is essential to ensure alignment and achieve organizational goals.

What is the difference between Communications Director vs Public Relations Manager?

AspectCommunications DirectorPublic Relations Manager
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, or related field; often advanced degrees preferredBachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field
Work EnvironmentStrategic leadership in organizations, overseeing internal and external messagingManaging media relations, press releases, and public image campaigns
Employer & Industry UsageCorporations, nonprofits, government agenciesPublic relations firms, corporate communications departments
Common Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding leadership roles in communicationFocus on media relations and public image management

The Communications Director typically holds a strategic leadership role, overseeing all communication efforts within an organization, including internal and external messaging. In contrast, a Public Relations Manager primarily focuses on managing media relations and public image campaigns. While both roles require strong communication skills and relevant credentials, the Communications Director has broader responsibilities and a higher level of strategic oversight.

Is a communications director a stressful job?

A communications director often faces high-pressure situations, tight deadlines, and the need to manage multiple stakeholders, which can contribute to stress. The role requires strong communication skills, strategic thinking, and the ability to handle crises, making it potentially demanding but also rewarding for those with resilience and organizational skills.

What does a communications director make?

A communications director's salary varies based on experience, industry, and location, but typically ranges from $70,000 to over $150,000 annually. They often receive additional benefits such as bonuses, health insurance, and retirement plans, and may need strong skills in media relations, strategic planning, and content creation.
More about Communications Director jobs

What are the most commonly searched types of Communications jobs in Indiana?

The most popular types of Communications jobs in Indiana are:

What are popular job titles related to Communications Director jobs in Indiana?

For Communications Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Communications Director jobs in Indiana look for?

The top searched job categories for Communications Director jobs in Indiana are:

What cities in Indiana are hiring for Communications Director jobs?

Cities in Indiana with the most Communications Director job openings:

Communications Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Communications Director job openings in Indiana as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 88% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,304 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Director of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION

Indianapolis, IN

$80K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 6 days ago

Job description

Description

About Us

We are a statewide, nonpartisan public-interest organization advancing constitutional principles, civil liberties, and democratic accountability through policy advocacy, political communications, and public engagement. Operating in complex political environments, we work to influence public policy, shape public narratives, and mobilize communities to protect individual rights and democratic norms.


Our work is fast-paced, sophisticated, and impact-driven. We engage policymakers across the political spectrum, partner with diverse coalitions, and deploy coordinated communications and lobbying strategies to advance durable, nonpartisan policy outcomes.


Your Role

The Director of Strategic Communications & Public Affairs serves as the organization's senior strategist for political communications, legislative engagement, and public advocacy. This role leads the integration of lobbying support, messaging, organizing, and coalition strategy to advance constitutional and civil liberties priorities at the state and local level.


Reporting to executive leadership, the Director sets strategic direction, manages people and resources, and ensures coordinated execution across communications, policy, and engagement functions. The ideal candidate brings deep experience operating in legislative and policymaking environments, understands how influence is built and sustained, and can move policy without engaging in partisan or electoral activity.


Your Responsibilities


Communications & Narrative Strategy

  • Develop and execute a statewide public engagement and political communications strategy aligned with constitutional and civil liberties priorities.
  • Oversee press, digital, and public-facing communications, including message development, editorial planning, and rapid-response execution.
  • Serve as a senior spokesperson or prepare organizational leaders and advocates for media engagement, public testimony, and high-stakes messaging.
  • Translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive narratives for public, media, and policymaker audiences.
  • Maintain message discipline and narrative cohesion across campaigns and platforms.
  • Service other departments with their communications needs. 
  • Develop and execute a statewide public engagement and political communications strategy aligned with constitutional and civil liberties priorities.
  • Oversee press, digital, and public-facing communications, including message development, editorial planning, and rapid-response execution.
  • Serve as a senior spokesperson or prepare organizational leaders and advocates for media engagement, public testimony, and high-stakes messaging.
  • Translate complex policy issues into clear, persuasive narratives for public, media, and policymaker audiences.
  • Maintain message discipline and narrative cohesion across campaigns and platforms.
  • Service other departments with their communications needs.

Legislative Advocacy & Lobbying Support

  • Design and manage integrated advocacy campaigns that align lobbying strategy, communications, and public engagement toward defined policy outcomes.
  • Support legislative engagement efforts through development of bill messaging, policymaker materials, coalition alignment, and public education strategies.
  • Coordinate communications and mobilization during legislative sessions, including testimony amplification and issue-based public pressure.
  • Track political and legislative dynamics to anticipate opportunities, risks, and opposition narratives.
  • Ensure lobbying-related communications adhere to nonpartisan standards and applicable reporting requirements.

Engagement, Organizing & Coalition Strategy

  • Lead statewide communications and mobilization strategies that support policy and legislative goals.
  • Oversee grassroots, digital, and field-based organizing messages tied to constitutional and civil liberties issues.
  • Build and maintain strong relationships with partners, community leaders, advocacy organizations, and stakeholders across ideological perspectives.
  • Ensure public events, trainings, and advocacy actions are visible, accessible, and mission-aligned.

Leadership, Management & Operations

  • Supervise and support senior staff across communications, advocacy, and policy functions.
  • Build integrated workflows that align legislative timelines with communications and engagement strategies.
  • Lead hiring, onboarding, performance management, and professional development for public engagement staff.
  • Manage budgets and operational planning related to public engagement and advocacy work.
  • Oversee crisis communications and approval protocols in politically sensitive or high-profile matters.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience required.
  • Five to seven years of experience in activism, political communications, legislative advocacy, lobbying environments, public affairs, or constitutional policy work, with at least five years in a senior leadership role.
  • Fluency in English; Spanish fluency is a bonus.
  • Political acumen with demonstrated experience shaping legislative narratives and supporting lobbying strategies in a nonpartisan context.
  • Strong understanding of state or local policymaking processes and political dynamics.
  • Proven ability to translate constitutional or civil liberties issues into compelling, accurate public messaging.
  • Extensive experience serving as a spokesperson or managing media in high-pressure environments.
  • Strong strategic judgment, political acuity, and project management skills.
  • Demonstrated success in building coalitions across diverse constituencies and ideological perspectives.
  • Comfort operating across media, digital, organizing, and legislative environments.
  • Deep commitment to the ACLU mission, constitutional protections, civil liberties, and nonpartisan public engagement. 

Apply