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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 16, 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 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.

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.

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 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.
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, 83% Full Time, 13% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $97,304 per year, or $46.8 per hour.

Director of Communications

AMERICAN CIVIL LIBERTIES UNION

Indianapolis, IN

$80K - $96K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 27 days ago

Job description

Description

Organizational Overview

The ACLU of Indiana is a nonpartisan organization dedicated to protecting and expanding civil liberties and civil rights across the state. Through integrated legal, policy, advocacy, communications, and operational strategies, we work to dismantle systemic inequities and uphold constitutional protections - centering communities most impacted by injustice and advancing lasting, structural change.


Position Summary

The Director of Communications leads the ACLU of Indiana's overall communications strategy and serves as the organization's senior communications strategist. In close partnership with leadership, this role ensures that advocacy, litigation, policy, and public education efforts are communicated in ways that are timely, compelling, accessible, and aligned with the ACLU of Indiana's mission and strategic goals. The Director of Communications is responsible for shaping the organization's public voice, strengthening media and public visibility, and helping translate complex legal and policy issues into messaging that informs, persuades, and inspires action.


As a member of the senior leadership team and a key partner to the Executive Director, the Director of Communications provides vision, leadership, and oversight for communications planning, staff, and resources. This role drives integrated communications strategies across earned media, digital platforms, brand stewardship, crisis and rapid response communications, and stakeholder engagement. The ideal candidate brings deep expertise in strategic communications, strong political and media instincts, exceptional writing and message development skills, and the ability to lead effectively in a fast-paced, high-profile civil rights environment.


Key Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Narrative Leadership

  • Develop and execute a statewide communications strategy aligned with organizational priorities and campaign goals. 
  • Lead the organization's integrated communications strategy across earned, owned, and digital channels; direct message development, editorial planning, media relations, and rapid response efforts while ensuring consistency across press, website, email, and social media platforms. 
  • Serve as a strategic communications advisor to organizational leadership on high-profile, sensitive, and fast-moving issues. 
  • Ensure litigation, advocacy, and policy work is translated into accessible, compelling content that educates, persuades, and inspires action. 
  • Guide message discipline, brand voice, and narrative consistency across all communications platforms and audiences. 
  • Identify opportunities to elevate the ACLU of Indiana's visibility, thought leadership, and public influence through proactive storytelling and strategic media engagement. 


Communications Integration with Advocacy, Legal, and Policy

  • Develop and manage organizational messaging, serve as a strategic communications advisor to leadership, and prepare designated spokespersons through message development, media coaching, and interview preparation. 
  • Design and lead integrated communications strategies that support advocacy, litigation, and policy goals with measurable outcomes. 
  • Partner closely with Legal, Policy, and Advocacy teams to ensure coordinated planning, message alignment, and timely communications support. 
  • Support communications related to legislative activity, including public education messaging, testimony amplification, issue framing, and rapid response during the legislative session. 
  • Collaborate with coalition partners and allied organizations on shared messaging strategies and coordinated communications efforts. 
  • Help ensure complex legal, legislative, and policy issues are communicated clearly and accurately to varied public audiences. 


Public Engagement & External Relations

  • Lead integrated advocacy and public awareness campaigns across paid, earned, and owned media; oversee digital advertising, website content, email marketing, and social engagement to maximize audience reach and impact. 
  • Strengthen the organization's relationships with media outlets, community partners, allied organizations, and other key external stakeholders. 
  • Support public-facing events, campaigns, and engagement opportunities through strategic communications planning, promotion, and message alignment. 
  • Help shape external messaging that builds trust, deepens public understanding, and broadens support for the ACLU of Indiana's mission. 
  • Represent the organization publicly, as appropriate, in media interviews, coalitions, and external communications settings. 


Leadership, Management & Operations

  • Partner with executive leadership in the development and execution of the organization's strategic plan, providing communications insight, stakeholder perspective, and strategic counsel to advance organizational priorities and impact. Supervise and support communications staff, fostering collaboration, accountability, and professional growth. 
  • Build and maintain strong cross-departmental workflows to support coordinated communications planning and execution. 
  • Oversee hiring, onboarding, performance management, and retention for communications team staff. 
  • Manage the communications budget and support operational planning related to communications priorities and campaigns. 
  • Ensure compliance with internal review and approval processes, crisis communications protocols, and applicable legal or regulatory requirements related to communications activities. 
  • Perform other duties as assigned.


Qualifications

  • Five or more years of progressively responsible professional experience in communications, public relations, media relations, journalism, strategic communications, or a closely related field, including at least three to five years in a leadership or management role. 
  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field required. Equivalent combinations of education and professional experience may also be considered. 
  • Demonstrated experience developing and leading strategic communications plans, public messaging campaigns, and media relations efforts in support of organizational priorities. 
  • Strong understanding of how to communicate effectively around legislative, legal, policy, or advocacy issues, particularly in fast-moving or high-profile environments. 
  • Proven ability to translate complex legal, policy, or civil liberties issues into clear, persuasive, and accessible messaging for a range of audiences. 
  • Experience serving as a spokesperson, managing media relations, and/or preparing organizational leaders and subject matter experts for media engagement. 
  • Strong writing, editing, and message development skills, with the ability to tailor communications across print, digital, email, web, and social media platforms. 
  • Demonstrated strategic planning, project management, and cross-functional leadership skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines effectively. 
  • Experience collaborating across departments and with external partners to support coordinated campaigns, public education, and narrative strategy. 
  • Commitment to civil liberties, civil rights, racial equity, and the mission and values of the ACLU of Indiana. 
  • Proficiency in Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in Indiana is a plus.


Compensation & Benefits

This is a full-time position with a competitive salary commensurate with experience. The ACLU of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes employer-paid health insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan with employer match; generous paid time-off, including vacation, sick leave, and holidays; and support for continuing education and professional development.


Equal Opportunity Employer

The ACLU of Indiana is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, veteran status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. Consistent with our nonpartisan mission, we encourage qualified candidates from historically underrepresented communities to apply.


We are committed to providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities during the application and interview process, as well as upon employment.  


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