Manager External Communications Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Job Summary:
The Communications Coordinator serves as a strategic and operational leader in all aspects of internal and external communication for Bartholomew Consolidated School Corporation, educating approximately 12,000 students. This position supports the district's mission and strategic priority areas by communicating progress, celebrating student and staff success, managing media relations, and maintaining strong community engagement. The coordinator also leads daily operations of the district's family engagement platform (i.e. ParentSquare) and website and plays a key role in public communication related to current and upcoming happenings of the school corporation.
Key Responsibilities:
Strategic Communications & District Initiatives:
Develop and produce media packets for distribution at BCSC School Board Meetings.
Attend School Board meetings and ensure streaming capabilities are ready and functional.
Create videos/livestream special occasions (graduation ceremonies, athletic events, etc.).
Develop and implement a district-wide communications plan aligned to the corporation's strategic priorities and measurable outcomes.
Collaborate with district and school leaders to communicate goals, achievements, and progress related to each priority area.
Ensure consistency and clarity of messaging across all channels, reinforcing the district's brand and vision.
Media & Public Relations:
Serve as the primary point of contact for all media inquiries and district-related public communication.
Write and distribute press releases, talking points, newsletters, and public statements.
Build and maintain strong relationships with local, regional, and state media outlets.
Develop and carry out media relations training for personnel such as building administrators and secretaries.
Digital Communication & Communications Platform Oversight:
Manage daily operations of the family engagement communication platform, ensuring timely and effective outreach to families and staff, including developing and publishing a weekly community newsletter.
Train and support school and department users in maximizing family engagement platform functionality and consistency. (i.e. ParentSquare)
Oversee content and updates on the district website and official social media platforms.
District-wide Projects and Initiatives (i.e. Construction):
Develop and share progress reports, timelines, visual media, and community updates regarding district-wide projects and initiatives.
Establish contacts and plan specific itineraries for successful school visits by dignitaries, media, etc.
Attend public functions as requested.
Storytelling, Multimedia, and Brand Promotion:
Capture and share success stories from classrooms, extracurricular programs, and staff initiatives through articles, videos, and photography.
Design branded materials and oversee the visual identity of district communications.
Create engaging content tailored to different stakeholders, including families, students, staff, and community partners.
Internal Communications & Crisis Response:
Build and maintain positive, productive relationships with BCSC administrators and staff.
Coordinate internal communications such as weekly staff newsletters, alerts, and leadership updates.
Work with district leadership to manage emergency and crisis communications through all appropriate channels.
Support clear, accurate, and legally compliant communication during urgent situations or disruptions.
Qualifications:
Education & Experience:
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field required.
35 years of relevant experience in communications, preferably in education, public service, or nonprofit environments.
Proven experience in using family engagement platforms (i.e. ParentSquare or similar platforms) to manage communication workflows.
Skills & Competencies:
Exceptional written, verbal, and visual communication skills.
Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, family-friendly messages.
Strong proficiency in social media management, website content systems, and graphic design tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, Publication Software).
Comfort working in a fast-paced environment with competing deadlines and high public visibility.
Excellent organizational and time management skills
High degree of self-motivation and ability to work with minimum supervision
Ability to work a schedule that includes evening and weekend hours as needed.
Excellent technology and problem-solving skills.  
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in Communications, Education, or Public Administration.
Experience with K12 strategic planning or accountability frameworks.
Working Conditions:
Full-time, year-round position (260 day contract) with occasional evening and weekend hours for meetings and events.
Work primarily based at the BCSC administration building with frequent travel to schools and community sites.
Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. and transport equipment or event materials as needed.
Reports to:     Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources
Salary:            Commensurate with experience + benefits
Contract:       260 days
FLSA Status: Exempt

Hiring Manager: Dr. Ashley Collins - collinsa@bcsc.k12.in.us
Learn More About Columbus: https://www.columbustalent.com/