Strategic Communications Assistant Jobs in Indiana

The Assistant Vice President (AVP), Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing serves as a strategic partner to the Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Bioscience, and Skilled Trades, extending the VP's capacity to advance the College's workforce and economic development mission within the supported sector(s). The AVP supports the development and execution of sector strategy, employer and industry partnerships, and workforce initiatives aligned with the College's strategic priorities.
The AVP serves as a conduit between external industry and innovation groups and academic faculty, bringing sector trends, innovation, and labor market data to curriculum committees to inform course and program development. As a forward-thinking, resourceful, and data-driven leader, the AVP drives innovation in academic programs and skills training, cultivates industry and community partnerships, and supports student success.

LOCATION: Indianapolis, IN

DEPARTMENT: Workforce & Careers

REPORTS TO: Vice President, Advanced Manufacturing, Engineering, Bioscience, and Skilled Trades

SUPERVISION GIVEN: None

HIRING RANGE: $105,000-115,000

PROGRAM PORTFOLIO: Advanced Automation & Robotics Technology, Biotechnology, Industrial Technology, Machine Tool Technology, Manufacturing Production & Operations, Smart Manufacturing & Digital Integration, and Supply Chain Management.

MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assists the VP in advancing strategic industry partnerships and emerging sector initiatives; may serve as a point of contact for designated partners and participate in stakeholder meetings on behalf of the VP.
• Champions the integration of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, into educational programs, policies, and administrative operations.
• Work with Career Link, sector faculty, relevant curriculum committees, and Academic Affairs to ensure programs, degrees, technical certificates, certificates, and skills training form clean pathways to gainful employment or transferability to university.
• Lead the implementation of new academic programs, credentials, and pathways aligned with labor-market demand, industry trends, and institutional goals. Supports the VP in grant development, management, and compliance activities, including federal and state workforce development grants; assists with narrative development, partner coordination, data collection, and reporting as directed.
• Supports coordination and implementation of workforce and economic development initiatives aligned with state priorities, including engagement with state agencies (e.g., DWD, the Commission for Higher Education), industry associations, regional economic development organizations, employer consortia, and initiatives such as CICP, as directed by the VP.
• Assists the VP in the development and execution of apprenticeship strategies and work-based learning pathways, including coordination with state and regional workforce partners and alignment with diploma and credential programming.
• Supports the VP in preparation of presentations, briefings, board materials, and strategic communications for internal and external audiences, including senior college leadership, the State Board of Trustees, industry partners, and state agencies.
• Represents assigned sectors on various college-wide committees and task forces as directed.
• Works with Career Link and career coaches to ensure student job readiness aligns with current employer expectations.
• Supports Ivy+ Career Link and sector skills-training academies with the research and design of skills-training programs, including workshops and bootcamps.
• Assists the VP with horizon scanning to identify emerging industry, technology, and workforce trends affecting assigned sectors.
• Coordinates faculty professional development, industry externships, and current-credential attainment to advance teaching effectiveness and industry currency.
• Maps each credential to in-demand regional and statewide occupations and monitors post-completion wage, employment, and transfer outcomes, recommending adjustments that sustain credential value.
• Drives the development of credit for prior learning pathways originating from external employer training and certification programs.
• Publishes and maintains stackable pathway roadmaps (certificate technical certificate associate degree bachelor's/transfer), including venture-launch tracks and statewide transfer (TSAP) maps for assigned sectors' programs, so credentials retain value for students who pause or stop out.
• In partnership with K-14 Initiatives, develops a measured dual-credit-to-college matriculation pipeline into relevant certificates and degrees.
• Uses labor market, enrollment, and outcomes data to inform program, partnership, and resource-allocation recommendations to the VP.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to enhance academic standards, student-success initiatives, and operational excellence.
• Curate instructional and programming resources, guides, toolkits, and materials supporting faculty and students.
• Evaluate and recommend technology solutions that support academic and operational objectives.
• Collaborate with marketing teams to develop marketing materials and outreach strategies to promote programs and success stories to prospective students, employers, and community stakeholders.
• Organize and moderate events, summits, challenges, and listening sessions to gather industry insights, foster student success, and increase community engagement.
• In collaboration with the VP, work with Ivy Tech Foundation to cultivate alumni networks, showcase success stories, and create mentorship opportunities.
• Supports VP in convening and stewarding statewide sector employer advisory councils to validate curricula, guide program priorities, and expand employer and community partnerships.
• Supports and manages the plan to facilitate continuing curriculum review, development, and revision for the academic programs assigned, empowering curriculum committees with resources and data to keep programs current with industry standards, workforce needs, academic policies, and accreditation requirements.
• Provides input for development and refinement of all processes and procedures of development and documentation of college curricula.
• This is not to be construed as an exhaustive list. Other duties logically associated with this position may be assigned. All responsibilities will be conducted in accordance with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA), other applicable regulatory requirements, and professional standards.

EDUCATION

• A master's degree from a regionally accredited institution is required, with an emphasis on higher education, planning, management, or sector emphasis.

EXPERIENCE / QUALIFICATIONS

• Outstanding oral and written communication skills are essential.
• Strong collaboration skills to work with a variety of constituencies and persuasive influence to gain buy-in that leads to decision-making.
• Visionary leadership with the ability to anticipate future trends in technology and education.
• Proven ability to build partnerships with industry, community, and educational stakeholders.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, curriculum development, and project management.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with strong emotional intelligence and interpersonal skills.
• Proficiency in research, analytics, organization, problem-solving, and decision-making.
• Excellent public speaking and communication skills.
• Adaptability with change in a rapidly evolving educational landscape.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and initiatives simultaneously.
• Ability to travel between campuses throughout Indiana, industry and community events, and national conferences.

PREFERRED

• Experience in postsecondary programming within the supported sector(s) is preferred.
• At least 3 years of experience in higher education administration focusing on the supported sector(s) and workforce development.
• Familiarity with Indiana's workforce and education landscape.
• Experience with grant writing, implementation, and management.

Ivy Tech is committed to supporting the well-being, growth, and financial security of our full-time faculty and staff. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

Health & Wellness

• Multiple medical plan options paired with a Health Savings Account with a generous employer contribution

• Dental plan with no-cost preventive services and coverage for orthodontia

• Vision plan with low-cost exams and allowances for glasses or contact lenses

• Employee Assistance Program offering no-cost confidential counseling sessions, legal consultations, financial planning consultations, and other resources

• Wellness program with opportunities to earn $250 in Wellness Rewards

• Flexible Spending Accounts for healthcare (limited purpose) and dependent care

Retirement & Financial Security

• 10% employer retirement contribution, fully vested after two years

• Basic life insurance equal to annual salary paid by the College, with optional supplemental coverage

• Short-term and long-term disability benefits

Educational Benefits

• Fee remission for employees, spouses, and dependent children

• Tuition assistance for undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs

• Paid professional development opportunities

WorkLife Balance

• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, and winter recess

• Flexible work arrangements where available

• Paid childbirth recovery leave (8 weeks)

• Paid parental leave (4 weeks)

Additional Perks

• Eligibility for Public Service Loan Forgiveness

• Additional discounts on gym memberships, transportation, and various retail services

Ivy Tech is proud to offer benefits that support your health, your family, and your future-because when our employees thrive, our students and communities thrive too. For more information on Ivy Tech Benefits, visit https://careers.ivytech.edu/benefits.

Note: Employees who re-hire with the College within 180 days of leaving a full-time position with the College may be eligible for additional benefits depending on their bridged seniority date.

Ivy Tech Community College is an accredited, equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, ethnicity, national origin, marital status, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, age or veteran status. As required by Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Ivy Tech Community College does not discriminate on the basis of sex, including sexual harassment in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admissions. Questions specific to Title IX may be referred to the College's Title IX Coordinator or to the US Department of Education Office of Civil Rights.