Communications Manager

LILLY FAMILY SCHOOL OF PHILANT (IN-CPHL-IUINA)

The Indiana University Lilly Family School of Philanthropy is the world's first school dedicated solely to education and research about philanthropy. The breadth and depth of the school's knowledge make it a valued thought leader and trusted source of information and insight among national public policy makers and news media. Through global partnerships, teaching and learning experiences, and an international student body, the school increases understanding of philanthropy within and across cultures.

The Lilly Family School of Philanthropy integrates innovative academic, research, international and training programs with groundbreaking resources such as The Fund Raising School, the Women's Philanthropy Institute, Lake Institute on Faith and Giving, and The May's Family Institute on Diverse Philanthropy. It collaborates with many partners in the Indiana University family, including the IU School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI, the School of Public and Environmental Affairs at IU Bloomington and IUPUI, and at other IU schools and campuses.

As a hub for philanthropic thought and research, the Lilly Family School of Philanthropy regularly convenes innovators, scholars, philanthropists, nonprofit and foundation professionals, and researchers to share their diverse perspectives, exchange ideas, and develop insights that anticipate trends, address pressing issues, and shape the future of philanthropy.

The position is part of the school's marketing and communications team and works in collaboration with other team members as well as school leadership, faculty members, and staff across the school. This position plays a key role in raising awareness and visibility of the school, its people, and its programs, and strengthening news media and public engagement with the school. 

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Identifies newsworthy stories, creates, and executes promotional plans, including recommending communications channels and tools. 
• Conducts outreach and pitching to journalists to earn media coverage of the school and its faculty, students, alumni, programs, activities, and research.
• Builds relationships with local, national and international journalists and media outlets in all media formats. 
• Develops, manages, and expands multiple media outreach lists for a wide range of issues and topics. 
• Develops and writes press releases and other materials and resources for news media such as photos, videos, and graphics, and create complete story packages.
• Researches and writes briefing materials and talking points for media interviews.
• Identifies, researches, develops, and writes content for newsletters, website, blog posts, remarks, and other communications vehicles. 
• Conducts interviews with faculty, staff, alumni, students, and other internal and external stakeholders.
• Tracks, compiles, and develops reports on media coverage and related metrics.

General Responsibilities

• Independently creates basic and complex communications for print and e-distribution on behalf of department or functional area within department and in support of departmental goals and objectives; communications may be interdepartmental; staff, faculty, or student-focused; or external.
• Responds to inquiries and requests and explains policies, procedures, and context of communications.
• Manages relationships with various internal and external stakeholders and creates communications coverage for relevant initiatives, events, and programs.
• Prepares communications timelines and shares progress of communications toward relevant deadlines with manager, team members, and other relevant constituents.
• Regularly monitors relevant social media and news sites; researches relevant subject matter to increase knowledge in area(s) of specialty.
• Utilizes various communications software programs and delivers communications in multiple formats to a variety of audiences.
• May provide guidance to lower-level Communications Generalists.

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.  

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field. 

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 2 years in relevant field. 

Preferred

• 4 years of experience working in media relations and communications.
• Experience developing, nurturing, and maintaining professional relationships with journalists. 
• Experience writing press releases and other materials for news media, as well as briefing materials, talking points, etc., to prepare leaders and experts for media interviews. 

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.

Preferred

• Demonstrated success in conducting media outreach and pitching to media.
• Demonstrated success in effectively managing and responding to media requests.
• Ability to effectively and simultaneously manage multiple priorities and projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.

IU Indianapolis campus

301 University Boulevard

Indianapolis, Indiana 46202

This position is eligible for remote work or to work a hybrid schedule (mix between remote and in-person work), subject to change in the future based on university policy and business needs.  

8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday (EST) 

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure .

Career Level: Career

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Marketing & Communications

Job Family: Communications Generalist

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This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

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