Communications Specialist
Date Posted: Aug 6, 2025
Requisition ID: 463473
Location:
Indianapolis, IN, US, 46204
Work for Indiana
Begin a fulfilling career with the State of Indiana by joining one of the largest employers in the state, offering a range of opportunities across 60+ agencies. At the state, you'll find competitive compensation, a robust benefits package and a commitment to work-life balance. Most importantly, you'll have the chance to make a real and measurable impact on the lives of Hoosiers across Indiana.
About the Professional Licensing Agency:
The Indiana Professional Licensing Agency is seeking an individual to help protect the health and safety of the citizens of Indiana by providing quality, efficient service to all professional licensees, applicants, and the public. The fundamental purpose of this position is to provide administrative support to the board director, the licensing board/commissions, and to directly supervise the customer service representatives' projects across a broad scope of career opportunities. As a State of Indiana employee, you impact the well-being of Indiana's communities every day.
Role Overview:
You will work independently and possess sufficient technical authority for the work.? Your decisions and major recommendations are reviewed for compliance with agency policy and attainment of goals.? You will make a substantial contribution to developing and implementing assigned programs. You will work with various individuals, including news media, agency personnel, the regulated community, the public, environmental groups, and federal, state, and local government officials to disseminate program information and develop outreach materials to educate and inform the general public.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day in the Life:
The essential functions of this role are as follows:
Provide ideas and news leads to media in the form of print, video/audio news releases, and/or personal contact.
Under supervision, will answer public inquiries via phone, email, and mail.
Maintain content on the agency's social media outlets.
Work with commodity groups and related agencies/industry partners on joint programs and promotional/ educational opportunities to increase target audience message awareness for specific agency initiatives.
Assist with the development, production, and editing of videos upon request.
Research and draft press releases, technical advisories, agency newsletters, feature articles, PowerPoint presentations, and collateral materials/brochures addressing specific topics, programs, and agency initiatives.
Build and maintain a library of photos, graphics, and slides for use in agency publications, slide shows, displays, training, etc.
Assist divisions with public communication, including editing and proofreading presentation materials, reports, letters, articles, and social media and website content to ensure consistent, high-quality messages.
Support all publications, employee engagement events, public events, and general work of communications division
Develop internal agency communications to maintain staff awareness of initiatives and other pertinent information.
Evaluate current communication strategies and materials to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
Develop tailored communication strategies that align with client objectives and agencies best practices.
Collaborate with clients to create compelling messaging, content, and narratives.
Provide guidance on the use of various communication channels, including digital media, social platforms, and traditional media.
Assist clients in preparing and delivering presentations, speeches, and press releases.
Monitor and analyze communication outcomes and provide recommendations for optimization.
The job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time.
This position is exempt from overtime compensation for additional work hours which may be required to complete essential functions or other assigned work. Exempt employees may work more than 75 hours in a pay period without additional compensation and must report a minimum of 75 hours per pay period of work hours and/or paid leave taken to receive their base biweekly salary.
What You'll Need for Success:
The ideal candidate in this role should minimally have either
a Bachelor's Degree and 1+ year of experience, or
an Associate's Degree and 3+ years of experience, or
at least 5+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role.
Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.
Effective presentation skills.
Effective verbal and written communication skills, including writing for print, online, and social media.
Strong understanding of communication strategies, messaging, and audience segmentation.
Specialized knowledge of journalistic principles and procedures to be followed in the preparation of news releases and other written products.
Specialized knowledge of methods and techniques of disseminating information to the public and laws governing the release of information, i.e., releases that must be signed to use a photograph of a person.
Working knowledge of photography and audio-visual equipment.
Basic knowledge of federal and state laws and regulations relating to the agency.
Ability to use desktop publishing and graphic design software, as well as social media platforms and website content management software.
Ability to show good judgment in dealing with the public, other agencies, and news media in a public relations and public informational role.
Able to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.
Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:
The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:
Three (3) medical plan options (including RX coverage) as well as vision and dental plans
Wellness Rewards Program: Complete wellness activities to earn gift card rewards
Health savings account, which includes bi-weekly state contribution
Deferred compensation 457(b) account (similar to 401(k) plan) with employer match
Two (2) fully-funded pension plan options
A robust, comprehensive program of leave policies covering a variety of employee needs, including but not limited to:
150 hours of paid New Parent Leave and up to eight weeks of paid Childbirth Recovery Leave for eligible mothers
Up to 15 hours of paid community service leave
Combined 180 hours of paid vacation, personal, and sick leave time off
12 paid holidays, 14 on election years
Education Reimbursement Program
Group life insurance
Referral Bonus program
Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
Free Parking for most positions
Free LinkedIn Learning access
Equal Employment Opportunity:
The State of Indiana is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to recruiting, selecting, developing, and promoting employees based on individual ability and job performance. Reasonable accommodations may be available to enable individuals with disabilities to complete the application and interview process as well as perform the essential functions of a role. If you require reasonable accommodations to complete this application, you can request assistance by contacting the Indiana State Personnel Department at jobs@spd.IN.gov.
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