Central Community Liaison
Date Posted: Feb 27, 2026
Requisition ID: 473490
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 Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA):
OCRA works with local, state and national partners to provide resources and technical assistance to aid communities in shaping and achieving their vision for community and economic development.
Role Overview:
The CL serves the state of Indiana Office of Community and Rural Affairs (OCRA) and the Lt Governor as the front door to state government for local leadership. They represent the interests of Indiana, the Lt Governor, and OCRA. The CL serves as a two-way conduit of knowledge and expertise seeking to understand the needs and priorities of the communities they serve and offers technical assistance, convenes partners, and presents resources in the form of both programmatic and financial offerings from OCRA, state, federal, and other partners.
The CL provides excellent customer service and responsive communication to local and regional level contacts of all disciplines. They are well versed in the technical requirements of all programs and financial solutions.
Salary Statement:
The salary for this position traditionally starts at $53,222.00 but may be commensurate with education or work experience.
Essential Duties/Responsibilities:
Serve as front door to state government by growing and maintaining working relationships with local and regional leaders including, but not limited to elected officials, local economic development officials (LEDOs), chambers of commerce, community foundations, Main Street organizations, regional planning organizations, professional consultants, other state and federal agencies, and the general public regarding agency activities and services
Achieve all in person meeting metrics as set by the agency within designated region
Enter community interactions weekly through electronic portal to track the number of in person meetings, phone calls and emails with key customers
Provide and present a regional summary to central office staff
Participate in all OCRA Staff meetings, internal and external trainings, workshops, and agency sponsored events
Maintain a working knowledge of all OCRA programs
Provide technical assistance to communities in the engagement of agency programs
Foster a culture of innovation, committed to meeting current and emerging customer needs.
Effectively and proactively communicate with design professionals, builders and developers, attorneys and local community officials and staff on the status of major projects and initiatives.
Respond to all inquiries relating to specific projects and/or requests for other (programmatic) information.
Evaluate issues regarding municipal public works and make recommendations to assist communities in achieving their goals and priorities
Seek, document, highlight, and disseminate community economic development best practices.
Provide neutral facilitation services for fact-finding, asset mapping, and problem solving for communities and appropriate organizations.
Identify, link, and convene local and regional groups with common missions and interests to move their communities forward.
Utilize internal and external resources, technology and continuous improvement techniques to report metrics, improve process, create more capacity and deliver greater value
Review project development plans (preliminary engineering reports, comprehensive plans, feasibility studies, etc.) for compliance with technical requirements, regulations and standards.
Discuss proposed project details with diverse community stakeholders to evaluate program eligibility and competitiveness ahead of application submission.
Other duties as assigned.
Job Requirements:
Successful candidates will have a demonstrated combination of education and experience that provides the knowledge, skills, and ability needed to perform the duties and responsibilities.
B.S./B.A. degree or extensive related work experience
Considerable interpersonal communication skills, both written and verbal
Outgoing positive approach to new ideas and concepts
Understand and the relationships between Indiana's community economic development goals and various programs and services provided by the agency and its partners
Ability to travel extensively within the assigned region and the state
Ability to speak and present to small and large audiences
Ability to perform basic computer office functions including: Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint, Outlook)
Ability to effectively prioritize and execute tasks in a demanding environment
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:
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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