Director Communications (Education)

The Director of Communications for The Children's Museum of Indianapolis leads various aspects of the strategy and execution of internal and external communications. The director, as part of the Brand Strategy and Sales division, is responsible for shaping how the museum's voice is shared with the public, the media, and across the organization. The incumbent ensures that the museum's messaging reflects the vision and mission, strengthens our reputation, aligns with our brand, and reaches the right audiences, from public relations and media outreach to internal messaging and brand storytelling. The director leads the communications and public/media relations team, builds strong relationships with media outlets, serves as a key spokesperson in the media, and acts as a strategic partner across departments.

 The Children's Museum is fiercely devoted to our Diversity, Equity, Accessibility, and Inclusion. (DEAI) efforts. Together we are building and sustaining an inclusive culture that encourages, supports, and celebrates differences. 

Reports to: Vice President, Brand Strategy & Sales

 ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Leads the development and execution of integrated communications and earned media strategies that complement paid and owned media, support revenue growth, increase visibility, and build community trust. Uses audience insights and market data to shape messaging and outreach efforts.
2. Builds and maintains strong strategic relationships with local, regional, and national media. Proactively identifies new and diverse opportunities for positive media coverage in current and new markets and manages the museum's online pressroom.
3. Guides the creation of high-impact, mission-driven communications that reflect the museum's brand voice and strategic priorities. Ensures communications resources are used effectively to strengthen the museum's reputation and deepen audience loyalty.
4. Drives a thoughtful, effective internal communications strategy in partnership with Human Resources and museum leadership. Creates new processes that keep staff and volunteers informed, connected, and aligned with the museum's goals and values.
5. Champions inclusive, culturally responsive, and accessible communications. Develops strategies to reach and engage diverse communities and ensures messaging reflects the museum's commitment to diversity, equity, accessibility, inclusion, and belonging.
6. Prepares and supports staff for media interviews and storytelling opportunities. Serves as the museum's spokesperson as needed and ensures consistent, well-crafted messaging in earned media efforts.
7. Leads the team in producing clear, compelling messaging for speeches, campaigns, internal updates, and public outreach. Collaborates across departments to support initiatives, exhibits, events, and programs.
8. Manages a cross-channel content calendar, partnering with colleagues in experience development, advancement, and marketing to ensure timely, high-quality storytelling. Works with subject matter experts and cultural advisors to shape content and elevate partnerships as needed.
9. Leads crisis communications planning and response. Develops and maintains protocols, delivers training, and prepares leadership and colleagues for potential scenarios through proactive planning and media coaching.
10. Tracks trends in communications, media, and audience behavior to bring fresh ideas and approaches into the museum's messaging strategies. Collaborates with the social media team to align stories, strengthen messaging, and build relationships with influencers and online communities.
11. Oversees measurement and evaluation of earned media and communications performance. Uses analytics to guide strategy and report impact to leadership.
12. Manages annual planning and budgets for communications initiatives, ensuring resources are aligned with organizational priorities and team development.

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.
2. Eight (8) years of experience in public relations or strategic communications, including three (3) years in team and resource management experience. Familiarity with media in the travel, leisure, or education sectors preferred.
3. Demonstrated understanding of PR, media relations, and communication strategy, along with experience using tools and systems for planning and analysis.
4. Exceptional writing skills, including executive communications, speechwriting, and crafting high-impact messages for a wide range of audiences.
5. Flexibility to support events and media needs outside typical business hours, including evenings, weekends, early mornings, and holidays.
6. Experience building or leading internal communications frameworks is preferred.
7. Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to navigate a diverse, mission-driven organization and lead inclusive, productive dialogue across perspectives.
8. Analytical thinker who can interpret data and share insights clearly, even with non-technical audiences. Creative, strategic mindset with the ability to see both the big picture and the details that bring it to life.
9. Experience mentoring and guiding teams, especially in applying brand and messaging strategy across different platforms and departments.
10. Confident communicator in both visual and verbal formats — whether speaking to a group, one-on-one, or through presentations and visual storytelling.
11. Spanish language proficiency preferred.

ADA REQUIREMENTS:

1. Requires the ability to review press releases, view computer monitors, create and maintain reports, photos, artwork and other necessary documents.
2. Must be able to communicate extensively and effectively with members of the media, staff, volunteers, and visitors, via telephone, virtually, one-on-one conversations, various meetings and public presentations.
3. Requires extensive use of computer keyboards and smartphones. Must be able to process large volumes of paperwork and negotiate local, regional and national travel.
4. Requires the ability to navigate throughout the museum facility and campus; must be able to sit or stand for extended periods of time. As needed, must be able to lift and carry a minimum of 30 pounds.

 

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.

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Salary Minimum: 97000Salary Maximum: 97000