Chief Communications Officer

The City-County Council is the legislative branch of our local government. In addition to adopting budgets, levying taxes, and authorizing financial appropriations to fund city and county operations, the council is responsible for enacting, repealing, and amending local laws. The Council appoints members to boards and commissions that serve the community, and all meetings are open to the public.

The Chief Communications Officer serves as the senior communications advisor to the Indianapolis City-County Council and provides comprehensive internal and external communications support to Council leadership and individual Councilors. The position leads the development and execution of communications strategies that advance the Council’s legislative, fiscal, constituent-service, and organizational priorities.

The Chief Communications Officer oversees Council and Councilor branding and messaging; provides strategic communications guidance to Council leadership; manages media relations and public engagement; and ensures timely, accurate, accessible, and nonpartisan dissemination of information. The position acts as the Council’s spokesperson when designated and establishes standards, protocols, and processes that maintain consistency with Council priorities and safeguard the Council’s reputation.

This role supervises the Public Information Officer. The Chief Communications Officer works closely with Council leadership, Council staff, City-County agencies, media representatives, and community stakeholders to effectively communicate Council actions and support public understanding of Council initiatives.

The position exercises discretion within parameters set by the Council President in coordination with Council leadership and staff. Messaging decisions are thoroughly discussed with Council Leadership, Council staff, and subject matter experts as appropriate.

Significant professional judgment is required when engaging with media, community organizations, and civic leaders. Errors in judgment could negatively impact Council operations, cause reputational harm, or expose the City to legal or financial liability.

Work is reviewed on an as-needed basis in addition to an annual evaluation. The position requires initiative, independent decision-making, and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a team.

The City of Indianapolis Marion County is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. We value diversity in perspectives and experiences among colleagues and the residents of this city of whom we serve.

• Lead engagement with internal and external stakeholders to support Council-driven policies and strengthen understanding of Council initiatives.
• Develop and implement strategic communications plans aligned with Council priorities, the legislative calendar, major proposals, budget actions, public hearings, and organizational needs.
• Serve as the Council’s official media spokesperson when designated, coordinating interviews, responding to inquiries, and preparing Councilors for media engagement.
• Work closely with communications personnel across City departments and agencies to coordinate press conferences and ensure consistent, accurate, and aligned messaging in all public information efforts.
• Facilitate Council-related news conferences and events, and lead the drafting, writing, reviewing, and editing of all public communications, including briefing materials, news releases, statements, newsletters, speeches, presentations, articles, and digital content.
• Establish and enforce editorial,…