Communications & Public Relations Specialist

The University of Indianapolis is seeking applicants for a Communications and Public Relations Specialist role. This is a full-time, exempt staff position.

The Communications and Public Relations Specialist will play a vital role in advancing the University of Indianapolis’s reputation and visibility through strategic storytelling and public relations support. This position is ideal for a strong writer with a collaborative mindset who is eager to grow within the field of communications. The individual will be responsible for producing engaging content for UIndy’s digital platforms, print publications (including UIndy Magazine), and external media channels.

This position’s workload will be approximately 60% content development, 20% media relations, and 20% social media. Working closely with the Content Strategist, Director of Public & Media Relations, and Associate Vice President for Communications, the Communications and Public Relations Specialist will contribute to a variety of communications initiatives that support student recruitment, retention, advancement, and community engagement. Over time, this individual will have the opportunity to grow their skills, expand their portfolio, and contribute more strategically to the University’s integrated communications efforts.

The successful candidate will join a highly collaborative team that works to highlight UIndy’s strengths and value by telling authentic and compelling stories for key audiences. This role is integral to the content strategy, planning and development of effective, creative copy and content for the University of Indianapolis’s brand, reflected in communications and marketing channels. Critical to the success of this position are successful project management, strong writing and content development skills, as well as working in collaboration with university leadership, directors, and faculty to impact various audiences.

REQUIREMENTS/MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree, or equivalent experience, in Journalism, Public Relations, English, Writing, Communications or a related field
• 0-3 years of experience

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Will work collaboratively with University Communications and Marketing and other University department teams. May provide guidance to student workers, but not direct supervision.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Conduct interviews with students, faculty, staff, and alumni to develop stories for various platforms.
• Draft news and feature articles, press releases, and website content in AP style.
• Post and schedule social media content, monitor engagement, and respond to comments as needed.
• Track and compile media coverage and social media analytics for reporting purposes.
• Assist in preparing talking points, bios, and background materials for media interviews.
• Collaborate with teammates to manage deadlines and meet content production goals during high-demand periods, including magazine cycles and major campus events.
• Use tools such as content management systems (CMS), social media platforms, and project management software to execute responsibilities effectively.
• Developing compelling written content that showcases student, faculty, staff, and alumni achievements in support of institutional goals.
• Supporting media relations efforts by identifying story opportunities and assisting with press outreach, reactive responses, and media list maintenance.
• Creating content for UIndy’s social media platforms
• Contributing to the University magazine and digital storytelling platforms, including YOUIndy and UIndy
  360.
• Assisting in increasing the visibility of UIndy’s academic programs, initiatives, and community partnerships through coordinated content strategies.

OTHER CHARACTERISTICS:

Knowledge:

• Effective communication across the communication and marketing mix and the use of voice and tone to reach diverse audiences.
• Emerging communications and marketing trends and issues affecting higher education admissions, advancement and strategic development.

Skills:

• Excellent oral, written, interpersonal and presentation skills.
• Attention to detail and processes.
• Strong work ethic and demonstrates the ability to handle multiple projects…