Director of Communications

Director of Communications Date Posted: Jun 23, 2026 Requisition ID: 478900 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 Department of Natural Resources (DNR): The Indiana Department of Natural Resources protects, enhances, preserves, and wisely uses natural, cultural, and recreational resources for the benefit of Indiana's citizens through professional leadership, management, and education. DNR Communications provides news and media access to information about agency project, programs, and initiatives. The department creates and distributes communication projects of general interest, oversees the agency website, and manages social media channels. Role Overview: The Director of Communications leads marketing and strategic communications for the Indiana Department of Natural Resources, coordinating closely across DNR and state government, as well as external partners, to further DNR's mission and align messaging. This includes overseeing media relations, social media, photography/videography, publications, web development, graphic design, writing, and customer service for DNR. This role is responsible for guiding agency leadership on communications strategy in routine and crisis settings, as well as managing a team and a budget. Salary: The salary for this position traditionally starts at $93,002.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator ( to view the total compensation package. A Day in the Life: The essential functions of this role are as follows: Review and evaluate organizational effectiveness, goal determination, and strategic planning, etc., makes recommendations for improvement. Develop and coordinate plans and policies, resources, and mission as well as goals, vision and expectations of agency or program. Provide guidance to agencies and the public regarding applicable laws and rules. Supervise subordinate personnel including hiring, determining workload, and delegating assignments, training, monitoring, and evaluating performance, and initiating corrective or disciplinary action. Monitor agency or program budget including revenues, expenditures, and budget projections. Communicate with news and other media. responds to media questions or requests in an appropriate public relations manner. Coordinate with other government officials on planning issues (i.e. federal and/or state agency directors, etc.). Coordinate, review and evaluate the use of appropriate controls and standards for the agency. 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: Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following: Extensive knowledge of agency and/or organizational program(s) and business practices. Extensive knowledge of State programs and resources, public policy, and program evaluation. Ability to develop and/or measure program outcomes. Ability to create and maintain strong working relationships with key public and private government and business leaders. Ability to identify problems, determine accuracy and relevance of information, and use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations. Ability to work with internal and external customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations. Outstanding interpersonal skills with the ability to build relationships, establish credibility, and influence leaders at all levels. Make sound, well-informed, and objective decisions. Perceives the impact and implications of decisions. Ability to identify problems. determine accuracy and relevance of information, and to use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations. A degree is not required. Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation. Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports: This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members. 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 View email address on click.appcast.io. Current Employee? Click here ( to apply.