Senior Manager of Communications

Job Description

Job Description

United Way of Central Indiana works to bring the resources of philanthropy, government, corporations, the social sector, and neighborhoods together to confront generational poverty head on and ensure a better future for our neighbors in need. This is an ambitious time to join United Way as we embark on a five-year strategic plan to reduce the number of households experiencing poverty and financial instability. 

To make a significant impact in our region, United Way is looking for dedicated, confident, and compassionate team members who live our shared values of inclusivity, courage, accountability, respect, and excellence.  We partner to design, support, and grow systems that accelerate financial stability and upward mobility for individuals and families living in or near poverty and striving for a brighter future. Our vision is that Central Indiana will be a community where children, individuals and families thrive; neighbors care for each other; and we are proud of all our residents’ quality of life.

Position Summary

The Senior Manager of Communications integrates internal and external communications into one consistent organizational voice. Working across every channel and audience, this role sets editorial standards, owns communications plans from planning through execution and measurement, and ensures team members and external audiences receive clear, timely information, in strong collaboration with the Senior Director of Communications and Marketing team and in support of divisional goals.

In a given week, this position may pitch a reporter, place an op-ed, write an all-team message, turn a program update into a short-form impact story, and refresh a page on the website. The role requires a communicator with range: someone who can shift audience, voice, and channel quickly without losing message consistency, and who owns the work end-to-end from planning through drafting, execution, and measurement. 

Position Duties & Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed.  They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. This role spans multiple communications disciplines. The categories below describe areas of responsibility, not separate jobs; the Senior Manager is expected to move between them fluidly and prioritize based on organizational need.

Internal Communications Strategy, Messaging & Channels

• Lead the planning, development, and execution of internal communications that keep team members informed, aligned and connected to organizational priorities and culture.
• Draft and distribute internal updates and organizational announcements, ensuring messaging is clear, timely and aligned with strategic priorities.
• Partner with leadership and internal teams to translate complex initiatives, changes and priorities into clear, actionable communications for internal audiences.
• Manage and continuously improve internal communication channels (e.g., intranet, internal newsletters, email updates and collaboration platforms) to ensure accessibility, relevance and engagement.
• Develop channel strategies that optimize reach and effectiveness across diverse team member audiences.
• Maintain editorial standards (AP style) and governance across internal communications platforms to ensure consistency, brand alignment and message integrity across departments.

Organizational Meetings & Leadership Communications

• Plan and support organization-wide communications for All-Team meetings and other internal leadership events in partnership with the Multimedia Specialist.
• Partner with the Senior Director of Communications to develop presentations and briefing materials that effectively communicate leadership priorities and organizational updates.
• Ensure meeting communications are well-coordinated, reinforce key messages and support transparency and engagement.

Media Relations & Public Communications

• Draft press releases, media advisories, statements and public-facing communications that advance the organization’s reputation and priorities.
• Manage inbound media inquiries, coordinating responses with leadership and subject matter experts to ensure timely and accurate information.
• Develop media briefing materials and FAQs to support preparation of leadership for interviews, public appearances and media engagement.
• Draft, edit, and place op-eds and bylined commentary, working with subject matter experts to sharpen argument, evidence and voice before submission.
• Build and maintain relationships with editorial page editors, columnists, and reporters, pitching op-eds and story ideas that advance organizational priorities.

Content Strategy & Channel Management

• Co-create content across digital platforms including the website, social media channels and email communications.
• Develop and execute content that supports public policy communications and organizational advocacy priorities.
• Maintain editorial calendars to ensure a regular cadence of storytelling and coordinated messaging across internal and external channels.
• Ensure all communications adhere to brand standards, messaging frameworks and accessibility guidelines.

Storytelling & Cross-Functional Collaboration

• Identify and develop compelling stories that highlight organizational impact, team member contributions and mission-driven outcomes.
• Write short-form impact stories on a consistent, published cadence; brief, vivid pieces that show how United Way’s work is changing conditions for neighbors across Central Indiana; sized for social channels, email and the website.
• Own the storytelling editorial calendar, sourcing stories from program divisions and community partners far enough ahead to keep the pipeline full and delivery predictable.
• Serve as a communications partner to internal stakeholders, helping teams communicate initiatives effectively to both internal and external audiences.

Measurement & Continuous Improvement

• Track engagement and performance metrics across internal and external communication channels to evaluate reach, effectiveness and audience engagement.
• Analyze communications data and feedback to identify trends, opportunities and areas for improvement.
• Share insights and performance reports with the Senior Director of Communications and key stakeholders to inform strategy and strengthen future communications efforts.

Qualifications (Education & Experience)

*Relevant experience may be considered in lieu of formal education where appropriate.

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field preferred.
• 4-6+ years of experience in communications with a strong track record of success (nonprofit or similar organization a plus).
• Demonstrated breadth as a communications generalist, with hands-on experience across media relations, internal team member communications, marketing communications and digital content for social media and the website.
• Proven ability to author content for diverse audiences across online and traditional platforms.
• Strong experience with reporting, short-form storytelling and media relations, including drafting and placing op-eds and bylined commentary. 
• Experience working cross-functionally in a complex organization, including collaboration with divisional teams and brand/marketing teams.

Knowledge & Technical Skills

• Strong understanding of digital communications channels and their effective use.
• Experience utilizing analytics tools to measure communications performance, analyze results and inform strategy.
• Ability to support integrated communications and marketing plans through media relations, storytelling and coordinated communications efforts.
• Creative thinking, with the ability to identify compelling media opportunities and ensure timely release of information that supports organizational reputation.
• Ability to create clear, concise and persuasive written content and stories.
• Ability to produce publishable short-form writing quickly and to a fixed deadline, and to edit the work of others; including executive bylines, without flattening the author’s voice.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse audiences, including board members, donors and staff
• Ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams across the organization.
• Strong ability to prioritize and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced and lean environment.
• Comfort owning projects end-to-end; from planning through drafting, execution, and measurement without dedicated specialist support.
• Ability to support management of communications budgets and vendor coordination as needed.
  

   

Position Leader:   Communications Senior Director

Position Leads:    None

FLSA Status:        Exempt, Full-Time

Salary Range:      Upper 60’s to mid 70s

Benefits:              Complete Benefits Package Available

Reviewed:            September 2026 

Equal Opportunity Employer

United Way of Central Indiana (UWCI) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment.

To apply, please visit uwci.org/careers.

This position description is intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed and is not a contract of employment. Employment with UWCI is at-will and may be terminated at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law. UWCI reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this position description as needed and to assign additional duties as appropriate.