Indianapolis Indians
Director of Communications
Indianapolis Indians - Director
Indianapolis · IN
Communications Department Management · Communications & Public Relations · Community Relations
1
0
hours ago
Director of Communications
Reports to: Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & Communications
Direct reports: Baseball Communications Coordinator, Social Media Manager, Community Outreach Manager, Mascot Program Manager
Location: Indianapolis, IN
Status: Full-time, Exempt
Position Summary
The Director of Communications serves as the voice, storyteller, and public face of the Indianapolis. This role oversees an integrated portfolio spanning corporate communications, earned media strategy, social media, baseball communications, and community outreach. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communicator and storyteller with a strong background in public relations, media strategy, and executive-level communications within the sports or entertainment industry.
Major Responsibilities
- Develop and execute a cohesive communications strategy that supports the Indians' brand, business objectives, and community standing across all channels and audiences
- Build and lead the Indians' earned media strategy proactively identifying stories, cultivating relationships with the media, and driving coverage that extends the organization's reach and reputation beyond game results
- Serve as a primary organizational spokesperson; represent the Indians at media engagements, public appearances, and on-camera media events with professionalism and authenticity
- Oversee social media strategy and editorial direction across all platforms, ensuring the Indians' voice is consistent, engaging, and aligned with brand standards
- Serve as primary media contact for the organization; build and steward relationships with local, regional, and national sports and business media
- Assist baseball communications functions, including credentialing, press box operations, game notes, roster management in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and pre and postgame availability coordination when needed
- Manage corporate communications including executive messaging, organizational announcements, crisis communications, and internal stakeholder updates
- Oversee the Indians' community outreach and mascot program establishing authentic, lasting partnerships with Indianapolis-area organizations, schools, nonprofits, and civic institutions
- Monitor and analyze media coverage, providing leadership with insights and recommendations for ongoing communication strategies
- Partner closely with the brand, marketing, and ticketing teams to ensure communications efforts are integrated and support broader revenue and fan engagement goals
Skills and Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field
- 6+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations, preferably within the sports or entertainment industry
- Experienced people leader who brings out the best from those around them through clear expectations, genuine investment, and accountability
- Proven on-camera presence; comfortable serving as a spokesperson in live, recorded, and broadcast media environments
- Exceptional writer and editor; ability to shift seamlessly between game notes, press releases, executive talking points, social captions, and community-facing messaging
- Familiarity with professional or minor league baseball operations and media protocols is a meaningful advantage
- Exemplified track record in developing and executing strategic communication plans that drive brand awareness and engagement
- Strong instincts for storytelling; understanding what makes a story worth telling, how to package it, and how to get it placed
- Extensive media relations experience with an ability to foster relationships with journalists, broadcasters, and influencers
- Exceptional writing and storytelling skills, with experience crafting press materials, executive messaging, and public statements
- Ability to manage high-pressure situations with professionalism, discretion, and strategic thinking
- Strong presentation and public speaking skills with experience serving as an organizational spokesperson
- Strategic social media thinker who understands how to build and steward an organizational voice across platforms
- A genuine connection to Indianapolis and enthusiasm for the Indians' role in this community
- Passion for sports and a deep understanding of how communications strategies impact fan engagement and organizational reputation
Compensation:
- Salary commensurate with experience, plus bonus structure (when eligible)
- Benefits include paid vacation, 401(k) plan (when eligible) and health, dental and vision insurance
About the Indianapolis Indians:
The Indianapolis Indians are the professional Triple-A baseball club affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. In continuous operation since 1902, the organization believes in creating affordable and memorable experiences for fans so they can grow closer together with family, friends and the community through the game of baseball. The Indians play their home games at Victory Field, a 13,750-seat ballpark located in downtown Indianapolis and White River State Park. The venue opened in 1996 and has received numerous national accolades as one of the best minor league ballparks in the United States. The team has led Minor League Baseball in combined total attendance over the past six seasons. In 2018, the organization was recognized as Ballpark Digest Team of the Year. It was also named a 2019 Best Places to Work by the Indiana Chamber of Commerce.
Equal Opportunity Statement:
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
Job Questions:
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