Manager,External and Strategic Communications Job Indianapolis Indiana USA,Marketing / Advertising / PR

Position Summary

The Manager, External Communications and Strategic Communications is responsible for executing Regenstrief Institute's external communications and managing strategic, cross-functional communications that advance institutional priorities. Reporting to the Regenstrief Institute Chief Research Officer, this role focuses on translating research and strategic initiatives into clear, compelling narratives for external audiences, including media, key partners, policymakers, and the public.

The Manager serves as a hands-on project manager and content leader, coordinating with executive leadership, researchers, and operational teams to deliver high-impact communications and time-bound strategic initiatives. This role does not set institutional strategy, but ensures priority initiatives are well-planned, communicated, and executed effectively.

This position is a hybrid working model with several days of onsite work at the Regenstrief Institute building in Indianapolis, IN, This role may be considered remote based on location.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Strategic Projects & Initiative Support:

Manages communications-related strategic projects aligned with institutional priorities, including timelines, deliverables, and progress tracking.
Supports execution of selected strategic plan initiatives through structured project management and communications support.
Partners with executive leadership to operationalize priority initiatives through coordinated messaging and external engagement.
Leads special projects as assigned that advance research visibility, partnerships, or reputation.

External Communications & Research Storytelling:

Leads external communications strategy and execution and brand management, including press releases, thought leadership, newsletters, and feature content.
Translates complex research and data initiatives into accessible narratives for non-technical audiences.

Pilots AI-enabled workflows for ideation, drafting, editing, and analytics, to enable increased engagement among investigators/researchers.

Collaborates with Centers and Units to promote research impact, platforms (e.g., Research Data Services, Health Data Standards/LOINC, Office of Strategic Innovation) and partnerships.

Media Relations:

Serves as a primary point of contact for media inquiries in coordination with leadership.
Develops media pitches, talking points, and briefing materials.
Identifies interview, speaking, and visibility opportunities for investigators and leaders.
Supports crisis communications planning and execution as needed related to media, press coverage, press releases, etc.

Digital & Social Media:

Develops and manages a storytelling-driven social media approach with clear goals and platform focus.
Oversees content planning, posting, and performance monitoring for external channels (e.g., Linked In, Facebook).
Uses analytics to refine messaging and engagement.

Website & Visual Content:

Oversees updates to institutional website content related to research, news, and impact stories.
Coordinates photography, video, and graphic assets to support external storytelling.
Ensures content aligns with established brand standards and messaging frameworks.

Government & Policy Communications Support:

Develops messaging and materials for policymakers and external stakeholders in coordination with leadership.
Supports researchers and executives with briefing documents, testimony preparation, and external presentations.
Coordinates communications-related aspects of government and public affairs activities (does not independently lead lobbying or policy strategy).

Internal Communications (Selective and Strategic):

Supports leadership communications related to major announcements, research milestones, and strategic initiatives.
Coordinates messaging for town halls or leadership updates tied to external-facing priorities.
Does not own day-to-day internal communications operations but supports the communication of strategic priorities to internal teams.

People Leadership:

Manages and develops PR/Communications staff, providing direction, feedback, and performance coaching.
Assigns and prioritizes work aligned with external…


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Manager, External and Strategic Communications