Communications Generalist

IUPUI SCHOOL OF LIBERAL ARTS (IN-LART-IUINA)

The Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture at IU Indianapolis is the largest academic institute in the nation studying religion in American society. Its programing includes both scholarly activities and public teaching. Among others, 2 of the large programs are: the Association of Religion Data Archives (the ARDA), which is the largest online source for data about religion in the world and is consulted regularly by researchers, religious leaders, and community leaders; and the Congregations and Polarization (CAP) Project, which is working with clergy across Indiana to learn how congregations are framing their ministries in the context of political and cultural polarization with the goal to describe the relationship among the divisive issues, the social context, and congregational efforts. In all, the Center seeks to elevate among students, faculty, and the larger American public the understanding of the influence of religion in the lives of people. Now 35 years old, the Center has helped to establish Indiana University as a leader in the study of and public teaching about religion and culture.  

Department-Specific Responsibilities

• Oversees and directs communications about programs and activities for the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture, particularly the Association of Religion Data Archives (the ARDA) and the Congregations and Polarization Project (the CAP project).
• Creates, devises, and executes strategic communication plans, and both shorter and long-term communication strategies for the organization’s projects, programs, and affiliated faculty.  
• Drafts, authors, and publishes print and digital stories and content on behalf of the Center for the Study of Religion & American Culture. The materials may include, but are not limited to, newsletters, educational materials, press releases, short posts, op-ed placements, news releases, reports to funders, and social media posts.
• Prepares communications timelines and shares progress of communications toward relevant deadlines with leaders, team members, and other relevant constituents for the Center for the Study of Religion and American Culture, the Association of Religion Data Archives (the ARDA) and the Congregations and Polarization Project (the CAP project).
• Creates a social media strategy to engage various audiences including academics, Indiana pastors, journalists, educators, congregational leaders, and community members.
• Monitors relevant social media and news sites regularly to stay abreast of what related organizations are doing.
• Monitors and reports on communication and social media reach for various projects and programs.
• Collaborates with curricular professionals and religion professionals to create adult-learning materials and other products for civic and religious groups.  
• Manages relationships with various internal and external stakeholders, including faculty, community religious leaders, journalists, educators, and more.
• Creates communications coverage for relevant initiatives, events, and programs.

General Responsibilities

• Independently creates basic and complex communications for print and e-distribution on behalf of department or large multi-faceted department and in support of departmental goals and objectives; communications may be interdepartmental; staff, faculty, or student-focused; or external.
• Responds to inquiries and requests and explains policies, procedures, and context of communications.
• Manages relationships with various internal and external stakeholders and creates communications coverage for relevant initiatives, events, and programs.
• Prepares communications timelines and shares progress of communications toward relevant deadlines with manager, team members, and other relevant constituents.
• Regularly monitors relevant social media and news sites; researches relevant subject matter to increase knowledge in area(s) of specialty.
• Utilizes various communications software programs and delivers communications in multiple formats to a variety of audiences.
• Monitors industry trends and best practices and makes process and operational recommendations to manager.
• May provide guidance to lower-level Communications Generalists.

Combinations of related education and experience may be considered. Education beyond the minimum required may be substituted for work experience. Work experience beyond the minimum required may be substituted for education.  

EDUCATION

Required

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, public relations, or related field.

WORK EXPERIENCE

Required

• 5 years in relevant field.

SKILLS

Required

• Proficient communication skills.
• Maintains a high degree of professionalism.
• Demonstrated time management and priority setting skills.
• Demonstrates a high commitment to quality.
• Possesses flexibility to work in a fast paced, dynamic environment.
• Seeks to acquire knowledge in area of specialty.
• Highly thorough and dependable.
• Demonstrates a high level of accuracy, even under pressure.
• Possesses a high degree of initiative.
• Ability to influence internal and/or external constituents.

This role requires the ability to effectively communicate and to operate a computer and other standard office productivity equipment. The position involves sedentary work as well as periods of time moving around an office environment and the campus. The person in this role must be able to perform the essential functions with or without an accommodation.

IU Indianapolis

Indianapolis, Indiana

For full-time staff employees, Indiana University offers a wide array of benefits including:

• Multiple plan options for medical insurance
• Dental insurance
• Health Savings Account with generous IU contribution
• Life insurance, LTD, and AD&D options
• Base retirement plan contribution from IU, subject to vesting
• Additional supplemental retirement plan options
• Tuition benefit for IU classes
• 10 paid holidays per year
• Generous Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Learn more about our benefits by reviewing our online Benefits Brochure .

Career Level: Advanced

FLSA: Exempt

Job Function: Marketing & Communications

Job Family: Communications Generalist

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This posting is scheduled to close at 11:59 pm EST on the advertised Close Date. This posting may be closed at any time at the discretion of the University, but will remain open for a minimum of 5 business days. To guarantee full consideration, please submit your application within 5 business days of the Posted Date.

If you wish to include a cover letter, you may include it with your resume when uploading attachments.

Indiana University is an equal employment and affirmative action employer and a provider of ADA services. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment based on individual qualifications. Indiana University prohibits discrimination based on age, ethnicity, color, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability status or protected veteran status. Indiana University does not discriminate on the basis of sex in its educational programs and activities, including employment and admission, as required by Title IX. Questions or complaints regarding Title IX may be referred to the U.S. Department of Education Office for Civil Rights or the university Title IX Coordinator. See Indiana University’s Notice of Non-Discrimination here which includes contact information .

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