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 Indiana State Department of Agriculture (ISDA)
The Indiana State Department of Agriculture was established as a separate state agency by the Legislature in 2005. The Director of ISDA is appointed by the Governor and is a member of the Governor’s Cabinet. The ISDA vision is to be a global leader in innovation and commercialization for food, fuel, and fiber production.
Role Overview
The Public Affairs Director leads the strategic communications and stakeholder engagement, shaping how the agency is perceived by the public, policymakers, and community partners. You will oversee the development and execution of public affairs strategies, including media relations, government relations, crisis communication, and reputation management. By building strong relationships with key stakeholders, monitoring legislative and regulatory developments, and guiding messaging across channels, you will ensure effective representation of the agency and those we serve.
Salary
Starts at $75,010.00, commensurate with education or work experience.
A Day In The Life
- Supports all divisions by managing the development and dissemination of human resources communications and other pertinent information to all internal and external staff.
- Develops, recommends, and implements communications strategies that effectively communicate agency’s initiatives, strategies and goals throughout the department and statewide.
- Develops and implements programs and processes that enable the agency to more effectively communicate agency messaging.
- Develops a system that ensures consistent collection and distribution of polices, programs, directories, forms, and reports.
- Develops recommendations for communications material.
- Writes, edits, and proofreads all departmental communications prior to distribution or oversees such activities.
- Directs and manages the publication of all department communications materials, including, but not limited to internet, intranet, and all employee communications.
- Drives the development and execution of agency’s internal communication plan to improve employee understanding of our goals, priorities and results.
- Counsels’ management on the public/agency relations implications of policies and procedures being formulated and recommends specific actions towards gaining favorable reactions from their audience.
- Responds to external complaints, inquiries and requests for information including Governor’s correspondence.
- Partners with functional leadership in developing key messages and coordinating with external communications.
- Coordinates, integrates, and promotes internal communications best practices.
- Works with information technology to enhance effectiveness of agency’s internet and intranet web sites.
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 that 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.
Credentials
- Master’s Degree and 3+ years of experience, or
- Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years of experience, or
- Associate’s Degree and 7+ years of experience, or
- 9+ years of experience applying the below, outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role. Related certifications and coursework may be considered for education or experience.
Additional Qualifications
- Extensive knowledge of journalism, communications, marketing, web applications or public relations.
- Familiarity with desktop publishing.
- Advanced knowledge of web development.
- Strong writing, editing, and proof-reading skills.
- Thorough knowledge of agency’s policies and procedures.
- Strong presentation skills.
- Extensive knowledge of agency functions, and the ability to incorporate and administer communications programs adhering to missions and goals of the agency.
- Outstanding interpersonal skills, able to build relationships, establish credibility, and influence leaders at all levels.
- Strong organizational skills, meticulous, and effective at public speaking and moderating large groups.
- Recognizes or uses correct grammar, punctuation, and spelling; communicates information in a succinct and organized manner; produces written information, which may include technical material, that is appropriate for the intended audience.
- Makes sound, well-informed and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions.
- Ability to identify problems; determine accuracy and relevance of information; use sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives and to make recommendations.
- Ability to work with customers to assess needs, provide assistance, resolve problems, and satisfy expectations.
- Ability to plan, distribute, coordinate, and monitor work assignments, evaluate work performance, provide feedback on performance, ensure staff are appropriately selected, utilized, and developed.
- Ability to develop and implement new policies and procedures and discern any far-reaching implications.
- Ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.
A degree is not required. However, at least 9+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.
Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports
This role may provide direct supervision for one or more staff members.
Benefits Of Employment With The State Of Indiana
- 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
#J-18808-Ljbffr