Communications Engagement Specialist Hybrid Indianapolis IN

Communications Outreach Specialist
Be part of a transformative effort to improve the health and well-being of rural communities across Indiana.

Our client is leading Indiana’s 5-year Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), including the Make Rural Indiana Healthy Again (MRIHA) Regional Grants, a historic $600M investment to strengthen healthcare access, prevention, and system resilience across 64 fully rural and nine partially rural counties. This initiative brings together state leadership, healthcare providers, and community organizations to design and implement solutions that reflect local needs while advancing a shared, statewide vision for better health outcomes.

This is a high-visibility role with direct impact on how communities access information, resources, and care across the state.

About the Role
As an Communications Outreach Specialist, you will play a critical role in connecting communities to this initiative by ensuring clear, consistent, and accessible communication across Indiana. You will help translate complex public health efforts into meaningful messages that engage communities, support partners, and drive awareness.

In this role, you will work closely with state agencies, community partners, and internal teams to develop outreach strategies, manage communications across multiple channels, and support initiatives that improve health outcomes for Indiana residents.

What You’ll Do
Outreach & Stakeholder Engagement

Serve as a liaison between IDOH and community partners to support two-way communication and feedback

Build relationships with local organizations, stakeholders, and community groups

Assist in planning and implementing community-based programs and outreach initiatives

Content Development & Communications

Develop clear, accurate, and engaging communication materials, including fact sheets, newsletters, presentations, website content, and social media

Ensure messaging is accessible, culturally appropriate, and aligned with health literacy best practices

Maintain consistency with IDOH branding and communication standards

Public Health Campaign Support

Support public health campaigns by drafting messaging, coordinating distribution, and tracking engagement

Monitor outreach performance and recommend improvements

Media & Public Relations Support

Assist with media relations, including drafting press releases, talking points, and supporting interviews or public events

Help coordinate responses to external stakeholders, legislators, and the general public

Program & Reporting Support

Track outreach activities, maintain contact databases, and prepare reports on engagement outcomes

Support grant‑funded initiatives through documentation, reporting, and evaluation activities

Collaborate with internal teams to ensure consistent messaging and coordinated outreach

What You Bring

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public health, public relations, marketing, social sciences, or related field (Required)

Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to tailor messaging for diverse audiences (Required)

Experience in community outreach, public engagement, or partnership development (Required, 2+ years)

Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously with strong attention to detail (Required)

Proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with digital communication tools such as social media platforms, email marketing, and content management systems (Required, 2+ years)

Experience with graphic design, data visualization, or multimedia content creation (Highly Desired)

Ability to act as a communications advisor, reviewing messaging and guiding program teams (Highly Desired)

Experience assessing messaging needs and coaching staff for interactions with external stakeholders, including media (Highly Desired)

Experience supporting executive‑level communications and assisting leadership with communication strategies (Highly Desired)

Experience coordinating responses to external stakeholders, legislators, and the general public (Highly Desired)

Core Competencies

Cultural competence and sensitivity

Relationship‑building and collaboration

Strategic communication

Event planning and coordination

Problem‑solving and adaptability

Attention to detail and organizational skills

Work Environment & Travel

Hybrid – Indianapolis (on‑site 3 days), 2 days remote

Why This Role Matters
This role is key to ensuring communities across Indiana are informed, engaged, and connected to resources that improve their health and well‑being. Your work will help bridge the gap between statewide strategy and local impact, making complex initiatives accessible and meaningful for the people they serve.

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