External Affairs Manager

State of Indiana; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Wellness program

Health savings account

Pension plan

Paid leave benefits

Free parking

LinkedIn Learning access

Job summary

State of Indiana, through the Indiana Department of Transportation, seeks an External Affairs Manager to educate and liaise with external stakeholders, including elected officials, media, and the public. The role integrates government affairs, public relations, event planning, and strategic outreach to support agency priorities and strengthen relationships.

This exempt position reports to the Deputy Chief of Staff and is located at INDOT Central Office in Indianapolis.

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of communication strategies, messaging, and audience segmentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content.
• Proven experience working directly with clients to assess needs and provide strategic recommendations.

Responsibilities

• Consult with agency to understand communication needs, goals, and target audiences.
• Maintain content on the agency's social media outlets.
• Evaluate current communication strategies and materials to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Develop tailored communication strategies that align with client objectives and agencies best practices.
• Collaborate with clients to create messaging, content, and narratives.
• Advise on media relations and reputation management strategies.
• Provide guidance on digital and traditional media channels.

Skills

Public relations

Government affairs

Media relations

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic outreach

Content development

Digital media

Tools

Microsoft Office

Social media platforms

Job description

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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 Department of Transportation:
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) provides a dynamic workplace that serves Indiana citizens, improves our state’s quality of life, and enhances its economic opportunity. INDOT has a number of innovative programs and projects, including Public-Private Partnerships, Green Initiatives, and cutting-edge uses of materials and assets. As part of the State of Indiana, INDOT offers a competitive total compensation package, as well as outstanding work/life balance. Whether you are an established professional in the transportation field or just starting your career, INDOT has exciting and challenging opportunities for you.

Role Overview:
The External Affairs Manager serves as an assistant to core government affairs and public relations teams. The work provides an opportunity to serve as an educator and liaison between the agency and external stakeholders, including elected officials, media, community leaders, industry partners, and the public. This position integrates government affairs, public relations, event planning and strategic outreach functions to ensure consistent communication, support agency priorities, and strengthen relationships. The External Affairs Manager assists in communicating agency policies, project impacts, legislative developments, and public information through coordinated engagement and constituent support. The Manager works collaboratively across divisions to provide timely information, prepare materials, support outreach activities, and maintain strong relationships with elected officials, media outlets, community groups, and constituents. The Manager reports directly to the Deputy Chief of Staff.

Location:
This position is with INDOT’s Central Office in Indianapolis.

The salary for this position traditionally starts at$59,800.00 but may be commensurate with education and work experience. Use our Compensation Calculator to view the total compensation package.

A Day in the Life:

The essential functions of this role are as follows:

• Consult with agency to understand their communication needs, goals, and target audiences.
• Maintain content on the agency's social media outlets.
• Evaluate current communication strategies and materials to identify strengths and areas for improvement.
• Develop tailored communication strategies that align with client objectives and agencies best practices.
• Collaborate with clients to create compelling messaging, content, and narratives.
• Advise on media relations, and reputation management strategies.
• Provide guidance on the use of various communication channels, including digital media, social media platforms, and traditional media.
• Assist clients in preparing and delivering presentations, speeches, and press releases.
• Monitor and analyze communication outcomes and provide recommendations for optimization.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to execute communication plans effectively.
• Offer training and workshops to clients on communication best practices.
• Stay informed about industry trends, current events, and emerging communication technologies.

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 which 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.

What You'll Need for Success:

Individuals in this role should minimally be able to articulate or demonstrate the following:

• Strong understanding of communication strategies, messaging, and audience segmentation.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling content.
• Proven experience working directly with clients to assess needs and provide strategic recommendations.
• Familiarity with digital marketing, social media, and emerging communication trends.
• Ability to work collaboratively in cross-functional teams.
• Strong project management skills and attention to detail.
• Past successful communication campaigns, materials, and work.

A degree is not required. However, at least 7+ years of experience applying the outlined knowledge, skills, and abilities in a similar role may be considered.

Individuals should have the ability to perform essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

Supervisory Responsibilities/Direct Reports:

This role may be utilized in a supervisory capacity based on agency needs.

Benefits of Employment with the State of Indiana:

The State of Indiana offers a comprehensive benefit package for full-time employees which includes:

• 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 to401(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
• Employee assistance program that allows for covered behavioral health visits
• Qualified employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program
• Free Parkingfor most positions
• Free LinkedIn Learningaccess

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 [e-mail] .