VP, External Relations & Strategic Communications

RJL Solutions; Indianapolis (IN); On-site; USD 140,000 - 230,000; Full time

Job summary

RJL Solutions is seeking a Vice President of External Relations to lead public relations, public affairs, external relations, and strategic communications across client portfolios. This role serves as a senior advisor to clients and leadership, driving proactive, coordinated engagement with media, policymakers, and community partners.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP will shape narratives, strengthen client relationships, identify opportunities, and elevate the firm’s

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Public Affairs, Political Science, Public Administration, Business, Marketing, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred.
• Significant progressively responsible experience in public relations, public affairs, external relations, strategic communications, government relations, community engagement, or a related field, including senior leadership responsibilities.
• Demonstrated experience developing and leading public relations, public affairs, communications, or stakeholder engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated success building and maintaining relationships with executives, elected officials, business leaders, media, community organizations, and other senior stakeholders.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to understand and communicate complex issues clearly and persuasively.
• Strong strategic judgment with the ability to recognize connections, implications, risks, and opportunities across multiple issues and client priorities.
• Demonstrated ability to anticipate communications and public affairs needs and translate strategy into actionable priorities.
• Strong understanding of media relations, reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and strategic communications.
• Ability to navigate complex political, business, community, and public-facing environments.
• Strong facilitation, presentation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple complex priorities and client engagements while maintaining strong organization, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
• Proven ability to collaborate across disciplines and provide strategic direction to team members responsible for execution.
• Strong understanding of Indiana communities, government, business, media, and public policy is highly valued.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, accountability, and sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level leadership for public relations and strategic communications across RJL Solutions and its client portfolio.
• Advise clients and company leadership on positioning, messaging, opportunities, and reputational considerations.
• Build and maintain relationships with media throughout Indiana and other markets.
• Develop strategies that strengthen client visibility, credibility, relationships, and influence.
• Represent RJL Solutions and its clients at meetings, events, and external engagements.
• Collaborate with RJL Solutions’ Government Relations team to align communications and advocacy strategies.
• Identify opportunities where communications can support government relations and policy priorities.
• Lead cross-department collaboration to ensure coordinated client strategies and execution.
• Support proposal development, client presentations, and strategic pursuits.
• Promote RJL Solutions’ visibility, credibility, and reputation as a trusted partner.

Skills

Public relations

Public affairs

External relations

Strategic communications

Government relations

Community engagement

Relationship-building

Media relations

Public speaking

Senior leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree (related field)

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

RJL Solutions is seeking a Vice President of External Relations to lead public relations, public affairs, external relations, and strategic communications across client portfolios. This role serves as a senior advisor to clients and leadership, driving proactive, coordinated engagement with media, policymakers, and community partners.

As a member of the Executive Leadership Team, the VP will shape narratives, strengthen client relationships, identify opportunities, and elevate the firm’s