Director of Communications

Director of CommunicationsReports to: Senior Director of Brand, Marketing & CommunicationsDirect reports: Baseball Communications Coordinator, Social Media Manager, Community Outreach Manager, Mascot Program ManagerLocation: Indianapolis, INStatus: Full-time, ExemptPosition SummaryThe Director of Communications serves as the voice, storyteller, and public face of the Indianapolis. This role oversees an integrated portfolio spanning corporate communications, earned media strategy, social media, baseball communications, and community outreach. The ideal candidate is a seasoned communicator and storyteller with a strong background in public relations, media strategy, and executive-level communications within the sports or entertainment industry. Major ResponsibilitiesDevelop and execute a cohesive communications strategy that supports the Indians' brand, business objectives, and community standing across all channels and audiencesBuild and lead the Indians' earned media strategy proactively identifying stories, cultivating relationships with the media, and driving coverage that extends the organization's reach and reputation beyond game resultsServe as a primary organizational spokesperson; represent the Indians at media engagements, public appearances, and on-camera media events with professionalism and authenticityOversee social media strategy and editorial direction across all platforms, ensuring the Indians' voice is consistent, engaging, and aligned with brand standardsServe as primary media contact for the organization; build and steward relationships with local, regional, and national sports and business mediaAssist baseball communications functions, including credentialing, press box operations, game notes, roster management in collaboration with the Pittsburgh Pirates, and pre and postgame availability coordination when neededManage corporate communications including executive messaging, organizational announcements, crisis communications, and internal stakeholder updatesOversee the Indians' community outreach and mascot program establishing authentic, lasting partnerships with Indianapolis-area organizations, schools, nonprofits, and civic institutionsMonitor and analyze media coverage, providing leadership with insights and recommendations for ongoing communication strategiesPartner closely with the brand, marketing, and ticketing teams to ensure communications efforts are integrated and support broader revenue and fan engagement goals Skills and QualificationsBachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, journalism, or a related field6+ years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations, preferably within the sports or entertainment industryExperienced people leader who brings out the best from those around them through clear expectations, genuine investment, and accountabilityProven on-camera presence; comfortable serving as a spokesperson in live, recorded, and broadcast media environmentsExceptional writer and editor; ability to shift seamlessly between game notes, press releases, executive talking points, social captions, and community-facing messagingFamiliarity with professional or minor league baseball operations and media protocols is a meaningful advantageExemplified track record in developing and executing strategic communication plans that drive brand awareness and engagementStrong instincts for storytelling; understanding what makes a story worth telling, how to package it, and how to get it placedExtensive media relations experience with an ability to foster relationships with journalists, broadcasters, and influencersExceptional writing and storytelling skills, with experience crafting press materials, executive messaging, and public statementsAbility to manage high-pressure situations with professionalism, discretion, and strategic thinkingStrong presentation and public speaking skills with experience serving as an organizational spokespersonStrategic social media thinker who understands how to build and steward an organizational voice across platformsA genuine connection to Indianapolis and enthusiasm for the Indians' role in this communityPassion for sports and a deep understanding of how communications strategies impact fan engagement and organizational reputationCompensation:Salary commensurate with experience, plus bonus structure (when eligible)Benefits include paid vacation, 401(k) plan (when eligible) and health, dental and vision insuranceAbout the Indianapolis Indians: The Indianapolis Indians are the professional Triple-A baseball club affiliate of the Pittsburgh Pirates. experiences for fans so they can grow closer together with family, friends and the community through the game of baseball.: We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.