Public Affairs Specialist

$55,000 - $65,500/Yr

State of Indiana - Indianapolis, IN

Full-time - Mid Level

Hybrid - Indianapolis, IN

Executive, Legislative, and Other General Government Support

About the position

The Public Affairs Specialist at the Indiana Public Retirement System (INPRS) plays a crucial role in managing external communications, media relations, and stakeholder engagement. This position requires a blend of strategic communication skills and compliance-based deliverables, aimed at enhancing the organization's brand and educating external audiences about financial and legislative matters. The role involves monitoring public narratives, coordinating responses to media inquiries, and developing communication strategies to support the organization's mission.

Responsibilities

• Monitor, track, model, and analyze external narratives and report findings to communications leadership.
• Escalate emerging issues in real time to help the organization provide quality service.
• Coordinate APRA responses, monitor requests, and collaborate with staff to fulfill inquiries.
• Identify storytelling opportunities for external publication across channels and mediums to build the INPRS brand.
• Develop communications reference materials and tools, including standby documents, FAQs, and strategic plans.
• Devise communications and marketing strategies in support of the organization's strategic plan.
• Serve as front-line media intake and coordinate responses to media inquiries, working with leadership and subject matter experts.
• Identify legislatively driven communications opportunities and establish project plans and teams.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, marketing, public relations, public affairs, or related field.
• 3-8 years of experience in public communication or policy.
• Excellent research skills regarding public dialogue and rapid quantification of emerging issues.
• Proven excellent public speaking skills, including both extemporaneous and well-planned opportunities.
• Strong confidence and competence in computer use, including the ability to self-learn new applications and processes.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience and understanding of social media channels and storytelling formats.
• Proven ability to analyze both quantitative and qualitative information in making timely recommendations.

Benefits

• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid holidays
• Prescription drug insurance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employer-funded retirement plan (pension plan)
• Deferred compensation plan
• Paid leave (personal, sick, vacation)
• Group life insurance
• Employer-paid downtown parking