Communications Outreach Specialist

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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.

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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 the Indiana Department of Health (IDOH), community partners, and internal teams to develop outreach strategies, manage communications across multiple channels, and support initiatives that improve health outcomes for Indiana residents.

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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

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What You Bring

Skill | Required / Desired | Years of Experience
---|---|--- 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 (social media platforms, email marketing, 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.