Communications Specialist

About Indy Reads

Indy Reads is a well-established nonprofit based in Fountain Square, Indianapolis, dedicated to achieving 100% literacy for all. With over 40 years invested in adult education and community building, it serves central Indiana by enhancing literacy, English language proficiency, and job readiness for adults and families. The organization advances its mission through virtual and in-person Community Classrooms and operates a community bookstore that functions both as a retail and educational space. Indy Reads empowers adult learners, including native and non-native English speakers, to attain High School Equivalency diplomas and workforce certifications, fostering social equity through education.

Position Overview

The Communications Specialist, a full-time role reporting to the Chief Advancement Officer, is responsible for amplifying awareness of Indy Reads' mission and programs through engaging storytelling. Key duties include creating and managing content for social media, newsletters, emails, and event recaps, highlighting stories from students, volunteers, and community stakeholders. The role requires weekday availability with some evenings and weekends, primarily onsite with potential hybrid flexibility. A passion for DEIA-focused communications and professionalism is essential.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and maintain Indy Reads' brand presence across social media platforms; coordinate with departments to align monthly content strategies and address media requests.
• Monitor and analyze digital platform performance metrics to enhance audience engagement.
• Assist media relations efforts alongside staff collaborators.
• Create, distribute, and manage content for newsletters, emails, blogs, and organizational communications, including maintaining subscriber databases via Constant Contact integrated with Salesforce.
• Collaborate on graphic asset creation to support communication campaigns.
• Collect and curate stories from students, volunteers, and external partners, ensuring respectful handling of photos, quotes, and videos while protecting privacy.
• Translate collected stories into polished content suitable for multiple channels and maintain an organized media library.
• Attend and document organizational and community events through content creation and timely recaps distributed across social media, newsletters, and the website.
• Coordinate with staff to promote upcoming events by preparing flyers and updating public calendars.
• Support website upkeep and liaise with web developers to implement technical and design updates.
• Create, manage, and optimize Google Ads for the bookstore and educational programs.

Qualifications

• Experience with basic photography, graphic design, and/or videography.
• Proficiency using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, Office 365, Asana, Slack, and related productivity tools.
• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe InDesign, Eventbrite, and content management systems highly preferred.
• Background in social media management with analytics interpretation.
• Knowledge of a language other than English is a plus.
• Strong written communication skills with excellent attention to detail.
• Ability to thrive in a culturally diverse environment and collaborate effectively.
• Clear and concise oral and written communication skills.
• Commitment to DEIA principles and Indy Reads' mission.
• Effective time management, dependability, and a proactive, entrepreneurial approach.
• Integrity and discretion in handling confidential information.
• A sense of humor and positive attitude.

Compensation and Benefits

This role offers a salary range of $45,000 to $50,000 annually, complemented by health insurance, 401(k) benefits, and generous paid time off including two weeks of wellness leave, 11 company holidays, and 20 days of PTO.

Diversity and Inclusion

Indy Reads strongly encourages applicants from communities of color, marginalized groups, and immigrants. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination based on any protected characteristic. Hiring decisions are merit-based, focusing solely on qualifications and organizational needs.

Physical Requirements

The role involves frequent manual tasks, standing, walking, sitting, and occasional lifting up to 50 pounds. Visual requirements include close, peripheral vision, and depth perception.