Executive Director of Strategic Communications

Fa Exer Saasfaprod1 Open · verified Sep 10, 2026

Indianapolis Full-time Director Communications

Leadership Communications role at Fa Exer Saasfaprod1. Indianapolis · full-time · no salary stated · we estimate $128,000–$156,000.

Estimated pay

Fa Exer Saasfaprod1 has not published a salary for this role. The figure below is our estimate, not theirs.

$128,000 – $156,000

What the middle half of lead communications roles in Indianapolis paid, among postings that did state a salary.

Worked out from 8 postings that stated pay, median $145,000. Last updated Mar 10, 2026.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

Set and carry out a campus-wide communications plan with partners across the University
Position senior leaders through speeches, thought leadership, and high-impact stories
Direct media relations, handle national and local outreach, and act as the University spokesperson
Lead crisis communications while coordinating with crisis management and emergency operations teams
Oversee the live mascot program and track results against University priorities

What you bring

A bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or a related discipline; a master’s or equivalent experience is preferred
At least ten years in strategic communications or a comparable field
Experience spanning corporate communications, media relations, and communications planning
Strong writing and speaking skills, including the ability to tailor voice for different audiences
The organization to manage competing deadlines while balancing high-level strategy with detailed execution

Who this fits

You’ll suit this role if you have institutional communications, public relations, media relations, and crisis communications experience, and can build relationships across a university. The position is full-time in Indianapolis and requires a cover letter. Prior higher education communications experience is preferred.

From the employer

Position Overview

The Executive Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for providing leadership, oversight, and direction for a University-wide strategic communications strategy for the primary purpose of elevating the University’s national reputation and awareness.

Reporting directly to the Vice President for University Advancement and Marketing, the Executive Director will lead a cross-functional team from across the University charged with elevating Butler’s national reputation and awareness by aligning external and internal communications, executive positioning, public relations and media relations, and University partnerships.

Specifically, this position will lead:

The creation and execution of a University-wide external communications plan
the curation of high-impact stories to be told by leadership through national and local forums, speeches, and thought leadership pieces
national and local media interactions
crisis communications/issue management, and serve as the University spokesperson

Additionally, the Executive Director will oversee the University’s live mascot program as a key asset in building national awareness. The live mascot handler will report directly to this position.

The ideal candidate will have experience and skills in these areas: institutional communications, public relations, media relations, and issues management/crisis communications. The candidate will be exceptional in strategy development and implementation, leading in a cross functional environment, and internal relationship building. Excellent writing skills are required.

Applicants must submit a cover letter to be considered for this position

Responsibilities

Lead the University’s strategic communications effort, in collaboration with key campus partners, for the purpose of elevating the University’s national reputation and awareness.
Develop a University-wide strategic communications plan and execute that plan by leading a cross-functional strategic communications team.
Work closely with University leadership to develop and execute an executive positioning strategy
Manage media relations efforts, and serve as the University’s spokesperson.
Lead the Crisis Communications Team and collaborate with the Crisis Management and Emergency Operations Teams.
Oversee the University’s live mascot program
Develop methods to measure and analyze results toward advancing key University priorities and optimizing ongoing efforts.
Participate in the University Marketing Council, along with other relevant work groups and committees.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, or related field; master’s degree or equivalent work experience preferred.
10+ years of strategic communications or similar experience.
Strong foundation in communications and marketing competencies, including corporate communications, media relations, and strategic communications planning. Connections with the media, and experience with pitches and editorial process preferred.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills. Ability to change voice and writing style to fit a particular audience and purpose.
Demonstrated ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines and handle a variety of tasks simultaneously. Must be able to simultaneously work effectively at the highest level on strategy, and execute the smallest details.
Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.

Preferred Qualifications

Prior higher education communications experience.

BU Benefits and Perks

Please check out Butler’s Total Rewards website to learn more about our benefit offerings, which include:

Paid Time Off and Holidays:
- 28 days of paid time off (vacation and PTO days) per Fiscal year
- 8 Paid Holidays
  - In addition, a paid Winter Break between Christmas Eve and New Year’s Day
- Paid Parental Leave (after 1 year of full-time employment)
Health:
- Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans including disability and life insurance programs
Retirement:
- 10% employer contribution after 1 year of full-time employment
Tuition Assistance:
- Tuition Exchange Program for Dependents
- Remission of tuition for classes taken at Butler for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
  - Eligibility after 9 months of full-time employment
  - Employees & spouses- undergraduate/graduate degrees
  - Dependents (under age 26)- undergraduate degree
  - Covers tuition only
Butler Facilities Access, Discounts and Perks:
- Access to Butler’s on-site fitness facility and libraries for full-time staff and faculty
- LinkedIn Learning Courses
- Free premium subscription to the Calm App
- Free subscription to the WSJ, The Economist, and NYT
- Discount at the College Bookstore
- Discount on select Athletic and Arts/Events Center Performances