POSITION TITLE:
Communications Coordinator
REPORTS TO:
Sr. Director of Communications
LOCATION:
Indianapolis
FLSA STATUS:
Exempt
EMPLOYMENT TYPE:
Full-Time
ABOUT US
At Penske Entertainment, we don’t just host world-class events—we create unforgettable moments. Our team fuels four iconic motorsports brands:
- Indianapolis Motor Speedway (IMS) – home of the world’s largest spectator sporting facility and annually hosts the world’s most prestigious auto race: the Indianapolis 500 presented by Gainbridge.
- INDYCAR - The Indianapolis-based governing body for North America's premier open-wheel auto racing series, the NTT INDYCAR SERIES, and its developmental series, INDY NXT by Firestone.
- IMS Productions - A multifaceted broadcast and multimedia division that helps bring INDYCAR and IMS events to life for global audiences.
- Motorsports Events Management (MEM) – Promotes major events featuring premier motorsports series throughout the United States.
Whether on the track, behind the scenes, or on the screen, our people are at the heart of everything we do. If you’re ready for a career where excitement, purpose, and impact collide—we want to meet you.
WHAT YOU’LL DO
In this role, you will be an important part of building brand awareness for INDYCAR through key communications and marketing initiatives. A primary emphasis of this role will be athlete storytelling and garnering earned media for the NTT INDYCAR SERIES and INDY NXT by Firestone.
YOUR RESPONSIBILITIES
- Create and maintain strong relationships with NTT INDYCAR SERIES drivers and team principals to become the subject matter expert on their journeys and goals within the sport of INDYCAR.
- Work alongside INDYCAR’s digital, social and editorial content teams to ensure inclusion of key storylines in ongoing content plans.
- Build relationships with promoter public relations and marketing representatives to assist in planning and executing integrated promotional plans (e.g., media interviews, event appearances, etc.) that advance a collective vision for the sport and the industry.
- Become familiar with and create relationships with key motorsports media and local media in race markets.
- Ability to actively identify storylines and be assertive and proactive in pitching to media particularly in promoter markets, to create and build exposure for INDYCAR, its athletes and key partners.
- Partner with broadcast partners and promoter public relations leads to maximize the media exposure of INDYCAR race championship week and key championship contenders.
- Partner with INDYCAR digital colleagues to assist with social influencer outreach and strategy for INDYCAR events and drivers.
- Ability to fully comprehend and assist in assigned roles for a crisis management plan.
- Partner with Indianapolis Motor Speedway colleagues to build an integrated media relations plan to promote the entire Month of May in an effort to leverage the sport’s biggest stage to advance the company’s broader objectives.
WHAT YOU BRING
We’re looking for someone who’s ready to bring great effort every day and is committed to growing with us.
Required Experience & Skills:
- 1-2 years in a communications or marketing role preferably in the sports entertainment field or strongly affiliated field.
- Ability to demonstrate an understanding of the ever-changing media landscape and identify new opportunities and outlets to further grow the sport.
- Demonstrate attention to detail, creativity, comfort with ambiguity, ability to manage change and balance competing/evolving priorities.
- Must possess strong drive and perseverance despite obstacles or adversity, willingness to speak up and share opinions, be comfortable and self-confident, yet demonstrate a proper level of humility.
- High integrity and confidentiality.
- Ability to work in a high-paced environment and on short deadlines.
- Must be able to work exceptionally well with others in a close team environment.
- Effective communication skills.
- Advanced knowledge of Microsoft Office required (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, etc.); knowledge of measuring tools preferred.
- Knowledge of motorsports, INDYCAR, Indianapolis Motor Speedway, and other related activities is preferred.
- Strong communication and collaboration skills.
- A proactive, flexible mindset and commitment to excellence.
- Passion for creating memorable experiences.
- Cultural competence and the ability to thrive in a diverse environment.
- Alignment with Penske Entertainment’s core values and standards.
Education:
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism or other relevant field or equivalent experience required.
Leadership:
- This role does not have direct supervisory responsibilities.
FLEXIBILITY & TRAVEL
- Standard hours are Monday–Friday, 8:30 AM to 5:00 PM.
- Extended hours required during race weekends and key event periods (especially in May).
- Travel to all assigned INDYCAR sanctioned races and events, as well as requested off-site shoots, appearances, meetings and events as identified by leadership.
- Our teams work together to create flexibility that supports life in and out of work.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
- Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.
- Extended periods of standing or walking (as needed).
- Comfort working indoors/outdoors and around event noise.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Fast-paced, collaborative office and event settings
- The noise level can be loud, due to professional racing events.
BENEFITS & PERKS
We take care of our team with a competitive benefits package that includes:
- Medical, dental, vision, and life insurance
- 401(k) with 100% company match up to 5%
- Paid vacation, personal, and sick days + 12 paid holidays
- Generous paid parental leave and tuition assistance
- On-site fitness center and wellness programs
- Discounts on meals, gear, and more
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY
Penske Entertainment is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We’re committed to creating a workplace where everyone can thrive—regardless of race, gender, orientation, background, or ability.