Please note: This position is a full-time, term position

The IRIS Center is looking for someone with a passion for grammar, spelling, attention to detail, creativity, and communications to add to its tiny but mighty team of professionals. The IRIS Center, a federally funded project located within the Department of Special Education at Vanderbilt University, is an international leader in the development of free, open-access resources used for training and ongoing professional development of current and future teachers and other education professionals. The communications coordinator must have outstanding written and verbal skills and will be responsible for maintaining the IRIS Center’s quality standards through detailed editing of all resources developed by the center—accessed over 4 million times per year from its website—and performing a set of diverse communication tasks designed to elevate awareness and use of IRIS Center products.

NOTE: A Term position is a staff position that exists for a period longer than six months but is not expected to last beyond one year. Although a position may exist for a specified or indefinite period, staff who accept term positions are not guaranteed employment for the entire period; they are employed for indefinite periods within the limit of the appointment. There are no guarantees of continued employment, either within the term or when the term ends.

The communications coordinator is responsible for proofing and editing all IRIS online resources

(modules and other resources, videos, reports to our funding agency, etc.) to ensure they meet

IRIS standards, are free of errors, and match the tone and voice of our center. The communications coordinator will also conduct the center’s strategic communication efforts (e.g., writing newsletters, social media posts, e-blasts) in order to increase website traffic and use. Primary responsibilities include but are not limited to:

Editing and Writing

• Proofread, edit, and correct grammatical, syntactical, and spelling errors in all documents, videos, and graphics to ensure they are publication ready
• Revise materials written by multiple authors to reflect a consistent tone and voice
• Match writing style to audience readability levels, style, and in agreement with funding agency policy
• Create informative and interesting press releases, press kits, newsletters, and related materials
• Ensure content is accessible and appropriate for the intended audience
• Compose non-instructional sections of IRIS materials (e.g., annotations, Challenge video scripts, Film and Book Tool entries)
• Write items for universal communications activities (e.g., newsletter, e-blasts) and targeted audiences (e.g., blog posts for professional organizations)
• Maintain in-house editorial style and detailed, up-to-date style guide • Adhere to journalistic best practices

Strategic Communications

• Develop and implement communication strategies for new product releases, events, promotions, and other relevant center activities
• Manage all IRIS social media campaigns on (i.e., Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and others that are added in the future) including composing and publishing daily posts and reposting those from partners or related entities.
• Develop and follow an annual communications calendar for re-occurring events or timeframes (e.g., back-to-school preparation, summer break activities)
• Use website and communication analytics and monitor and analyze trends to adjust and implement communications strategies that will enhance the center’s social media presence and increase website traffic and use
• Adhere to university, college, department, and IRIS brand and design guidelines.
• Oversee permissions acquisition for photographs, art, intellectual properties, interviews, and video clips included in IRIS resources
• Comply with copyright and media law and ethical guidelines

This position does not have supervisory responsibility. This position reports directly to the administrative manager.

• Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, or a related field from an accredited college or university.
• At least 3 years of experience as an editor, preferably in an education-related area, with strong proofreading skills and an eye for catching small details. Preference will be given to candidates with additional experience in communications.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills, exceptional vocabulary, with expertise in grammar, sentence structure, punctuation, and spelling (IRIS Center resources are used by millions of educators annually, so our writing must withstand an extraordinary level of scrutiny.)
• Strong knowledge of strategic communications, social media best practices, and website content development; prior experience in strategic communications or a related field is a bonus

In addition, candidates should possess the following characteristics:

• Strong organizational and time management skills, ability to work on multiple projects simultaneously and complete within deadlines
• The ability to ask insightful questions to ensure content accuracy
• Ability to give and take constructive feedback in a positive, professional manner
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to interact fluidly with the diverse individuals and organizations connected with the center
• Ability to adjust flexibly to changes in priorities and deadlines
• Experience with CMS, LMS, and job-relevant technology systems (i.e., Wordpress, InDesign, Word, Excel); adaptable to new technology and processes
• Working knowledge of APA style
• Demonstrated celebration of and commitment to inclusivity, diversity, equity, and accessibility.
• Willingness to jump in wherever needed with a solutions-focused mindset

Candidates who advance through the recruitment process will be asked to complete writing and editing assignments.

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.