The Senior News Writer/Editor is part of the Communications team within the broader Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt University. Leveraging storytelling, editing and writing expertise, this position is responsible for developing compelling news stories, news releases and communications that align with the Communications and Marketing team’s strategic goals and editorial content strategy and can be shared across multiple communications channels, including the Vanderbilt News website, internal communications channels, on social media and with external media outlets. The Senior News Writer/Editor uses data, best practices and emerging trends and technology to develop innovative content strategies and identify compelling stories and content approaches. This position is responsible for conducting interviews, planning coverage approaches for a variety of distribution channels, writing and coordinating stories and other communications materials, and managing the editorial calendar for Vanderbilt News, working closely with communications strategists and the Creative and Content team. This position also edits content submitted by campus partners to ensure quality and consistency. 

Reporting to the Deputy Director of Communications, this position does not have immediate supervisory responsibilities but may supervise others in the future. This role requires the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus.

The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt is a dynamic and collaborative group. The division serves as the institution-wide center of excellence for communications and marketing, developing and executing strategies that inform, engage and inspire others to participate in Vanderbilt University’s global academic and research mission. The division is a key strategic adviser and partner for the mission-based work of the university, providing comprehensive communications and marketing plans and thoughtful analysis on messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team delivers impactful marketing and communications results across key audiences to serve the larger mission, values and priorities of the university.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Develop news stories, messaging and other communications tactics tailored to target audiences to support the university’s strategic communications goals.
• Collaborate with communications strategists and the Creative and Content team to manage an editorial calendar that supports the division’s overall content strategy.
• Collaborate with the Creative and Content team to identify visual assets that support stories across channels.
• Line edit stories written by other communicators to ensure that the copy is clear, concise and compelling and aligns with the editorial content strategy, while also following AP style and university style guidelines. 
• Review content to ensure that the division’s quality standards are being met. 
• Design and post stories online on the Vanderbilt News site.
• Work with colleagues on the Communications team and the Creative and Content team to develop and implement processes to facilitate content development workflow.
• Work in close partnership with Communications and Marketing colleagues to ensure messaging consistency and develop high-impact, multi-channel university story packages. 
• Consider and promote new ways of sharing information with the Vanderbilt community and key stakeholders, including but not limited to video, data visualization, digital and interactive approaches.
• Advocate for constant evolution and innovation of storytelling and news production, including new styles and formats for reaching our audiences, informed by data, best practices and trends.
• Build and maintain effective networks to identify stories in support of university priorities. 
• Continue to center the university’s values of diversity, equity and inclusion in all communications as part of an ongoing effort to reach out to and engage with diverse audiences throughout the Vanderbilt community and beyond. 
• Monitor content performance on an ongoing basis and make regular recommendations for continual improvement based on data, best practices and lessons learned. 
• Demonstrate understanding of the university’s mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications strategies. 
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences—including faculty, students, leadership, staff, alumni, suppliers and agencies. 
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex and results-oriented projects in a fast-paced environment. 
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion. 
• Work outside regular business hours as needed in order to perform job responsibilities. 
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned. 

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• A degree in communications, journalism or a related field is preferred. 
• At least 5 years of experience in communications, public affairs, journalism or a related field is necessary.
• Five to 10 years of experience in communications, public affairs, journalism or a related field is preferred.
• Experience working for or with an institution of higher education is preferred.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

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 employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.