Communications Specialist

About the Work Unit:

The School of Nursing Communications and Marketing unit is a multidisciplinary team that delivers comprehensive creative and strategic communications support, including graphic design, photography, video and special project development, digital asset management, advertising, web development and content creation in a collaborative environment where creativity and teamwork drive the work. The department works closely with campus partners and external stakeholders to maximize impact, including VUSN Alumni Relations, which supports alumni communications and events; VUSN Development, which leads tailored fundraising messaging; and the Vanderbilt University Division of Communications. The unit's mission is to build and sustain positive awareness of VUSN's education, practice and research strengths; attract and convert high-quality students; support school leadership and stakeholders with strategic communications; and provide integrated, collaborative marketing and creative services across programs. Key initiatives include branding, digital and traditional advertising, market research, public relations, social media, web strategy, direct response efforts, collateral development, internal communications and publications.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Creates, writes and edits content and materials across VUSN's platforms and channels

• Identifies, creates and edits content for VUSN newsletters, alumni magazine, news announcements, website, social media sites, press releases, announcements, advertisements, internal communications and email correspondence, ensure the accuracy, timeliness, relevance and effectiveness of the content.

• Writes and edits editorial copy for a variety of VUSN audiences, including but not limited to current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, nursing professions, the media, and friends of the school.

• Interviews VUSN faculty, staff, students and alumni and writes compelling profiles.

• Acts as a reporter, researching and writing news articles; this may include attending lectures and events, conducting interview and writing articles for digital and print publication.

   

Ensure editorial quality, brand consistency and accuracy across all communications

• Demonstrate understanding of the school's brand, mission, values, goals and priorities, and ensures each is considered when developing communications.

• Ensures the Vanderbilt university style guide and Associated Press (AP) style are followed consistently.

• Checks spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax and word usage and fact-checks and proofreads copy, art and design for errors.

Supports the school's social media efforts

• Serves as a contributor to social media content, identifying and sourcing stories and news that appear to nursing audiences.

• Though a creative lens, identifies and implements new social media strategies.

• Supports management of social media account.

Develops and maintains professional relationships throughout the school and university.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.  It reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications, Marketing and Brand.

Education and Certifications:

A bachelor's degree and a three year minimum of experience in advertising, communications, marketing, media, journalism, public relations or related field is required.

Experience and Skills:

• Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, with a creative eye for finding and telling compelling stories across formats.  The ability to think comprehensively about how communications strategies support broader organizational goals is required.

• Comfortable going in person to investigate, interview and draw out stories ideas from faculty, students and upper administration, with excellent news judgment and strong proofreading skills.

• Experience creating content across digital platforms - including websites, social media management platforms and email marketing - strongly preferred; familiarity with basic web content management systems, Adobe Creative Suite or HTML is a plus.

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) is required.

• A natural collaborator who thrives on both giving and receiving input, equally comfortable taking direction and working independently, with the interpersonal skills to build trust across a wide range of stakeholders.

• Able to juggle multiple projects and deadlines, and willing to work outside normal business hours when a story demands it.  

Candidates who are contacted for an interview may be required to take a writing test and a proofreading test.  In addition to vitae, candidates should provide work samples and references.

Key Characteristics of a Successful Team Member in this Work Unit:

• Natural communicator.  Actively listens.  Asks good questions.  Can put words together well, create clear, concise sentences and clearly and aptly describe their ideas.

• Team player.  Works collaboratively and supportively; takes on duties as needed to assist fellow team members.

• Creative thinker.  Goes beyond the boundaries of the job description, willingly takes on new challenges and finds and proposes creative solutions.

• Eager.  Enthusiastic, wants to learn and wants to continue one's personal and professional development and expertise.

• Adaptable and responsive.  Reads cues and adapts accordingly.  Adjusts style and approach to accommodate the styles and needs of others.  Anticipates and effectively de-escalates potential issues or conflicts.  Responds quickly and appropriately to requests and audience engagement.

• Detail-oriented.  Strong project management skills to stay on top of responsibilities and deadlines.