Executive Director, Strategic Communications, Marketing and Brand

About The Work Unit

The School of Nursing Communications and Marketing unit is responsible for shaping and sharing VUSN's story - leading both the strategy and execution of the school's brand, communications and marketing efforts. The highly creative group provides content development, graphic design, photography, digital asset management, advertising design, video, and special project development. The department collaborates closely with colleagues across VUSN and Vanderbilt University, including Alumni Relations, Student Affairs, and Development, to ensure alignment and increase impact.

Key Functions And Expected Performance

Strategic Brand Leadership and Public Relations

• Leads the development of VUSN's overall brand and messaging approach, refining how the school presents itself to internal and external audiences.
• Leads and executes the development of a comprehensive communications strategy that aligns with VUSN and university priorities.
• Shapes and maintains VUSN's brand identity including how the school articulates its mission, strengths, and impact.
• Develops and oversees institutional narratives, taglines, and strategic messaging platforms for executive communications, presentations, and major initiatives.
• Provides strategic counsel to the Dean and senior leadership on communications approach, public relations strategy, and reputation management.
• Directs public relations strategy, including media positioning, thought leadership, and external storytelling to enhance awareness and influence.
• Leads integrated, high-impact campaigns that promote VUSN's programs, research, community impact, and institutional priorities to key audiences.
• Establishes clear guidelines to support clear, consistent communication across the school.
  
  

Communications and Marketing Leadership

• Oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of communications and marketing programs.
• Serves as the primary communications advisor and liaison to senior leadership, ensuring alignment, clarity, and effectiveness of messaging across stakeholders.
• Directs content strategy and editorial oversight across all channels, including publications, web, social media, and executive communications.
• Ensures coordination and alignment of communications efforts across VUSN, Vanderbilt University, and Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
• Leads marketing strategies that support student recruitment, academic programs, and new initiatives, among other VUSN priorities.
• Oversees digital presence, including website and social media strategy.
  
  

Media Relations, Reputation, and External Engagement

• Oversees media relations strategy, including proactive outreach, story development in coordination with internal and external partners.
• Manages reputation strategy, including crisis communications in collaboration with central university partners.
• Builds and sustains VUSN's visibility with media, peer institutions, professional organizations, and ranking entities.
• Develops targeted communications strategies to engage key audiences, including prospective students, academic peers, healthcare partners, donors, and national rankings organizations.
  
  

Operational Leadership and Execution

• Leads, mentors, and develops the Communications and Marketing team, fostering a high-performing, strategic, and collaborative culture.
• Oversees budget planning and resource allocation for communications and marketing initiatives.
• Translates VUSN and institutional priorities into clear plans, timelines, and deliverables.
• Ensures effective execution of communications initiatives, resolving challenges and maintaining alignment with institutional goals.
• Oversees special projects in support of VUSN leadership priorities.
  
  

Supervisory Relationships

This position has supervisory responsibility for the entire Communications and Marketing staff, including the Creative Services staff. This position reports directly to the Dean of the School of Nursing.

Education And Certifications

• Bachelor's degree is required
• Master's degree is preferred
  
  

Experience And Skills

• 10 years of progressive related experience in communications, marketing, public relations, and brand strategy with demonstrated leadership in complex organizations.
• Experience in higher education or healthcare preferred.
• Proven experience developing and executing brand strategy, positioning, and messaging frameworks that enhance organizational reputation.
• Experience advising senior executives and serving as a strategic partner in messaging, executive communications, and institutional positioning.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels, translating vision into execution while maintaining focus on school and institutional positioning.
• Ability to operate at both strategic and operational levels, translating vision into execution while maintaining focus on school and institutional priorities.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and persuade others, and to demonstrate patience and empathy are preferred.
• Self-starter, enthusiastic, excellent communication skills (oral and written, including public speaking) is necessary.
• Demonstrated ability to lead and work as part of a team and to work independently.