Project Manager, Communications & Marketing

Position Summary:

The Project Manager, Integrated Projects, is part of the Communications and Marketing division at Vanderbilt University. The project manager is responsible for planning and development of ongoing projects related, but not limited to, divisions and the institution. The position will provide organization for day-to- day tasks and assignments and coordination and collaboration across disciplines, while also managing longer-term projects as they arise. 

The person in this position will work closely with team members across the division. In addition, the project manager will regularly interact with other top-level leaders across the university. The ideal candidate will have experience project-managing complex projects, (higher education experience preferred), including interactions with top university leadership. The ideal candidate will also have experience with creating project timelines, working in project management software and light research and communications support for small projects, such as drafting talking points or project proposals.

Reporting directly to the Director of Project Management and Production this position will be embedded within our Operations and Enablement team to execute integrated projects across disciplines and does not have supervisory responsibility. This role requires strong project management skills, high levels of professionalism, the ability to assess and make process improvements to better streamline the work, a relationship-building mentality, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. This role requires the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus according to the needs of the supervisor and as required by specific projects.

About the Work Unit:

The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt University is a dynamic and deeply collaborative group. The division, with all of its departments and sub-teams, 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 other divisions in the university, providing comprehensive plans and thoughtful analysis on messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team continuously seeks innovative solutions to new and emerging challenges in order to deliver results at scale to advance the larger mission, values and priorities of the university.

Key Responsibilities and Expected Performance:

• Manage day-to-day projects and project details for assigned teams, including ensuring that deliverables are in progress, on target and on schedule.
• Planning, management and coordination of projects, from large institution-wide projects to smaller, complex, audience-specific projects.
• Track ongoing projects and initiatives to regularly provide a view of the projects and tasks in progress. 
• As necessary, work with partners throughout the university to clarify communications and marketing needs as part of a rigorous intake process.
• Help develop metrics for tracking and evaluating projects as needed.
• Compile items for review by  leaders and ensure that all approvals have been secured as needed; share updates on approvals with team members as needed.
• Meet all deadlines to allow for ample review time for top executives.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Demonstrate a high level of comfort with project management tools such as   Wrike or others similar.
• 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 students, faculty, leadership, staff, alumni and vendors.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex and results-oriented projects with both quick turn-around requirements and long lead times.
• Operate in a highly organized fashion with attention to detail on all projects.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed to perform job responsibilities.
• Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and reports directly to the Director of Project Management and Production.

Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary.
• At least five years of related work experience is necessary.
• Experience managing multiple and varied projects simultaneously to meet ambitious deadlines and achieve short- and long-term goals is necessary.
• Previous administrative experience with an institution of higher education is preferred.
• Proven experience managing complex projects with fast-turn requirements and high visibility outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple projects simultaneously.
• Strong experience with project management tools, processes, and reporting.
• Excellent communication skills, including ability to work with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
• Strong attention to detail while maintaining a results-oriented focus.
• Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities may shift rapidly.
• Understanding of higher education or large organizational communications preferred.