Vanderbilt University
Vanderbilt University is hiring: Sr. Communications Specialist (Writing and Tran
Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN, United States, 37250
Job Description
The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, aims to accelerate states' implementation of evidence-based policies that help all children thrive from the start. The Communications team at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center disseminates the latest rigorous research and policy analysis to educate and impact policy action. We seek an experienced and creative writer to help translate complex research topics and findings into clear, easy-to-understand content, tailored to specific audiences.
This position reports administratively to the Communications Director and functionally to the Executive Director. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule that includes both remote and in-office work. However, upon hire, candidates do have to be local to the Nashville, TN area. Relocation assistance is not available for the role and candidates must be eligible to legally work within the United States and not require sponsorship.
Note: Please submit with your application writing samples showing the use of various communication channels to disseminate information to your target audience. Applications that do not have samples attached will not be considered. Candidates will be asked to complete a short exercise if they are under consideration to be a finalist for the role.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary duties and responsibilities of the position include:
Project management:
Writing and translation:
Qualifications
About Us
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.
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, affirmative action 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.
The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, aims to accelerate states' implementation of evidence-based policies that help all children thrive from the start. The Communications team at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center disseminates the latest rigorous research and policy analysis to educate and impact policy action. We seek an experienced and creative writer to help translate complex research topics and findings into clear, easy-to-understand content, tailored to specific audiences.
This position reports administratively to the Communications Director and functionally to the Executive Director. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply.
This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule that includes both remote and in-office work. However, upon hire, candidates do have to be local to the Nashville, TN area. Relocation assistance is not available for the role and candidates must be eligible to legally work within the United States and not require sponsorship.
Note: Please submit with your application writing samples showing the use of various communication channels to disseminate information to your target audience. Applications that do not have samples attached will not be considered. Candidates will be asked to complete a short exercise if they are under consideration to be a finalist for the role.
Duties and Responsibilities
The primary duties and responsibilities of the position include:
Project management:
- Manage projects from start to finish, coordinating with team members and external vendors to ensure that project deadlines are met and reviews are completed in alignment with organizational policies
- Continuously build expertise in policy and science related to the prenatal-to-three period to communicate knowledgeably to internal and external stakeholders
- Contribute creative and evidence-based suggestions for marketing, communications, and design strategy
Writing and translation:
- Collaborate with Center researchers and analysts to understand policy topics and methods to translate those ideas into written materials that policymakers, practitioners, and the public can understand and act upon
- Create original, compelling, and well-researched written content for all communications channels, which include the website, multiple social media channels, and broader email marketing tasks
- Know and understand the needs of various audience types and the institutional style, and adapt product type and writing style accordingly
- Research intended topics as needed to gain additional knowledge and background information
- Revise and refine work based on feedback, making sure to meet established deadlines
- Use Hubspot to distribute communications and track and report analytics
- Ensure that efforts are coordinated, and messaging is consistent across channels.
- Help track relevant analytics to improve communication effectiveness and efficiency
- Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree and three years of experience in communications, writing, marketing, or a related field is necessary.
- Excellent writing skills, including the ability to identify newsworthy elements, adapt content to different audiences, synthesize complex concepts clearly and concisely, and communicate sensitive topics effectively
- Excellent proofing and editing abilities and strong attention to detail
- Experience with writing and editing in APA style
- Experience and/or expertise in marketing and communications strategy, ideally in branding, market research, or marketing analytics. Direct experience with Google Analytics strongly preferred.
- Project management experience, ideally in the context of publishing or multichannel marketing and communications campaigns
- Professional experience in the use of HubSpot or another mass email platform; WordPress or another web content management system, the marketing and analytics features of social media channels (especially LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook), and marketing analytics tools (i.e., Google Analytics and heatmap tools)
- Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a team environment
- Ability to come up to speed on new topics quickly, multi-task effectively, and produce high-quality work under time constraints
- Flexible and able to adapt to changing timelines and circumstances when needed, including troubleshooting technological issues and general problem-solving
- Demonstrated understanding and support for key concepts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and producing communications through an equity lens
- Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
- Commitment to continuous learning about marketing and communications tools and trends
About Us
Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!
At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of "America's Best Large Employers" as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:
- Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
- Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
- Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.
We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.
Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.
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, affirmative action 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.