Associate Director of Communications

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Position Summary

The Associate Director of Communications, Schools and Units, located within the Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), is a key communications professional responsible for providing writing and project management expertise. This position focuses on delivering high-quality communication tools and collateral in support of Vanderbilt’s major and principal giving priorities for the university’s schools and units. Join a dynamic, growing communications team at a pivotal moment of institutional expansion, with meaningful opportunities to advance your career and expand your role and responsibilities as the team scales.

About the Work Unit

The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the engagement, identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. Visit our website for more information: https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance

As part of the Development and Alumni Relations communications team (DARComm), the Associate Director of Communications, Schools and Units, will have the following responsibilities:                                                                                                           

• Develop and write communications materials to support major and principal giving priorities, including custom donor proposals, slide decks, fundraising one-pagers, remarks and impact stories.
• Project manage the development and execution of print and digital collateral in close collaboration with colleagues across DAR and the university. Ensure project collateral is routed to stakeholders for thorough review and approval.
• Lead communications planning for select initiatives and support other DARComm team members with their projects.
• Cultivate strong partnerships with DAR colleagues, serving as a strategic communications partner and project manager.
• Build strong partnerships with Vanderbilt’s Communications and Marketing (MarComm) team.
• Identify and share story ideas that highlight the impact of philanthropy, working with colleagues across DAR and MarComm for coverage in print, digital publications, websites and social channels.

• Perform other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Executive Director of Communications, Schools and Units, and does not have any direct reports. 

Work Environment:

There is a preference for this position to be in the Nashville area. If so, it would be a hybrid work environment where the expectation is to be in the office one day per week or more depending on business needs.  

We are open to considering fully remote. If working remote, the expectation would be coming to campus approximately quarterly or more depending on business needs.

Education and Certifications

• A Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• Advanced degree is preferred. 

Experience and Skills

• Four years of relevant experience is required, preferably in higher education, or a demonstrated record of achievement in a field requiring similar skills.
• Demonstrated ability to handle sensitive and confidential information is essential.
• Highly motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills and the capacity to thrive in an intellectually rigorous and complex environment.
• Excellent organizational, written and oral communication skills, with the ability to articulate the needs, interests and accomplishments of Vanderbilt to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in office software tools and experience with project management tools is essential.
• Familiarity with design tools such as Canva and emerging AI tools is highly desirable.
• Strong project coordination skills with the ability to manage multiple concurrent projects, track timelines and deliverables, and communicate proactively with internal and external stakeholder
• Ability to adapt quickly to shifting priorities and changing deadlines while maintaining flexibility and a positive attitude.
• Excellent proofreading skills with precise attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently, assuming responsibility, prioritizing tasks and carrying out duties with minimal supervision.
• Experience in a university fundraising environment is highly desirable.