The Communications Specialist is part of the communications team within the Dean’s Office at Vanderbilt University School of Nursing and is a key contributor responsible for the creation and distribution of content across the School of Nursing’s various platforms and channels. This position involves the development, writing and management of internal and external communications materials, including web, email, print and social media, for the School of Nursing. The Communications Specialist is responsible for the planning, creating and distribution of social media content across the school’s social media platforms and engagement with the university’s audiences via social media. Reporting directly to the School of Nursing Executive Director of Marketing and Communications.

　　The Communications Specialist will write and create content for VUSN’s website, alumni magazine, newsletters, press releases, social media, announcements, emails and other communications materials. They will plan, gather content, write and lay out the school’s weekly newsletter. They will interview VUSN students, faculty, staff and alumni and write compelling articles and communications materials. They will plan social media posts and evaluate traffic on the school’s social media sites.

　　This is a hybrid position. A cover letter is required when applying.

　　Duties and Responsibilities:

　　Identify, create and edit content for VUSN newsletters, alumni magazine, news announcements, website, social media sites, press releases, announcements, advertisements, internal communications and email correspondence, ensuring the accuracy, timeliness, relevance and effectiveness of the content;

　　Write and edit editorial copy for a variety of VUSN audiences, including but not limited to, current and prospective students, alumni, faculty, staff, nursing professionals, the media and friends of the school;

　　Gather material, edit and write content for the weekly This Is VUSN faculty and staff weekly newsletter. Lay out each issue and send via email client program MyEMMA.

　　Interview VUSN faculty, staff, students and alumni and write compelling profiles;

　　Act as a reporter and research and write news articles; this may entail attending lectures and events and conducting interviews as necessary and writing articles for digital and print publication;

　　Ensure Vanderbilt University style guide is enforced consistently and the Associated Press style of writing is followed;

　　Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage; fact check and proofread for errors in copy, art and design.

　　Plan, write, produce and post social media content for Vanderbilt University School of Nursing’s primary accounts (Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn, YouTube and other social media platforms)

　　Create digital media assets for social media as needed.

　　Check spelling, grammar, punctuation, syntax, and word usage; fact check and proofread for errors in copy, art and design.

　　Coordinate social media plans with other VUSN areas, including Alumni and Student Affairs; when appropriate, coordinate with VU and VUMC social media teams.

　　Develop and maintain professional relationships throughout the school and university.

　　Demonstrate understanding of the school’s brand, mission, values, goals and priorities, and possess an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications

　　Qualifications

　　A bachelor’s degree and at least 3-5 years of experience in advertising, communications, marketing, media, public relations or related field is required.

　　Strong written and verbal communications skills are necessary; creativity a must.

　　Comprehensive understanding of how communications can be used in an organization’s communications strategies is essential.

　　Experience in creating content across digital platforms, including websites and email marketing strongly preferred.

　　Excellent news judgment, top-notch written communication abilities, and strong proofreading skills are required.

　　Excellent interpersonal skills are required.

　　Proficiency with Microsoft Office (including Word, Excel, Publisher, Outlook) is required

　　Experience with basic web content management systems (HootSuite, MyEmma) and Adobe Creative Suite is preferred, HTML and web skills a plus.

　　Willing to work independently as well as collaboratively, is necessary.

　　The ability to handle multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously is necessary.

　　Willing to take direction

　　Comfortable and have the skill set to go in person to investigate, interview, and draw out the details of stories ideas from faculty, students and upper administration

　　Ability to work outside of normal business hours if needed

　　Perform other relevant duties as assigned

　　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.

　　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 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.

　　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. Women, minorities, people with disabilities, and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.