Director of Internal Communications, Development and Alumni Relations

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.

Position Summary:

As the Director of Internal Communications for Development and Alumni Relations (DAR), you are responsible for mission-critical initiatives, including developing and leading the communications for the Vice Chancellor of DAR, as well as messaging directed at internal DAR colleagues and university stakeholders. This includes content shared via external DAR websites, DAR intranet, internal presentations, remarks, correspondence, and other strategic communications channels. 

As a key member of the DAR Communications team, you will play a crucial role in creating and managing vibrant, innovative, and compelling communication strategies targeted at engagement deliverables to ignite change, activate alignment, and foster a strong, inclusive culture. 

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 identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University's teaching and research programs.  You can visit our website for more information:  https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

• Develop and implement a holistic internal communications strategy that effectively disseminates key information to internal audiences via intranet, email, and other channels.
• Manage the redevelopment, redesign, and ongoing use of the DAR intranet. 
• In collaboration with DAR Talent Management, develop and manage an overarching internal workforce brand and integrated communication plan. 
• Foster external relationships in the Nashville area, in higher education and across employee-focused industries. Maximize connection with community and industry, amplifying the Vice Chancellor and workforce brand and reputation as a world-class employer.
• Identify and utilize various communication channels, ensuring the timely and consistent delivery of messages across the organization.
• Ensure a consistent voice, tone and style that reflects organizational values, drives behavior change and supports operational goals.
• Work cross-functionally to ensure quality control and consistency for internal communications, including formed responses, templates, presentations, manager tool kits, talking points, and newsletters.
• Lead and maintain the internal communications calendar, ensuring cohesive messaging platforms, meaningful cadence and strategic framework for all communications across Development and Alumni Relations.
• Draft and edit various documents including both internal and external correspondence.
• Create and maintain files, review drafts and finished documents for accuracy and grammar, including documents of a sensitive or confidential nature.
• Stay informed about industry trends, best practices, and developments in communication techniques.
• Oversee the creation of internal content, including newsletters, intranet articles, and multimedia materials that effectively communicate University updates, achievements, and milestones.
• Support crisis communication, issues management, and executive communication plans to address issues promptly and transparently.
• Lead production for regular all-staff meetings, including creating the agenda, coordinating scripting, collaborating with designers on presentations, and leading production of video content. 
• Serve as project lead for monthly DAR All Hands newsletter. Coordinate all other internal newsletters with ultimate goal of streamlining through intranet.
• Manage Vice Chancellor's social presence via LinkedIn, positioning VC as a subject matter expert and Vanderbilt DAR as a destination of choice for top talent. 
• Serve as a liaison to University MarComm on projects that must be communicated internally and on behalf of DAR Leadership.
• Craft talking points and oversee presentation development for DAR leadership for key meetings, including Board of Trust and the Board of Trust Development Committee.
• Partner closely with the Talent Management team to create our branding efforts towards attracting potential candidates and develop specific employee value proposition specific to DAR.
• Serve as a back-up for DAR email marketing projects.
• Assist with content strategy for external social media channels.
• Cross-train in other Communications areas to provide backup support when needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities.

This position reports administratively and functionally to the Assistant Vice Chancellor of Donor, Alumni, and Parent Communications.

Work Environment:

This is a hybrid position located in Nashville, Tennessee.

Requirements:

• A bachelor's degree, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• 5 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
• This is not required, but preference given to experience working within higher education, non-profit, development, or other large organizations. 
• Communication skills with the intellectual depth necessary to effectively relate to all audiences, from entry-level to senior level.
• Clarity, crispness, and effectiveness in written and oral presentations. 
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and the credibility, maturity and sound judgment required to effectively engage with all potential candidates.
• Proven ability to manage effectively during times of growth and change.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Ability to execute projects within established processes, including delegation of tasks, materials organization, and managing deadlines.
• Capacity to perform in an intellectually rigorous and complex environment.
• Demonstrated ability to analyze, use, and present data.
• Exhibit personal characteristics enabling effective interaction with important constituencies and possess a genuine commitment to the advancement of education and to the principles governing Development and Alumni Relations.

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.

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.

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