Director of Strategic Communications

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Lead development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy to elevate the school’s reputation .

Posted 9/25/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • United StatesLeadWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

Use this summary to align your resume positioning with the role.

Demonstrates expertise in strategic communications planning, brand strategy, and digital content development within academic or medical settings. Proven ability to manage teams, build relationships with media, and execute comprehensive communications strategies that enhance institutional reputation.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Strategic Communications PlanningBrand Strategy DevelopmentDigital Content DevelopmentMedia RelationsTeam Management

ATS Keywords

Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

Communications StrategyContent PromotionSocial Media ManagementAnalytics ProficiencyCrisis CommunicationAward Nomination ManagementPresentation PreparationEditorial OversightVisibility-Raising ProgrammingBudget Management

Soft Skills

Relationship-BuildingStorytelling AbilityChange ManagementAttention to DetailSound Judgment

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree

Industry Keywords

Academic Health CenterBiomedical ResearchPublic RelationsFaculty Recognition ProgramsInstitutional Positioning

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead development and execution of a comprehensive communications strategy to elevate the school’s reputation
Advise the Dean and school leadership on communications approach, institutional positioning, and reputation management
Develop strategies for disseminating scholarly contributions and promoting faculty achievements, expertise, and research impact
Establish communications metrics and report outcomes to leadership
Maintain consistent brand and messaging frameworks
Coordinate faculty visibility and scholarly output content
Oversee faculty award recommendations, nominations, recognition opportunities, tracking systems, and media/messaging training
Prepare strategic presentations, talking points, speeches, and high-level communications for the Dean
Respond to time-sensitive communications requests and manage crisis and sensitive communications
Lead brand strategy, website content, social media, promotional materials, style guidelines, and internal communications
Serve as final editorial authority for team outputs and school-level communications channels
Serve as primary contact for press inquiries and pitch faculty research and achievements to media
Build relationships with journalists, editors, and biomedical research outlets
Relaunch and lead the Apex Lecture Series and develop visibility-raising programming
Collaborate with Development, External Partnerships, VITA, biomedical research education and training teams, faculty, and central communications offices
Represent SoM-BS at relevant meetings, events, and committees
Supervise and mentor three direct reports
Set team priorities and workflows
Manage the communications budget and report expenditures
Select and manage vendors, agencies, and freelance partners

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary
8+ years of experience in communications, content promotion, social media management and/or public relations
Demonstrated experience in strategic communications planning, ideally within an academic, medical, or scientific setting
Proven experience managing and developing staff and leading cross-functional projects
Strong track record of developing and executing successful communications or brand strategies
Demonstrated experience developing compelling digital content that drives engagement for organizations
Proficiency in leveraging analytics to inform communications strategies and priorities
Experience working within a school of medicine, academic health center, or research school, college, or institution preferred
Scientific training or demonstrated ability to understand and translate complex scientific or medical content for broad audiences preferred
Experience managing award nomination processes or faculty recognition programs preferred
Excellent strategic communications skills
Strong change management skills
Exceptional storytelling ability
Strong relationship-building skills
High degree of organization and attention to detail
Sound judgment and discretion when handling sensitive faculty or institutional information

Benefits

Comp & perks

Professional development support
Equal-opportunity employment
Work on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum
Opportunities to learn and grow professionally