The Senior Content Specialist (Development) is part of the Editorial and Content Strategy unit of the University Relations team within Communications and Marketing at Vanderbilt University. This role is responsible for developing, assigning, writing and editing donor- and alumni-focused content for multiple external university channels, such as print, digital and social media. Content needs include: longform storytelling, news/gift announcements, executive remarks/communications, various copywriting assignments, as well as managing a high-profile monthly email newsletter.

This position works closely with colleagues in Vanderbilt University's Development and Alumni Relations, as well as with internal strategists, designers, photographers, web developers and other communications professionals. Reporting to the Director of Editorial Strategy, this role has supervisory responsibility for freelance, part-time or agency-based contributors.

The ideal candidate will have a strong record as a writer and/or editor and familiarity of either university or philanthropic communications. They must also possess an ability to evaluate, organize and deliver a large volume of content requests, as well as experience collaborating with senior level executives, both internally and externally. This role also does not require the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus.

The University Relations team is responsible for developing and executing strategic multiplatform content that advances the university's priorities and promotes engagement among all core affinity audiences. The broader Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt is a dynamic and collaborative group that develops and executes strategies that inform, engage and inspire others to participate in the university's global academic and research mission.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Lead content development and execution for all aspects of externally facing donor- and alumni-focused material, including longform storytelling, news/gift announcements, executive remarks and communications, and philanthropic copywriting.
• Supervise and manage content needs in close coordination with senior communications and development/fundraising strategists from across the university.
• Compile, distribute and analyze results of monthly alumni email newsletter.
• Identify, cultivate and manage relationships with freelance/part-time writers and/or agency resources.
• Demonstrate publication-worthy writing and editing skills.
• Evaluate, manage and deliver a high volume of multichannel content requests.
• Serve as a trusted editorial advisor on various projects that arise throughout the department and division.
• Demonstrate understanding of the university's mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to translate/communicate those in various forms of written content.
• Communicate and collaborate with a wide range of audiences--including alumni, donors, university leadership, faculty, students and families.
• Demonstrate a commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex and results-oriented projects with both quick turn-around requirements and long lead times.
• Operate in a highly organized fashion with attention to detail on all projects.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed in order to perform job responsibilities.
• Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• A High School diploma or equivalent is required .
• A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education, with a heavy emphasis on writing or journalism, is strongly preferred .
• A Master's degree is preferred .
• 5-7 years of experience writing for a commercially available publication (not student journalism), or equivalent agency/organization experience writing for broad audiences is required .
• Supervisory experience managing a direct report/freelancer/agency is strongly preferred .
• Project management skills are strongly preferred .

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.