Senior Communications Specialist (Term)- Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center
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Senior Communications Specialist – Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center
Job Description Summary:
The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University aims to accelerate states’ implementation of evidence-based policies that help all children thrive from the start. The Center’s Communications team advances this work through two senior communications specialist roles with complementary areas of focus. One role leads digital strategy, audience engagement, and analytics across the Center’s online platforms. This position focuses on supporting the development and publication of communications products and translating complex research and policy insights into accessible communications.
We seek an experienced Senior Communications Specialist who will serve as a communications partner to the Center’s policy researchers and analysts, helping synthesize technical research and policy insights into clear, compelling materials for policymakers and other key audiences. The role supports the development of major publications, media materials, and public-facing communications that strengthen the visibility and impact of the Center’s work.
Please submit writing samples with your application. Candidates will be asked to complete a short exercise.
General Notes:
This position reports functionally and administratively to the Communications Director. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. This position can be performed remotely, and hybrid remote-work opportunities are available. Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. This position is a term appointment beginning upon date of hire and expected to last 12 months.
The primary duties and responsibilities of the position include:
Project Management and Leadership:
Manage communications projects from concept through publication, coordinating across internal teams and external partners to ensure deadlines are met and review processes are completed
Develop and implement systems and processes that improve communications workflows and coordination across teams
Continuously build expertise in prenatal-to-three policy and research topics to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Contribute creative and evidence-based suggestions for communications, marketing, and design strategy
Collaborate with the Senior Communications Specialist, Digital Marketing, to support the dissemination of communications products across the Center’s digital platforms
Content Development and Editorial Support:
Work closely with Center staff to synthesize and translate complex research findings and policy analyses into clear, accessible communications for policymakers, practitioners, partners, and other external audiences
Support the development of communications products, including but not limited to:
policy briefs and research summaries
reports and major publications
presentations and talking points
website copy and external communications
leadership briefing materials
communications materials supporting webinars and public events
Review and refine communications materials to ensure they are clear, accurate, and aligned with the Center’s messaging framework and editorial standards, and provide editorial guidance to staff to strengthen clarity, tone, and accessibility
Support the development and dissemination of the annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap and other major Center publications
Media Relations and External Communications:
Support media engagement related to Center research, publications, and policy announcements
Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, and other public-facing communications materials
Assist in preparing Center staff for media interviews and press briefings, including guidance on messaging and communications framing
Coordinate with the Communications Director on media inquiries and opportunities to elevate the Center’s work
Monitor relevant media coverage and identify opportunities to elevate the Center’s research and policy insights
Strategic Communications Support:
Contribute to communications planning for major publications, events, and policy releases
Lead communications planning and promotion for Center webinars and virtual briefings, including messaging, promotional materials, and audience outreach
Coordinate with internal teams to support webinar communications and ensure messaging and promotional timelines align with event planning
Identify opportunities to strengthen storytelling and messaging around the Center’s research and policy work
Help ensure communications efforts remain coordinated and aligned across the organization
Essential qualifications:
Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related field
Five or more years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, or a related field
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex topics clearly and concisely
Demonstrated experience editing and refining reports, policy publications, research summaries, or other long-form written content
Experience applying professional editorial standards, including familiarity with AP style and APA style, depending on product type
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple communications projects simultaneously
Professional experience using HubSpot or another mass email platform, WordPress or another web content management system, and familiarity with social media or marketing analytics tools
Excellent attention to detail and proofreading ability
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Ability to quickly learn new subject matter, manage multiple priorities, and produce high-quality work under time constraints
Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to communicate policy issues through an equity lens
Commitment to continuous learning about communications tools and trends
Preferred qualifications
Experience communicating research or policy topics for public audiences
Professional experience in public affairs, government relations, policy communications, or think tank environments
Experience working in a research center, policy organization, nonprofit, or university setting
Experience coordinating publication or editorial workflows
Seven or more years of professional communications experience
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.
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.
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