Project Manager, Communications & Marketing

Vanderbilt; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University in Nashville seeks a Project Manager, Integrated Projects, to coordinate complex university-wide initiatives and execute timelines across divisions. Embedded in Operations and Enablement, the role emphasizes cross-disciplinary collaboration, process improvements, and consistent intake for projects.

The incumbent works with senior leaders, requires five+ years of higher education project experience, exceptional communication, and proficiency with project tools such as Wrike;

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• At least five years of related work experience.
• Experience managing multiple projects with tight deadlines.
• Experience in higher education preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage day-to-day projects and project details for assigned teams.
• Plan, manage and coordinate projects from large institution-wide initiatives to smaller, audience-specific efforts.
• Track ongoing projects and provide status updates to leaders.
• Develop metrics for tracking and evaluating projects.
• Ensure all approvals are secured and communicated to the team.
• Meet deadlines to allow time for executive review.
• Maintain confidentiality and exercise good judgment.
• Communicate effectively with students, faculty, leadership, staff, alumni and vendors.
• Operate in a highly organized fashion with attention to detail.

Skills

Excellent communication skills

Attention to detail

Organizational skills

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Wrike

Job description

JOB DESCRIPTION

Position Summary: The Project Manager, Integrated Projects, is part of the Communications and Marketing division at Vanderbilt University. The project manager is responsible for planning and development of ongoing projects related, but not limited to, divisions and the institution. The position will provide organization for day-to- day tasks and assignments and coordination and collaboration across disciplines, while also managing longer-term projects as they arise. The person in this position will work closely with team members across the division. In addition, the project manager will regularly interact with other top-level leaders across the university. The ideal candidate will have experience project-managing complex projects, (higher education experience preferred), including interactions with top university leadership. The ideal candidate will also have experience with creating project timelines, working in project management software and light research and communications support for small projects, such as drafting talking points or project proposals. Reporting directly to the Director of Project Management and Production this position will be embedded within our Operations and Enablement team to execute integrated projects across disciplines and does not have supervisory responsibility. This role requires strong project management skills, high levels of professionalism, the ability to assess and make process improvements to better streamline the work, a relationship-building mentality, and the ability to work in a fast-paced and dynamic environment. This role requires the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus according to the needs of the supervisor and as required by specific projects.

About the Work Unit

The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt University is a dynamic and deeply collaborative group. The division, with all of its departments and sub-teams, serves as the institution-wide center of excellence for communications and marketing, developing and executing strategies that inform, engage and inspire others to participate in Vanderbilt University's global academic and research mission. The division is a key strategic adviser and partner for other divisions in the university, providing comprehensive plans and thoughtful analysis on messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team continuously seeks innovative solutions to new and emerging challenges in order to deliver results at scale to advance the larger mission, values and priorities of the university.

Key Responsibilities and Expected Performance

Manage day-to-day projects and project details for assigned teams, including ensuring that deliverables are in progress, on target and on schedule. Planning, management and coordination of projects, from large institution-wide projects to smaller, complex, audience-specific projects. Track ongoing projects and initiatives to regularly provide a view of the projects and tasks in progress. As necessary, work with partners throughout the university to clarify communications and marketing needs as part of a rigorous intake process. Help develop metrics for tracking and evaluating projects as needed. Compile items for review by leaders and ensure that all approvals have been secured as needed; share updates on approvals with team members as needed. Meet all deadlines to allow for ample review time for top executives. Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion. Demonstrate a high level of comfort with project management tools such as Wrike or others similar. Demonstrate understanding of the university's mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications strategies. Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences-including students, faculty, leadership, staff, alumni and vendors. 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 to perform job responsibilities. Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities. Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Supervisory Relationships

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and reports directly to the Director of Project Management and Production.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary. At least five years of related work experience is necessary. Experience managing multiple and varied projects simultaneously to meet ambitious deadlines and achieve short- and long-term goals is necessary. Previous administrative experience with an institution of higher education is preferred. Proven experience managing complex projects with fast-turn requirements and high visibility outcomes. Demonstrated ability to prioritize, organize, and execute multiple projects simultaneously. Strong experience with project management tools, processes, and reporting. Excellent communication skills, including ability to work with senior leadership and cross-functional teams. Strong attention to detail while maintaining a results-oriented focus. Comfort in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities may shift rapidly. Understanding of higher education or large organizational communications preferred.

ABOUT US

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. 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.