Strategic Communications & Community Engagement Lead

Vanderbilt University; Nashville (TN); On-site; USD 85,000 - 110,000; Full time

Job summary

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) seeks a Communications & Engagement Manager to lead a comprehensive strategy that informs and engages the campus community. You will translate complex safety operations into clear, accessible narratives across channels and collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

You will build trust through transparent storytelling, support crisis communications, and drive programs like advisory boards and community engagement campaigns.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3 years in communications, public affairs, marketing, or community engagement.
• Experience in public safety, crisis communication, higher education, or government strongly preferred.
• Experience partnering with or communicating to student audiences is strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute an integrated communications strategy for Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS).
• Translate complex safety operations into accessible community narratives across channels.
• Build sustained engagement with students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and partners.
• Lead design and execution of student-centered campaigns and advisory boards.
• Collaborate with internal teams to align messaging and crisis communications.

Skills

Writing & editing

Storytelling

Relationship building

Project management

Analytics & metrics

Public safety comms

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

WordPress

Emma

Microsoft Teams

Job description

Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS) seeks a Communications & Engagement Manager to lead a comprehensive strategy that informs and engages the campus community. You will translate complex safety operations into clear, accessible narratives across channels and collaborate with students, faculty, staff, and external partners.

You will build trust through transparent storytelling, support crisis communications, and drive programs like advisory boards and community engagement campaigns.