Communications Specialist, Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance - Hybrid in Nashville TN

Vanderbilt University Medical Center•Nashville, TN

13d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Communications Specialist plays a mission-critical role in developing and executing high-impact communication strategies that enhance the visibility, engagement, and impact of the Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) and the Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Team. This role will serve both organizations in a shared capacity, supporting their communications and trust-building community engagement efforts. The communications specialist will plan, write, and develop communications materials to inform and engage various audiences, including community members, healthcare professionals, researchers, and institutional partners. They will work closely with leadership, and communications teams to ensure that messaging aligns with the goals of stakeholders. This role requires a resourceful communicator with a strong, community‑engaged approach who can adapt strategies to meet the needs of various populations, organizations, and individuals. The ideal candidate has proven experience in community engagement and excels at translating complex health and academic information into clear, compelling communications across multiple platforms. Experience in healthcare and/or academic environments is preferred, with a strong preference for a master’s degree. Graphic design skills are highly desirable, as the Communications Specialist will help shape the organization’s visual identity and creative work.

Requirements

Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with experience in crafting compelling narratives and health education content.
Experience in social media management, digital marketing, and website content management (WordPress or similar CMS).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design tools.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work independently.
2+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably with an emphasis in community engagement in healthcare, nonprofit, or academic settings.
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with experience in crafting compelling narratives and health education content.
Experience in social media management, digital marketing, and website content management (WordPress or similar CMS).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design tools.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work independently.
Familiarity with AP Style and healthcare terminology.
Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media insights) to measure communication impact.
Background in public health, various health issues impacting a wide audience, or health literacy communication strategies.
Ability to read, write and speak in languages in addition to English, preferably languages predominantly used in the service area.

Nice To Haves

Master’s in Public Health, Communications or related fields (or 5+ years of experience in related fields)
Graphic design skills are highly desirable, as the Communications Specialist will help shape the organization’s visual identity and creative work.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement high-impact strategic communication plans that align with the objectives of both MVA and VICC COE respectively.
Work collaboratively with the MVA, VICC COE teams and VICC communications team to communicate critical key initiatives, research updates, and partnership opportunities.
Translating complex health information into plain language health education materials for community distribution, ensuring accessibility and clarity.
Write, edit, and design print and digital content, including newsletters, press releases, reports, website updates, blog posts, and social media content.
Maintain brand consistency across all communications, ensuring alignment with institutional guidelines.
Oversee the production of multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and photography for storytelling and promotional purposes.
Develop social media educational content for MVA and VICC COE across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Provide vital support in developing communication toolkits and training materials for staff and community partners.
Assist in coordinating newsletters, email campaigns, and other communications materials as needed.
Support timely and effective public relations efforts, including media outreach and press coordination.
Assist in planning, promoting, and covering events, webinars, and educational sessions for both organizations.
Fulfill additional duties as assigned, contributing to the broader objectives of both the MVA and the VICC.
Report regularly to leadership; ensuring clear communication of status updates, programmatic activities, and outcomes, including barriers to implementation.
Serves as communications liaison and responsible for raising awareness of programs and initiatives to internal and external audiences.
Writes and edits content and special topics for medical center publications.
May coordinate the development, implementation and maintenance of print and online content.