Project Manager, Communications & Marketing

Vanderbilt University•Nashville, TN

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Project Manager is part of Vanderbilt University's Communications and Marketing division and is embedded within the Operations and Enablement team. The role plans, coordinates, and manages integrated projects across disciplines, from institution-wide initiatives to smaller, audience-specific projects. It organizes day-to-day work and assignments, tracks longer-term projects, and collaborates with team members and partners across the university, including senior leaders. The position reports to the Director of Project Management and Production and has no supervisory responsibilities. The role requires strong project management, professionalism, sound judgment, discretion, relationship-building, and the ability to improve processes and work effectively in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. The project manager may provide light research and communications support for small projects, such as drafting talking points or project proposals. This position requires in-person work on Vanderbilt's campus according to supervisor needs and specific project requirements, and work outside regular business hours as needed.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution of higher education.
At least five years of related work experience.
Experience managing multiple varied projects simultaneously to meet ambitious deadlines and achieve short- and long-term goals.
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 the ability to work with senior leadership and cross-functional teams.
Strong attention to detail while maintaining a results-oriented focus.
Comfort working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment where priorities may shift rapidly.
Ability to work in person on Vanderbilt University's campus as required by the supervisor and specific projects.
Ability to work outside regular business hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

Previous administrative experience with an institution of higher education.
Understanding of higher education or large-organization communications.
Higher education experience, including interactions with top university leadership.

Responsibilities

Manage day-to-day projects and details for assigned teams, ensuring deliverables are progressing and meeting targets and schedules.
Plan, manage, and coordinate projects ranging from institution-wide initiatives to smaller, complex, audience-specific projects.
Track ongoing projects and initiatives and regularly provide visibility into projects and tasks in progress.
Work with university partners as needed to clarify communications and marketing needs through an intake process.
Help develop metrics for tracking and evaluating projects as needed.
Compile materials for leader review, secure required approvals, and update team members on approval status.
Meet deadlines that allow ample review time for top executives.
Maintain confidentiality and business ethics, demonstrating judgment and discretion.
Use project management tools such as Wrike or similar tools.
Consider the university's mission, values, goals, and priorities when developing communications strategies.
Communicate and collaborate with students, faculty, leadership, staff, alumni, vendors, and other audiences.
Manage multiple complex, results-oriented projects with both rapid turnaround requirements and long lead times.
Work in an organized manner with attention to detail.
Work outside regular business hours as needed.
Provide support for department priorities and perform other relevant duties as assigned.
Assess and improve processes to streamline work.
Provide light research and communications support for small projects, such as drafting talking points or project proposals.