Executive Director, Strategic Communications, Marketing and Brand

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

. Leads the development of VUSN's overall brand and messaging approach, refining how the school presents itself to internal and external audiences.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Leads the development of VUSN's overall brand and messaging approach, refining how the school presents itself to internal and external audiences.
Shapes and maintains VUSN's brand identity including how the school articulates its mission, strengths, and impact.
Provides strategic counsel to the Dean and senior leadership on communications approach, public relations strategy, and reputation management.
Oversees the planning, execution, and evaluation of communications and marketing programs.
Oversees media relations strategy, including proactive outreach, story development in coordination with internal and external partners.
Develops targeted communications strategies to engage key audiences, including prospective students, academic peers, healthcare partners, donors, and national rankings organizations.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor's degree is required
Master's degree is preferred
10 years of progressive related experience in communications, marketing, public relations, and brand strategy with demonstrated leadership in complex organizations.
Experience in higher education or healthcare preferred.
Proven experience developing and executing brand strategy, positioning, and messaging frameworks that enhance organizational reputation.
Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and persuade others, and to demonstrate patience and empathy are preferred.
Self-starter, enthusiastic, excellent communication skills (oral and written, including public speaking) is necessary.

Benefits

Comp & perks

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.

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

communications strategypublic relationsbrand strategymessaging frameworksmarketing programsmedia relationsstory developmentaudience engagementreputation managementevaluation of programs

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillsleadershipmotivationpersuasionpatienceempathycommunication skillspublic speakingself-starterenthusiasm

Certifications

Bachelor's degreeMaster's degree