Director of Experiential Communications

. Collaborate with DAR teams to develop and execute integrated communications strategies that support fundraising and engagement goals.

Posted 5/22/2026full-timeNashville • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesLeadWebsite

Key responsibilities & impact

Collaborate with DAR teams to develop and execute integrated communications strategies that support fundraising and engagement goals.
Lead the planning, execution and evaluation of communications initiatives and projects, ensuring alignment with broader strategic direction.
Create and guide the development of compelling content and high-level collateral for external audiences, including impact stories, one-pagers, newsletters, appeals, social media copy, event communications and process documents.
Identify and elevate opportunities to highlight the impact of philanthropy, working with colleagues across DAR and MarComm for coverage in print, digital publications, websites and social channels.
Collaborate with MarComm and university communicators to implement aligned messaging and coordinated communications across channels.
Work closely with editorial, digital and creative teams to produce impactful stories and supportive materials.
Champion best practices in advancement marketing and communications.
Manage competing priorities and project timelines to deliver high-impact work with speed and agility.
Contribute to a culture of collaboration, innovation and continuous improvement across DARComm, the advancement enterprise and the university.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required.
5 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is necessary.
3-5 years of communications experience, preferably in higher education or nonprofit fundraising communications, is strongly preferred.
Exceptional writing, editing and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate complex ideas and effectively articulate Vanderbilt’s needs, interests and accomplishments into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.
Excellent organizational skills, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities, build collaborative partnerships and navigate intellectually rigorous, complex organizations effectively.
Ability to work independently, assuming responsibility, prioritizing and carrying out duties with a minimum of supervision.
Proficiency in office software tools and experience with project management tools is essential.
Familiarity with design tools such as Canva and emerging AI tools is highly desirable.
Highly motivated team player with strong interpersonal skills.

Comp & perks

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

writingeditingstorytellingcommunications strategyproject management

Soft Skills

organizational skillscollaborationinnovationagilityinterpersonal skills

Certifications

Bachelor’s degree