Senior Communications Specialist – Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

Vanderbilt University Medical Center

Senior Communications Specialist at Vanderbilt University translating complex research and policy insights into clear communications materials. Supporting visibility and impact of the Center’s prenatally-focused work.

Posted 6/4/2026full-timeRemote • Tennessee • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorWebsite

Tech Stack

Tools & technologies

WordPress

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Manage communications projects from concept through publication, coordinating across internal teams and external partners to ensure deadlines are met and review processes are completed
Develop and implement systems and processes that improve communications workflows and coordination across teams
Continuously build expertise in prenatal-to-three policy and research topics to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders
Contribute creative and evidence-based suggestions for communications, marketing, and design strategy
Collaborate with the Senior Communications Specialist, Digital Marketing, to support the dissemination of communications products across the Center’s digital platforms
Work closely with Center staff to synthesize and translate complex research findings and policy analyses into clear, accessible communications for policymakers, practitioners, partners, and other external audiences
Support the development of communications products, including but not limited to: policy briefs and research summaries, reports and major publications, presentations and talking points, website copy and external communications, leadership briefing materials, communications materials supporting webinars and public events
Review and refine communications materials to ensure they are clear, accurate, and aligned with the Center’s messaging framework and editorial standards, and provide editorial guidance to staff to strengthen clarity, tone, and accessibility
Support the development and dissemination of the annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap and other major Center publications
Support media engagement related to Center research, publications, and policy announcements
Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, and other public-facing communications materials
Assist in preparing Center staff for media interviews and press briefings, including guidance on messaging and communications framing
Coordinate with the Communications Director on media inquiries and opportunities to elevate the Center’s work
Monitor relevant media coverage and identify opportunities to elevate the Center’s research and policy insights
Contribute to communications planning for major publications, events, and policy releases
Lead communications planning and promotion for Center webinars and virtual briefings, including messaging, promotional materials, and audience outreach
Coordinate with internal teams to support webinar communications and ensure messaging and promotional timelines align with event planning
Identify opportunities to strengthen storytelling and messaging around the Center’s research and policy work
Help ensure communications efforts remain coordinated and aligned across the organization

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in communications, public policy, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related field
Five or more years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, or a related field
Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to synthesize complex topics clearly and concisely
Demonstrated experience editing and refining reports, policy publications, research summaries, or other long-form written content
Experience applying professional editorial standards, including familiarity with AP style and APA style, depending on product type
Strong project management and organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple communications projects simultaneously
Professional experience using HubSpot or another mass email platform, WordPress or another web content management system, and familiarity with social media or marketing analytics tools
Excellent attention to detail and proofreading ability
Exceptional interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams
Ability to quickly learn new subject matter, manage multiple priorities, and produce high-quality work under time constraints
Demonstrated understanding of diversity, equity, and inclusion and the ability to communicate policy issues through an equity lens
Commitment to continuous learning about communications tools and trends

Benefits

Comp & perks

This position can be performed remotely
Hybrid remote-work opportunities available

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

writingeditingproject managementcommunications planningpolicy analysisresearch synthesismedia engagementstorytellingcontent developmenteditorial standards

Soft Skills

interpersonal skillscollaborationattention to detailorganizational skillstime managementadaptabilitycreativitycritical thinkingcommunicationcontinuous learning