Senior Communications Specialist

The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center, within the department of Leadership, Policy, and Organizations at the Peabody College of Education and Human Development, Vanderbilt University, aims to accelerate states’ implementation of evidence-based policies that help all children thrive from the start. The Communications team at the Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center disseminates the latest rigorous research and policy analysis to educate and impact policy action. 

We seek an experienced and highly organized senior communications specialist to help implement the Policy Impact Center’s day-to-day communications needs.  

This position reports functionally and administratively to the Communications Director. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. This position can be performed remotely, and hybrid remote-work opportunities are available. 

Note: Please submit with your application writing samples showing the use of various communication channels to disseminate information to your target audience. Applications that do not have samples attached will not be considered. Candidates will be asked to complete a short exercise if they are under consideration to be a finalist for the role. 

Duties and Responsibilities

The primary duties and responsibilities of the position include: 

Project management and leadership: 

• Manage projects from start to finish, coordinating with team members and external vendors to ensure that project deadlines are met and reviews are completed in alignment with organizational policies 

• Continuously build expertise in policy and science related to the prenatal-to-three period to speak knowledgeably to internal and external stakeholders 

• Develop and implement systems and processes to improve team workflows 

• Contribute creative and evidence-based suggestions for marketing, communications, and design strategy 

Marketing and communications: 

• Help develop and execute marketing and communication strategy to meet organizational goals, including through the development of messaging and content 

• Draft clear, original, and accurate copy for the website and all communications channels, which include multiple social media channels and broader email marketing tasks  

• Know and understand the needs of various audience types and the institutional style, and adapt product type and writing style accordingly 

• Support the creation of high-quality digital content consistent with the Center’s branding. 

• Research and write our monthly newsletter 

• Use Hubspot to distribute communications and track and report analytics 

• Manage email contacts and lists, including updates to maintain accuracy of database or bulk updates to, for example, better segment our email marketing. 

• Provide updates to and support the maintenance of the Center’s website 

• Proactively contribute to the forecasting of communication opportunities and needs 

• Ensure all communications are accurate and thoroughly copy edited 

• Ensure that efforts are coordinated, and messaging is consistent across channels. 

• Help track relevant analytics to improve communication effectiveness and efficiency 

• Support the development and dissemination of the annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and three years of experience in communications, marketing, business, or a related field is necessary. Directly related experience can be substituted for the education on a year for year basis.

• Experience and/or expertise in marketing and communications strategy, ideally in branding, market research, or marketing analytics. Direct experience with Google Analytics strongly preferred. 

• Project management experience, ideally in the context of publishing or multichannel marketing and communications campaigns 

• Professional experience in the use of HubSpot or another mass email platform; WordPress or another web content management system, the marketing and analytics features of social media channels (especially LinkedIn, Instagram, X, and Facebook), and marketing analytics tools (i.e., Google Analytics and heatmap tools) 

• Excellent writing skills, including the ability to identify newsworthy elements, adapt content to different audiences, synthesize complex concepts clearly and concisely, and communicate sensitive topics effectively 

• Excellent proofing and editing abilities and strong attention to detail 

• Exceptional interpersonal skills and an ability to work collaboratively and effectively with others in a team environment  

• Ability to come up to speed on new topics quickly, multi-task effectively, and produce high-quality work under time constraints  

• Flexible and able to adapt to changing timelines and circumstances when needed, including troubleshooting technological issues and general problem-solving  

• Demonstrated understanding and support for key concepts in diversity, equity, and inclusion, and producing communications through an equity lens 

• Demonstrated commitment to valuing diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment 

• Commitment to continuous learning about marketing and communications tools and trends 

Preferred qualifications 

• Experience with APA style 

• Demonstrated graphic design skills with proficiency in Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and InDesign  

• Proficiency in Excel, including use of basic formulas 

• Project management training or certification 

• Working knowledge of Hubspot CRM and Hubspot Marketing 

• Working knowledge of Instagram and Facebook marketing features