Position Summary
The Communications and Engagement Manager leads the development, execution, and continuous refinement of a comprehensive communications and community-engagement strategy for Vanderbilt Planning, Design, and Construction (PDC). This role is essential to advancing the Division of Real Estate, Facilities, and Development (REFD) mission and vision.
Reporting to the REFD’s Senior Communications Strategist[AS1] , with a close partnership to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Planning, Design and Construction, the manager ensures that PDC communicates with clarity, transparency, and accessibility. This position translates complex PDC projects into community-centered narratives; builds sustained engagement with students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and external partners; and strengthens trust in the department through proactive, human-centered storytelling.
The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator, relationship-builder, and creative problem-solver who can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment and collaborate across teams.
About The Work Unit
The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Facilities and Development at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university, working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues. Each member of the team is crucial in executing the strategic initiatives and advancing the university through strategic partnerships to strategically managing growth, optimizing campus resources and ensuring that infrastructure supports Vanderbilt’s evolving academic and research needs and its vision to become the world’s best-run university. The team supports the Vice Chancellor, Associate and Vice Chancellor(s) and Executive Director(s)s in managing the university's real estate, facilities, development, planning and operations, liaising with affiliates, and collaborating with the other Vice Chancellors, the Chancellor, and the Board of Trustees on multidimensional, university-wide concerns.
The combined REFD annual budget exceeds $150 million in operating expenses, and the division has approximately 600 employees. REFD manages major capital project expenditures totaling ~$300 million annually and facility renewal, replacement, and large maintenance project expenditures totaling ~$20 million annually. The REFD Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department, specifically regarding the areas of Finance, Employee Engagement, Systems, Communications and General Administration.
Key Functions And Expected Performance
Communications Strategy & Execution
- Develop and implement an integrated PDC communication strategy aligned with the REFD Vice Chancellor imperatives and the divisional goals.
- Produce clear, accessible content across channels including MyVU stories, campus messages, briefings, social media, digital signage, video, and web pages.
- Assist with Monthly Project Report with PDC Leadership and maintain a consistent, predictable communication cadence to the Vanderbilt community.
- Support crisis and incident communications in collaboration with the REFD Communications team and other partners.
- Ensure alignment with institutional tone, accessibility standards, brand consistency, and regulatory requirements.
- Collaborate closely with REFD Communications team to ensure alignment amongst all projects.
Community & Student Engagement
- Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive community engagement program that strengthens relationships with students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and partners.
- Coordinate engagement with student groups (VSG, GSC, Residential Colleges, international student groups, affinity organizations) and develop programming that meets community needs.
- Lead student-facing campaigns such as Anchor Updates newsletter, project town halls, and collaborative events (campus and project tours, project-related events, move-in, move-out, etc).
- Oversee on campus events such as tours, project-related events, and reoccurring university events (move-in, move-out, family weekend, etc).
- Support campuswide emergency preparedness programming that are related to REFD.
Operational Excellence & Internal Partnerships
- Work in close partnership with PDC leadership and project managers to understand current and future projects and translate them into community-facing stories.
- Partner with Division of Administration, Student Affairs, Human Resources, Emergency Preparedness, and other units to coordinate safety-related messaging.
Digital Strategy, Data, & Feedback
- Manage the PDC website, resources, and digital communication channels to ensure accuracy, clarity, and user-centered design.
- Track and report metrics on email engagement, social reach, web traffic, event effectiveness, etc.
- Establish feedback options including surveys, QR code channels, and follow-up communications.
- Provide regular analytics reports and recommendations to REFD leadership.
- Oversee university Anchor Alerts program, track effectiveness, and make data-driven decisions to improve the system.
Supervisory Relationships
This position may supervise student employees, interns, or part-time communications assistants.
Education And Certifications
- Bachelor’s degree required.
Experience And Skills
- Minimum of 3 years of experience in communications, public affairs, marketing, or community
- Experience in construction, higher education, or government strongly preferred.
- Experience partnering with or communicating to student audiences is strongly preferred.
- Exceptional writing, editing, proofreading, and visual storytelling skills across formats.
- Demonstrated ability to communicate complex operational or policy concepts in clear, accessible language.
- Proven experience designing and managing communications strategies that build trust in sensitive or high-stakes environments.
- Strong interpersonal skills; able to build relationships with officers, students, faculty, staff, and external stakeholders.
- High emotional intelligence; ability to convey empathy, clarity, and professionalism during difficult or high-pressure situations.
- Strong project management skills; highly organized; able to manage multiple simultaneous priorities.
- Comfort with analytics and data-informed storytelling.
- Familiarity with platforms such as Microsoft Teams, WordPress, Emma, and basic design/video tools.
- Ability to work collaboratively across a complex organization with shared leadership models.
[AS1] Title likely changing (under review by PCB)
