Athletics Communications Specialist (Men's Basketball)

The Athletics Communications Specialist (Men's Basketball) is part of the Athletics Communications team within Communications and Marketing at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for developing and implementing communications plans and tactics to advance Vanderbilt’s distinctive athletics program, while supporting the university’s overall athletics communications plan. This includes leveraging storytelling expertise, gathering news, developing messaging and content, and coordinating dissemination of story packages across the division. This position works closely with the Division of Athletics to develop athletics multimedia communications tactics for the men’s basketball program and other assigned sports to distribute content across a variety of communications channels. This includes proactively building relationships within the Division of Athletics and collaborating with peers throughout Communications and Marketing.

This role requires the ability to report to work in-person on the Vanderbilt University campus.

The Athletics Communications team designs and executes integrated communications strategies to protect and enhance Vanderbilt’s local, national and international reputation, and positions the university as one of the world’s leading academic research institutions through the distribution of compelling content across a variety of digital and traditional channels.

The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt is a dynamic and collaborative group. The division serves as the institution-wide center of excellence for communications and marketing, developing and executing strategies that inform, engage, and inspire others to participate in Vanderbilt University’s global academic and research mission. The division is a key strategic adviser and partner for the mission-based work of the university, providing comprehensive communications and marketing plans and thoughtful analysis on messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team delivers impactful marketing and communications results across key audiences to serve the larger mission, values, and priorities of the university.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Coordinate resolution of project challenges by communicating effectively and professionally to leaders and colleagues across the division.
• Monitor and report out project performance metrics and results internally and to key stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with local, regional and national media covering Vanderbilt Athletics.
• Plan and maintain editorial calendars and maintain social media accounts for assigned varsity sport programs.
• Demonstrate understanding of the university’s mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications strategies.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences—including coaches, students, leadership, staff, alumni, suppliers and agencies.
• Work directly with men’s basketball staff to ensure all branding and external elements align with needs and vision of the program.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrates outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex and results-oriented projects with quick turn-around requirements.
• Assist the Visual Media team with coordination, story development and production, and guide messaging.
• Plan, develop and implement internal and external communications tactics for assigned programs in alignment with the overarching strategy for Vanderbilt Athletics and with the university’s mission and strategy.
• Coordinate execution of all communications tactics as brand manager, to ensure efforts are coordinated and messaging is consistent across channels.
• Travel with men’s basketball team and other teams as needed.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
• Coordinate and collaborate with Communications and Marketing colleagues to create and design artwork, graphics and content for a variety of platforms.
• Incorporate key messaging into content and storytelling through a proactive approach and digital-forward mindset.
• Manage current and historical team information (rosters, statistics, record, photos, videos) of assigned sports.
• Collaborate and coordinate with Vanderbilt Athletics coaches and staff, as well as Communications and Marketing colleagues to develop multimedia communications tactics that advance Vanderbilt’s Strategic Plan for Athletics.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed in order to perform job responsibilities, including being officially on-call.
• Advise Vanderbilt Athletics coaches and administrators on communications opportunities.
• Facilitate interviews and initiate media coverage by preparing logistics, materials and talking points.
• Write and edit various communications materials in coordination with the Editorial Strategy team, such as student-athlete bios, press releases and feature stories for the Vanderbilt Athletics website conveying the voice of the coach, student-athletes and the program.

Qualifications

• Experience working for or with an institution of higher education is preferred.
• A degree in communications, journalism or a related field is preferred.
• At least 4-5 years of experience in communications, public affairs, journalism, or related field is necessary.
• Sports communication experience is necessary.
• A bachelor’s degree is necessary.

Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion

At Vanderbilt University, we are intentional about and assume accountability for fostering advancement and respect for equity, diversity, and inclusion for all students, faculty, and staff. Our commitment to diversity makes us who we are. We have created a community that celebrates differences and lets individuality thrive. As part of this commitment, we actively value diversity in our workplace and learning environments as we seek to take advantage of the rich backgrounds and abilities of everyone. The diverse voices of Vanderbilt represent an invaluable resource for the University in its efforts to fulfill its mission and strive to be an example of excellence in higher education.

Vanderbilt University is an equal opportunity, affirmative action employer. Women, minorities, people with disabilities and protected veterans are encouraged to apply.

Please note, all candidates selected for an offer of employment are subject to pre-employment background checks, which may include but are not limited to, based on the role for which they have been selected: criminal history, education verification, social media review, motor vehicle records, credit history, and professional license verification.

About Us

Vanderbilt is a community of talented and diverse staff & faculty!

At Vanderbilt University , our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville , Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice through:

• Working and growing together as a community of communities... we are One Vanderbilt.
• Providing a work environment where every staff and faculty member can be their authentic and best self, while providing the resources and opportunities to learn and grow.
• Encouraging development, collaboration, and partnership both internally and externally while fostering the value that every member of the Vanderbilt community can lead and grow regardless of title or position.

We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story.

Vanderbilt University has made the health and safety of our students, faculty and staff and our surrounding communities a top priority. As part of that commitment, the University may require employees to comply with any testing or health and safety measures which the University may require.