The Content Writing Specialist is part of the University Relations team within the Division of Communications at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for proposing, assigning, writing and editing content for all university platforms. The role will also serve as editor as assigned, and all work will be to enhance Vanderbilt University's reputation and advance the university's mission as a premier academic research institution. Leveraging storytelling, writing and editing expertise, this position identifies compelling stories, conducts interviews, plans coverage approaches for a variety of different distribution channels and writes and coordinates stories. Reporting directly to the Editorial Strategy Director, the Content Specialist works closely with other members of the University Relations team, across the Division of Communications and with others across campus to achieve these goals.
The University Relations team within the Division of Communications is responsible for developing and executing strategic content and developing digital platforms that advance the university's priorities and promote engagement among all core audiences. The Content Specialist will work within the Editorial Strategy function.
Duties and Responsibilities
- Write and edit stories and other content for all university channels and publications.
- Consider all media formats and use all channels including web, social media and traditional environments to communicate, including posting online content and executing digital distribution strategies, to support position goals.
- Partner closely with the Communications Strategy team to identify story needs and possible distribution channels for content.
- Write content as needed to support the goals of the University Relations team. This includes web and marketing content, email solicitations, Q&As, university announcements, news releases, executive talking points, speeches, leadership messaging, and other projects as assigned. Demonstrate fluency with AP style and university style guidelines as part of this work.
- Communicate with students, faculty, staff, alumni and their families as needed for stories and other items.
- Coordinate closely with the Marketing Solutions Creative Strategy team and Digital Strategies team to identify appropriate design approach and assets to support projects as assigned.
- Demonstrate familiarity with social media and web content conventions.
- Be able to rigorously fact-check your own work and others.
- Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities.
- 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 faculty, students, leadership, staff, alumni, suppliers and agencies.
- Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex and results-oriented projects with quick turn-around requirements.
- Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion.
- Perform other relevant duties as assigned.
