Position Summary: The Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications, Owen Graduate School of Management (Owen) will play a pivotal role in shaping and executing the strategic marketing and communications initiatives for the Owen Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) team. This role involves managing efforts to enhance alumni giving and donor engagement through various channels, including the annual reunion, giving day, monthly newsletters, and calendar and fiscal year-end campaigns. The ideal candidate will possess an understanding of higher education marketing and a proven track record in managing multichannel communication campaigns. About the Work Unit: The Department of Development and Alumni Relations (DAR) assists Vanderbilt University in securing the resources, both human and financial, that are required to achieve its mission and goals. The Department is responsible for the identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of individuals and organizations whose charitable objectives are consistent with those of Vanderbilt University’s teaching and research programs. You can find out more information at https://www.vanderbilt.edu/dar/ Key Functions and Expected Performance: Annual Giving Project Management
Develop and implement comprehensive marketing and communications strategies for annual giving campaigns for Owen, utilizing direct mail, email, print, web and social media. Continuously refine strategies based on donor feedback, campaign performance, and A/B testing.
Oversee communications efforts for solicitation projects, including vendor management and content editing.
Collaborate with the Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving to plan and execute Owen’s Giving Day efforts, an event to help advance Vanderbilt’s mission of education, discovery, and leadership.
Identify and integrate process improvements to enhance marketing and communication effectiveness and support fundraising growth.
Analyze data to optimize annual giving efforts and refine segmentation strategies.
Reunion and Event Management
Support the planning and execution of reunion and event communications, including data preparation, list and email management, and content editing for direct mail, email, print, web, and social media communications.
Ensure the successful execution of the annual reunion and other alumni events, providing a seamless and engaging experience.
Content Creation & Strategy
Oversee the production of high-quality content for newsletters, websites, social media, and promotional materials in partnership with the Owen and DAR Marcomm teams.
Manage the content for Owen Graduate School of Management’s alumni pages with an active focus on developing the website as an effective and clear tool for information sharing.
Oversee the marketing and communications content calendar for the Owen team, ensuring timely updates and alignment with the school’s voice and branding.
Tailor content to meet the needs of various audiences, including alumni, students, parents, etc.
Global Responsibilities
Collaborate & Engage - Partner across Owen, Vanderbilt, Development and Alumni Relations, and professional school counterparts.
Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.
Some travel could be required. Some evening and weekend events as needed.
Work Environment:
This position will be a hybrid role based in Nashville – expected to be in the office approximately 1 day per week, or more depending on business needs.
Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports to Owen’s Senior Director of Alumni Engagement and Annual Giving.
Education and Certifications:
Bachelor’s degree, or the equivalent, is required.
2 years of relevant experience, or the equivalent, is required.
Experience and Skills:
Proven experience in managing marketing campaigns, content creation, and brand management.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
Proficiency in digital marketing tools and platforms, including social media, email marketing, and analytics software.
Strong project management skills and the ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
Creative thinking and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
Ability to work independently but also collaboratively in a team environment
Goal-oriented mindset and innovative thinking
Interpersonal skills and judgment suitable for exercising appropriate discretion and demeanor when dealing with alumni, parents, friends, and employees
Ability to exercise good judgment in the handling of confidential information
Ability to use current computer technology, such as Windows, Excel, Word, and Vanderbilt’s donor management system
Ability to work independently, take initiative, manage multiple projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and adapt to ever changing priorities
Values the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle and is committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion.
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