Associate Communications Specialist

Discover Vanderbilt University Medical Center:  Located in Nashville, Tennessee, and operating at a global crossroads of teaching, discovery, and patient care, VUMC is a community of individuals who come to work each day with the simple aim of changing the world. It is a place where your expertise will be valued, your knowledge expanded, and your abilities challenged. Vanderbilt Health is committed to an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and where your uniqueness is sought and celebrated. It is a place where employees know they are part of something that is bigger than themselves, take exceptional pride in their work and never settle for what was good enough yesterday. Vanderbilt’s mission is to advance health and wellness through preeminent programs in patient care, education, and research.

Organization:

Otolaryngology

Job Summary:

The Associate Communications Specialist supports the department’s mission by developing and executing a comprehensive communications strategy across digital, print, and promotional channels. This role creates compelling content for social media, web pages, and departmental events; designs print materials and collateral; and collaborates with faculty and staff to elevate the visibility of departmental initiatives. The ideal candidate is detail‑oriented, creative, and skilled in translating complex academic themes into engaging and accessible communications.

REQUIRED:
• Bachelor’s (or equivalent experience)
• Experience is not required but 2-3 years of experience is helpful
• Ability to work independently and overcome obstacles with minimum, guidance
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office
• Proficiency in Adobe Creative Suite to include PhotoShop or experience in comparable software program
• Proficiency in Canva or comparable software application

You will work on site at the main campus of Vanderbilt Medical Center, South Tower, located on 21st Ave. in Nashville, TN. Although you will work primarily Monday-Friday, traditional business hours, flexibility is crucial, as some events may occur outside this time during evening and/or weekend hours.

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DEPARTMENT SUMMARY:

At the Vanderbilt Department of Otolaryngology–Head and Neck Surgery, we are committed to providing and innovating treatments for the most complex diseases of the head and neck!

Our providers are nationally recognized leaders in their field, and our teaching methodology seeks to avoid traditional lectures, putting emphasis, instead, on the flipped classroom. We are proud of our large cohort of residents (26) and our six fellowship training programs (9 fellows). Our decade-old Residency Leadership Training program has been noted in several high-impact journals. Our culture for training is one of "family," with easy accessibility to our stellar faculty and excellent camaraderie among us all. For more information, please visit  https://www.vumc.org/ent/welcome

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES •

Digital Communications & Content Management

• Develop, design, and publish content for social media channels and departmental websites.

• Create multimedia elements including photos, videos, graphics, and infographics.

• Ensure all digital content follows brand, formatting, and accessibility standards.

• Maintain an up‑to‑date content schedule and update web pages as needed.

Print & Promotional Material Design

• Design and produce print and promotional materials such as brochures, flyers, posters, event programs, and signage.

• Collaborate with graphic designers and creative partners to ensure visual consistency across digital and print formats.

• Support communication needs for events, campaigns, and departmental initiatives with high‑quality collateral.

Writing, Editing & Research

• Draft clear, compelling written content reflecting departmental voice and objectives.

• Edit and proofread materials for accuracy, clarity, and consistency.

• Partner with faculty to identify stories, research topics, and communication opportunities.

• Create and manage a content calendar to support ongoing communication priorities.

Event Coverage & Content Capture

• Attend and document major on‑site events such as lectures, graduations, and symposia.

• Travel to department‑sponsored educational events across the United States to gather photos, videos, and promotional content.

• Produce timely, engaging event summaries and media assets.

Collaboration & Internal Engagement