Manager, Executive Projects

The Project Manager, Executive Projects serves as a strategic partner to the Vice Chancellor and Chief of Staff, for the Division of Administration, providing high-level project management, communications support, and executive coordination. This role is responsible for planning and executing complex, high-impact initiatives and events that advance the university’s mission and elevate the Vice Chancellor priorities. The ideal candidate is a proactive, detail- oriented professional with excellent communication, organizational, and relationship management skills.

You will partner with both internal and external stakeholders to deliver high-quality outcomes through expert project management, data analysis, executive presentation development, and event coordination, ensuring the successful implementation of complex, high-impact projects that span across the university. The role requires exceptional organizational and communication skills, a keen attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with shifting priorities.

As a member of Vanderbilt University’s Division of Administration, you will join a collaborative team in a world- class institution located just over a mile from downtown Nashville, Tennessee. Vanderbilt is a place where your expertise is valued, your growth is supported, and your work makes a lasting impact. Here, diversity is celebrated, innovation is encouraged, and employees take pride in contributing to something greater than themselves.

About the Work Unit:

The Division of Administration at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the University's vision by excelling in management, strategic initiatives, and operational success. The unit, which includes Vanderbilt University Public Safety, Auxiliary Services, the Office of Equal Access, Dialogue Vanderbilt and other strategic initiatives, such as Vanderbilt University-NYC, 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.

Key Functions and Expected Performance:

Strategic Project Leadership:
Drive the planning and execution of special projects related to new university strategic initiatives and other division priorities. Responsibilities include timeline and milestone creation, stakeholder alignment, budget tracking, risk mitigation, and delivering outcomes on schedule and to a high standard.

Executive Presentation Development:
Design and produce compelling, data-informed PowerPoint presentations and visual materials for the Vice Chancellor to support external engagements, internal strategic discussions, and high-level meetings.

High-Profile Event Planning and Guest Visit Coordination:
Lead the planning and execution of strategic initiative related events and special visits from external stakeholders, including dignitaries, donors, government officials, and prospective partners. Develop detailed schedules and itineraries, prepare briefing materials, manage logistics, and coordinate communications between internal and external stakeholders. Travel will be required for select events.

Executive Communications:
Develops, drafts, and edits a wide range of high-level communications on behalf of the Vice Chancellor. Ensures that all communications reflect the Vice Chancellor’s voice and leadership style while maintaining consistency in tone, messaging, and strategic alignment with Vanderbilt’s mission, values, and institutional priorities.
Collaborates closely with communications teams and subject matter experts to gather accurate information, tailor messages for diverse internal and external audiences, and deliver content that is clear, compelling, and impactful.

Process Improvement:
Continuously assesses and identifies opportunities for process improvements within projects and programs. Proactively proposes enhancements to workflows, tools, and communication strategies, and provides recommendations to leadership regarding potential areas of risk or concern. Perform other duties as assigned.
 

Supervisory Relationships:
This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Chief of Staff for the Vice Chancellor for Administration.

Education and Certifications:
•    A bachelor’s degree or the equivalent work and/or military experience is required.
•    A master’s degree or other advanced degree in a relevant field from an accredited institution of higher education is preferred.

Experience and Skills:
•    3 years of directly comparable experience working on executive level projects is