
Communications Specialist, Meharry-Vanderbilt Alliance - Hybrid in Nashville TN
Direct Jobs, Nashville, TN, United States
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Organization MVA Community Engagement/Educa
Job Summary The Communications Specialist plays a mission‑critical role in developing and executing high‑impact communication strategies that enhance the visibility, engagement, and impact of the Meharry‑Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) and the Vanderbilt‑Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Team. This role serves both organizations in a shared capacity, supporting their communications and trust‑building community engagement efforts. The communications specialist will plan, write, and develop communications materials to inform and engage various audiences, including community members, healthcare professionals, researchers, and institutional partners. They will work closely with leadership and communications teams to ensure that messaging aligns with the goals of stakeholders.
This role requires a resourceful communicator with a strong, community‑engaged approach who can adapt strategies to meet the needs of various populations, organizations, and individuals. The ideal candidate has proven experience in community engagement and excels at translating complex health and academic information into clear, compelling communications across multiple platforms. Experience in healthcare and/or academic environments is preferred, with a strong preference for a master’s degree. Graphic design skills are highly desirable, as the Communications Specialist will help shape the organization’s visual identity and creative work.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with experience in crafting compelling narratives and health education content.
Experience in social media management, digital marketing, and website content management (WordPress or similar CMS).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design tools.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work independently.
2+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably with an emphasis in community engagement in healthcare, nonprofit, or academic settings.
Master’s in Public Health, Communications or related fields (or 5+ years of experience in related fields).
Familiarity with AP Style and healthcare terminology.
Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media insights) to measure communication impact.
Background in public health, various health issues impacting a wide audience, or health literacy communication strategies.
Ability to read, write and speak in languages in addition to English, preferably languages predominantly used in the service area.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and implement high‑impact strategic communication plans that align with the objectives of both MVA and VICC COE.
Work collaboratively with the MVA, VICC COE teams and VICC communications team to communicate critical key initiatives, research updates, and partnership opportunities.
Translate complex health information into plain language health education materials for community distribution, ensuring accessibility and clarity.
Write, edit, and design print and digital content, including newsletters, press releases, reports, website updates, blog posts, and social media content.
Maintain brand consistency across all communications, ensuring alignment with institutional guidelines.
Oversee the production of multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and photography for storytelling and promotional purposes.
Develop social media educational content for MVA and VICC COE across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Provide vital support in developing communication toolkits and training materials for staff and community partners.
Assist in coordinating newsletters, email campaigns, and other communications materials as needed.
Support timely and effective public relations efforts, including media outreach and press coordination.
Assist in planning, promoting, and covering events, webinars, and educational sessions for both organizations.
Fulfill additional duties as assigned, contributing to the broader objectives of both the MVA and the VICC.
Report regularly to leadership; ensuring clear communication of status updates, programmatic activities, and outcomes, including barriers to implementation.
Serve as communications liaison and responsible for raising awareness of programs and initiatives to internal and external audiences.
Write and edit content and special topics for medical center publications.
Coordinate the development, implementation and maintenance of print and online content.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Documentation & Writing Skills (Intermediate): Ability to develop engaging, well‑structured content aligned with institutional messaging.
Customer Service (Intermediate): Engages with both internal and external stakeholders professionally and effectively.
Networking (Novice‑Intermediate): Builds relationships with media contacts, community partners, and institutional stakeholders.
Communication (Intermediate): Communicates clearly across various platforms, tailoring messages for different audiences.
Documentation & Writing Skills (Advanced): Demonstrates mastery in patient relations documentation and can train others.
Customer Service (Advanced): Maintains management communication on projects, seeks cost‑effective solutions, and negotiates service level changes.
Networking (Novice): Builds relationships through industry contacts and professional organizations.
Communication (Novice): Communicates clearly and respectfully with employees or customers.
At our growing health system, we support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce. High‑achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth, appreciation of benefits, and a sense of community and purpose.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.
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Organization MVA Community Engagement/Educa
Job Summary The Communications Specialist plays a mission‑critical role in developing and executing high‑impact communication strategies that enhance the visibility, engagement, and impact of the Meharry‑Vanderbilt Alliance (MVA) and the Vanderbilt‑Ingram Cancer Center (VICC) Community Outreach and Engagement (COE) Team. This role serves both organizations in a shared capacity, supporting their communications and trust‑building community engagement efforts. The communications specialist will plan, write, and develop communications materials to inform and engage various audiences, including community members, healthcare professionals, researchers, and institutional partners. They will work closely with leadership and communications teams to ensure that messaging aligns with the goals of stakeholders.
This role requires a resourceful communicator with a strong, community‑engaged approach who can adapt strategies to meet the needs of various populations, organizations, and individuals. The ideal candidate has proven experience in community engagement and excels at translating complex health and academic information into clear, compelling communications across multiple platforms. Experience in healthcare and/or academic environments is preferred, with a strong preference for a master’s degree. Graphic design skills are highly desirable, as the Communications Specialist will help shape the organization’s visual identity and creative work.
Preferred Skills & Experience
Strong writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with experience in crafting compelling narratives and health education content.
Experience in social media management, digital marketing, and website content management (WordPress or similar CMS).
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or other design tools.
Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate effectively with various audiences.
Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to handle multiple tasks, meet deadlines and work independently.
2+ years of experience in communications, marketing, or public relations, preferably with an emphasis in community engagement in healthcare, nonprofit, or academic settings.
Master’s in Public Health, Communications or related fields (or 5+ years of experience in related fields).
Familiarity with AP Style and healthcare terminology.
Experience using analytics tools (Google Analytics, social media insights) to measure communication impact.
Background in public health, various health issues impacting a wide audience, or health literacy communication strategies.
Ability to read, write and speak in languages in addition to English, preferably languages predominantly used in the service area.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
Develop and implement high‑impact strategic communication plans that align with the objectives of both MVA and VICC COE.
Work collaboratively with the MVA, VICC COE teams and VICC communications team to communicate critical key initiatives, research updates, and partnership opportunities.
Translate complex health information into plain language health education materials for community distribution, ensuring accessibility and clarity.
Write, edit, and design print and digital content, including newsletters, press releases, reports, website updates, blog posts, and social media content.
Maintain brand consistency across all communications, ensuring alignment with institutional guidelines.
Oversee the production of multimedia content, including videos, infographics, and photography for storytelling and promotional purposes.
Develop social media educational content for MVA and VICC COE across platforms such as Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn.
Provide vital support in developing communication toolkits and training materials for staff and community partners.
Assist in coordinating newsletters, email campaigns, and other communications materials as needed.
Support timely and effective public relations efforts, including media outreach and press coordination.
Assist in planning, promoting, and covering events, webinars, and educational sessions for both organizations.
Fulfill additional duties as assigned, contributing to the broader objectives of both the MVA and the VICC.
Report regularly to leadership; ensuring clear communication of status updates, programmatic activities, and outcomes, including barriers to implementation.
Serve as communications liaison and responsible for raising awareness of programs and initiatives to internal and external audiences.
Write and edit content and special topics for medical center publications.
Coordinate the development, implementation and maintenance of print and online content.
TECHNICAL CAPABILITIES
Documentation & Writing Skills (Intermediate): Ability to develop engaging, well‑structured content aligned with institutional messaging.
Customer Service (Intermediate): Engages with both internal and external stakeholders professionally and effectively.
Networking (Novice‑Intermediate): Builds relationships with media contacts, community partners, and institutional stakeholders.
Communication (Intermediate): Communicates clearly across various platforms, tailoring messages for different audiences.
Documentation & Writing Skills (Advanced): Demonstrates mastery in patient relations documentation and can train others.
Customer Service (Advanced): Maintains management communication on projects, seeks cost‑effective solutions, and negotiates service level changes.
Networking (Novice): Builds relationships through industry contacts and professional organizations.
Communication (Novice): Communicates clearly and respectfully with employees or customers.
At our growing health system, we support each other and encourage excellence among all who are part of our workforce. High‑achieving employees stay at Vanderbilt Health for professional growth, appreciation of benefits, and a sense of community and purpose.
Vanderbilt Health is committed to fostering an environment where everyone has the chance to thrive and is committed to the principles of equal opportunity. EOE/Vets/Disabled.
#J-18808-Ljbffr