Senior Communications Specialist

Senior Communications Specialist – Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center

Job Description

Summary:

The Prenatal-to-3 Policy Impact Center at Vanderbilt University aims to accelerate states’ implementation of evidence-based policies that help all children thrive from the start. The Center’s Communications team advances this work through two senior communications specialist roles with complementary areas of focus. One role leads digital strategy, audience engagement, and analytics across the Center’s online platforms. This position focuses on supporting the development and publication of communications products and translating complex research and policy insights into accessible communications.

We seek an experienced Senior Communications Specialist who will serve as a communications partner to the Center’s policy researchers and analysts, helping synthesize technical research and policy insights into clear, compelling materials for policymakers and other key audiences. The role supports the development of major publications, media materials, and public-facing communications that strengthen the visibility and impact of the Center’s work.

Please submit writing samples with your application. Candidates will be asked to complete a short exercise.

This position reports functionally and administratively to the Communications Director. Applicants from underrepresented groups are encouraged to apply. We are committed to building an inclusive and diverse environment to continue to build a strong and equitable prenatal-to-3 system of care. This position can be performed remotely, and hybrid remote-work opportunities are available. Visa sponsorship is unavailable for this position. This position is a term appointment beginning upon date of hire and expected to last 12 months.

• Manage communications projects from concept through publication, coordinating across internal teams and external partners to ensure deadlines are met and review processes are completed.
• Develop and implement systems and processes that improve communications workflows and coordination across teams.
• Continuously build expertise in prenatal-to-three policy and research topics to communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders.
• Contribute creative and evidence-based suggestions for communications, marketing, and design strategy.
• Collaborate with the Senior Communications Specialist, Digital Marketing, to support the dissemination of communications products across the Center’s digital platforms.

• Work closely with Center staff to synthesize and translate complex research findings and policy analyses into clear, accessible communications for policymakers, practitioners, partners, and other external audiences.
• Support the development of communications products, including but not limited to:
  • policy briefs and research summaries
  • reports and major publications
  • presentations and talking points
  • website copy and external communications
  • leadership briefing materials
  • communications materials supporting webinars and public events
• Review and refine communications materials to ensure they are clear, accurate, and aligned with the Center’s messaging framework and editorial standards, and provide editorial guidance to staff to strengthen clarity, tone, and accessibility.
• Support the development and dissemination of the annual Prenatal-to-3 State Policy Roadmap and other major Center publications.

• Support media engagement related to Center research, publications, and policy announcements.
• Draft and edit press releases, media advisories, and other public-facing communications materials.
• Assist in preparing Center staff for media interviews and press briefings, including guidance on messaging and communications framing.
• Coordinate with the Communications Director on media inquiries and opportunities to elevate the Center’s work.
• Monitor relevant media coverage and identify opportunities to elevate the Center’s research and policy insights.