The Project Manager is part of the Marketing team within Communications and Marketing at Vanderbilt University and is a key individual contributor responsible for planning, organizing, procuring and executing the completion of university projects and campaigns. This position is responsible for directing the completion of projects while ensuring they remain on time, on budget, and within scope. Reporting directly to the Production Manager, the Project Manager collaborates with others across the division, across the university and with outside vendors, in order to execute projects and campaigns that are tied to and deliver on the key objectives of the university.

The Marketing team within Communications and Marketing is responsible for developing and executing strategic content, developing digital platforms, and stewarding the Vanderbilt brand and related products and services in a manner that advances the university's priorities and promotes engagement amongst core audiences.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Evaluate project requests and develop an understanding of the purpose, scope, and expectations to ascertain next steps.
• Organize materials for creative team and seek out any missing materials or information.
• Identify key internal and external stakeholders, communicate shared expectations, and gain the required authorization necessary to move a project forward.
• Plan the project/campaign timeline, outline key deliverables and milestones and identify the tasks that must be completed to complete each project on time and on budget.
• Clearly communicate timeline and milestones to team members and key stakeholders.
• Assign tasks to team members and communicate timelines and expectations.
• Assess obstacles and seek resolutions in order to lead team members and stakeholders through and overcome as quickly and painlessly as possible.
• Monitor progress and adjust tasks to keep projects on target.
• Maintain records in project management system for reporting purposes.
• Coordinate printing and direct mailings by advising about printers and obtaining cost estimates and communicating financial information to stakeholders.
• Finalize print quantities, prepare spec sheets and instructions for delivery.
• Present and distribute proofs and communicate revisions to team and outside vendors.
• Ensure all activities necessary to achieve the final result are completed.
• Assist key stakeholders with planning ahead by evaluating reports and timelines from the past and establishing a preliminary schedule for their projects in advance.
• Develop an understanding of our project management system and communicate function and processes clearly with stakeholders, providing training when necessary.
• Provide overall support as needed and assigned for department priorities.
• Demonstrate understanding of the university's mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications strategies.
• Demonstrate a keen attention to detail and strong organizational skills in order to deliver a high standard of quality work.
• Articulate concepts and policies clearly through strong oral and written communications.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences--including faculty, students, leadership, staff, alumni, suppliers and agencies.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex and results-oriented projects with quick turn-around requirements.
• Adhere to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrate outstanding judgment and discretion.
• Work outside regular business hours as needed in order to perform job responsibilities, including being officially on-call.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree is necessary .
• At least 5 years of experience with project management is necessary.
• Experience in a deadline-driven environment is necessary.
• Understanding of creative and print production processes is necessary .
• Experience using project management software such as InMotion, Workfront, etc. is preferred .
• Ad agency or traffic management background is preferred
• Experience with coordination of printing and direct mail pieces is preferred.
• Familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite, specifically Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator is preferred .

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.