Director, Crisis & Advocacy Communications at Vanderbilt University

The Director, Crisis & Advocacy Communications serves as deputy to the Assistant Vice Chancellor (AVC), Crisis, Reputation & Issues Management (CRI), this role provides strategic leadership and counsel across crisis communications, reputational issue management, advocacy, and institutional positioning. Acting as second-in-command during crises and major advocacy campaigns, the Director ensures a coordinated and effective response on behalf of Vanderbilt University.

In addition to crisis preparedness and response, this role leads proactive advocacy communications and thought leadership initiatives to amplify Vanderbilt’s influence, advance institutional priorities, and create the conditions for growth in new markets. The Director will partner with internal leaders, external stakeholders, and agency partners to anticipate risks, shape public discourse, and strengthen Vanderbilt’s reputation as a leader in higher education.

Reporting directly to the AVC CRI, this position will have the opportunity to work remotely but will need to be flexible should an in-person need arise on campus.

Vanderbilt’s Communications and Marketing team is a fast-paced, highly collaborative group that serves as the central hub for strategic messaging and storytelling across the university. The division partners with leaders and departments across campus to design integrated campaigns and innovative communications solutions that advance Vanderbilt’s academic mission, research goals, and community impact.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Serve as deputy to the AVC, leading crisis response and issue management when delegated.

• Develop and implement comprehensive crisis communication strategies aligned with institutional objectives.

• Proactively identify emerging risks and reputational threats through monitoring, research, and analysis.

• Craft holding statements, FAQs, talking points, and other materials for timely, effective response.

• Act as liaison with media, policymakers, and external stakeholders during crises, ensuring message alignment and accuracy.

• Facilitate tabletop exercises, simulations, and trainings for senior leadership, Incident Command Teams, and campus stakeholders.

• Conduct post-crisis debriefs and provide recommendations to improve readiness and protocols.

• Lead proactive communications strategies to amplify Vanderbilt’s institutional voice, values, and leadership position in national higher education discourse.

• Develop and execute advocacy strategies that support Vanderbilt’s growth portfolio, including new campuses in New York, San Francisco, West Palm Beach, and other markets.

• Shape narrative and positioning efforts that highlight Vanderbilt’s role in free expression, institutional neutrality, innovation, and student experience.

• Partner with internal stakeholders (e.g., Government & Community Relations, Office of the General Counsel, Office of the Chancellor) and external coalitions to align messaging and advance institutional priorities.

• Identify and elevate opportunities for Vanderbilt leaders to serve as thought leaders in national and global conversations.

• Engage grassroots groups, policymakers, and civic leaders to build support for Vanderbilt initiatives and strengthen external partnerships.

• Manage and oversee agency partners to ensure delivery of high-quality, aligned strategies and campaigns.

• Monitor digital platforms and social media to assess sentiment, track emerging issues, and manage online reputation.

• Provide senior counsel and mentoring to team members, cultivating a high-performance, collaborative culture.

• Ensure all communications uphold Vanderbilt’s brand standards and reflect institutional values.

• Provide regular reports and updates to senior leadership on risks, advocacy activities, and outcomes.

• Perform other duties as assigned to meet the goals and objectives of the university.

   

Leadership

• Experience leading through change with resilience and authenticity. Ability to influence stakeholders, drive alignment, and demonstrate executive presence in high-stakes or ambiguous situations.

• Proven ability to lead with a bias for action, ensuring disciplined execution and operational efficiency. Experience maintaining high standards through consistent prioritization, repeatable processes, and attention to detail.

• Experience building trust-based relationships and strong cross-functional partnerships. Ability to navigate university systems and structures effectively, and to develop others through coaching and timely, constructive feedback.

• Ability to apply systems thinking, anticipate long-term implications, translate complex information into actionable insights, drive value through business acumen, and adapt to evolving priorities.

Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree is necessary. 
• 8+ years of progressively responsible experience in political communications, advocacy, crisis/issues management, or public affairs is necessary. 
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing both crisis response and proactive advocacy/positioning strategies.
• Proven ability to manage sensitive, high-stakes situations with discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism.
• Strong background building coalitions, engaging diverse stakeholders, and advancing advocacy campaigns.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with the ability to craft clear, compelling messages for multiple audiences.
• Demonstrated leadership and collaboration skills in complex organizational environments.
• Proven success leading proactive advocacy campaigns or institutional positioning efforts.
• Experience managing external agencies, contractors, or coalitions.
• Expertise in digital engagement and online reputation management.

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