Assistant Director, Social Media, Women's Basketball

Reporting directly to the Assistant Athletics Director for Social Media and Creative Content, this role is responsible for the creation and distribution of engaging social media content, tracking issues and monitoring results with a focus on Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball. This role requires frequent work during nights and weekends as well as some holidays. This role also requires the ability to report to work in person on the Vanderbilt University campus, attend games (home and away; travel required), and assist with special events. This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports directly to the Assistant Athletics Director for Social Media and Creative Content.

The Athletic Communications team designs and executes integrated communications strategies to protect and enhance Vanderbilt’s local, national, and international reputation, and positions the university as one of the world’s leading academic research institutions and home to competitive, Division I collegiate athletics through the distribution of compelling content across a variety of digital and traditional channels.

The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt is a dynamic and deeply collaborative group. The division, with all of its departments and sub-teams, serves as the institution-wide center of excellence for communications and marketing, developing and executing strategies that inform, engage, and inspire others to participate in Vanderbilt University’s global academic and research mission. The division is a key strategic adviser and partner for other divisions in the university, providing comprehensive plans and thoughtful analysis of messaging opportunities and constraints. The Communications and Marketing team continuously seeks innovative solutions to new and emerging challenges in order to deliver results at scale to advance the larger mission, values and priorities of the university.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Working closely with the Assistant Athletics Director for Social Media and Creative Content, executes the team’s digital content strategy, including day-to-day operation and management of Vanderbilt University Athletics’ priority social media platforms with a focus on Women’s Basketball.
• Create and develop engaging and relevant content across Vanderbilt Women’s Basketball social media accounts.
• Work closely with marketing, visual media, graphic design, brand engagement, and other departments on integrated marketing campaigns, including efforts around fan engagement, brand awareness, advertising, and more; manage relationships with outside partners such as IMG and Fanatics as they pertain to social media.
• Use the latest social media measuring and monitoring tools to analyze data and recommend tactical changes, including overseeing the timely and thorough delivery of reports and metrics as needed.
• Along with the Assistant Athletics Director for Social Media and Creative Content, track issues and risks via social media monitoring tools, as well as handle sensitive and/or highly visible issues, requiring a high degree of discretion and sound judgment.
• Coordinate 24/7/365 social media monitoring and responses, this responsibility rotates on a schedule and may include nights and weekends.
• Stay abreast of emerging social media trends and platforms and make recommendations to leadership to adjust strategies and tactics as appropriate.
• Communicate effectively about the role social media plays in the larger communications plan for a department, school, university, team, and brand.
• Communicate and collaborate effectively with a wide range of audiences—including faculty, students, leadership, staff, alumni, suppliers, fans, and agencies thinking creatively and pragmatically with a willingness to consider many options, problem solve and take directives as necessary.
• Efficiently and effectively manage multiple, complex, and results-oriented projects with quick turn- around requirements.
• 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 commitment to equity, diversity, and inclusion and the importance of equity as an organizational operating principle.
• Work outside of normal business hours, including evenings/nights/weekends as needed for the completion of job responsibilities. Travel is a part of this position; this includes overnight stays depending on team and department needs (including SEC conference, NCAA Tournament, and special events).
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Vice Chancellor of Communications and Marketing, the Vice Chancellor for Athletics and University Affairs and Athletic Director, and the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Athletics Communications and Senior Associate Athletic Director.
• Think creatively and pragmatically with a willingness to consider many options, problem solve and take directives as necessary.

Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in communications, public relations, marketing or related field is necessary.
• At least 3 years of experience in, social media management, content creation or related field, with a track record of success in online communications, is necessary.
• Experience in social media strategy including content planning, content creation, publishing, data reporting, and day-to-day social media management is necessary. Strong written and verbal communication skills are necessary.
• Proven expertise in using Adobe Creative Suite for photo and video editing is strongly preferred.
• Basic knowledge to photography and videography is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Sony equipment is preferred.
• Experience working with collegiate or professional athletics is preferred.
• Exceptional flexibility and adaptability in rapidly changing environments.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented setting.
• Proven project management skills, particularly in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• A keen understanding of current trends in social media and content creation.
• Willingness to pivot strategies and tasks to meet evolving team goals.

As conditions of employment, individuals have an affirmative obligation to cooperate fully with the institution, SEC, and NCAA infractions processes. An individual who is found in violation of NCAA regulations shall be subject to disciplinary or corrective action by the institution, SEC, and/or NCAA as set forth in the provisions of the NCAA infractions process, up to and including suspension without pay or termination of employment. Additionally, individuals receiving athletically related income or benefits from a source outside the institution (e.g., income from endorsement or consultation contracts with apparel companies, equipment manufacturers, television and radio programs; income from ownership, control or management of a foundation, organization, or other entities; etc.) must report such earnings (other than cash or cash equivalents if the total amount received is $600 or less) to the chancellor on an annual basis.

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. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran, or any other characteristic protected by law.

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.