Communications and Engagement Manager, Public Safety at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, TN

Job description

The Communications & Engagement Manager leads the development, execution, and continuous refinement of a comprehensive communications and community-engagement strategy for Vanderbilt University Public Safety (VUPS). This role is essential to advancing VUPS’s mission and supporting the Chief’s four guiding imperatives: Institutional Trust & Legitimacy; Operational Excellence & Strategic Innovation; Community Collaboration & Transparency; and Training, Wellness, Talent Development & Retention. Reporting to the Senior Director of Communications & Marketing for the Division of Operations and the Campus Network (OCN) —with a close partnership to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Public Safety—the manager ensures that VUPS communicates with clarity, transparency, and accessibility. This position translates complex public safety operations into community-centered narratives; builds sustained engagement with students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and external partners; and strengthens trust in VUPS through proactive, human-centered storytelling. The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator, relationship-builder, and creative problem-solver who can operate effectively in a fast-paced environment, collaborate across teams, and help elevate VUPS as a national model for modern, community-centered campus safety. Departmental Overview: The Division of Operations and the Campus Network (OCN) supports the university's academic mission by delivering a broad range of essential operational services and initiatives that enable teaching, learning, research, and residential life. With a focus on excellence, accountability, and innovation, the division encompasses Auxiliary Services, Public Safety, Equal Access and Opportunity, Dialogue Vanderbilt, and Vanderbilt University–New York City. The division is committed to ensuring operational excellence, enhancing community well-being, and advancing strategic goals through collaborative partnerships and a people-first philosophy. Vanderbilt University Public Safety is a full-service campus safety organization that includes police, security, and emergency management operations serving the Vanderbilt enterprise. The department is committed to innovation, excellence, community partnership, and continuous improvement. Key Functions and Expected Performance: Communications Strategy & Execution Develop and implement an integrated VUPS communication strategy aligned with the Chief’s four imperatives and the Division of Operations and the and the Campus Network (OCN) goals. Produce clear, accessible content across channels including MyVU stories, campus messages, briefings, social media, digital signage, video, and VUPS web pages. Create and manage plain-language transparency explainers (e.g., body-worn cameras, Field Stop Receipts, advisory board, emergency response expectations, “What happens when you call VUPS?”). Establish a quarterly Public Safety Brief from the Chief and maintain a consistent, predictable communication cadence to the Vanderbilt community. Support crisis and incident communications in collaboration with the Operations and the Campus Network (OCN) Communications team and campus partners. Ensure alignment with institutional tone, accessibility standards, brand consistency, and regulatory requirements. Community & Student Engagement Lead the design and execution of a comprehensive community engagement program that strengthens relationships with students, faculty, staff, neighbors, and partners. Support the establishment and ongoing facilitation of the Police Advisory Board, ensuring meaningful two-way feedback and transparent follow-through. Coordinate engagement with student groups (VSG, GSC, Residential Colleges, international student groups, affinity organizations) and develop programming that meets community needs. Lead student-facing campaigns such as VandySafe awareness, safety education initiatives, and collaborative events (safety fairs, AMA sessions, Coffee with VUPS, campus tours).