Chief Operating Officer for Communications and Marketing

Vanderbilt University seeks a strategic and collaborative systems leader with experience managing through growth and change to serve as the Chief Operating Officer for Communications and Marketing. This person will support the success of the university-wide communications and marketing function, ensuring that clear and efficient systems, processes, staffing, and technology are in place to deliver excellence every day and result in a best-in-class division that is a consistent source of innovation and leadership in communications and marketing across the university.

The Chief Operating Officer for Communications and Marketing holds a pivotal executive role, directly reporting to the Vice Chancellor for Communications and Marketing. This position is instrumental in steering the operational strategy, management, and execution of the division’s activities. The COO’s leadership will ensure that the division not only meets but exceeds its goals by enhancing operational efficiencies, deploying measurable, innovative strategies, and fostering an environment that values excellence and collaboration above all else.

The COO will join at a moment of growth and evolution, as the Communications and Marketing team focuses on streamlining processes and growing the capacity of the team to deliver with both efficiency and excellence. The COO will oversee a team across the Communications and Marketing division’s key operational functions, including Business administration, Project Management, and Data and Analytics. The COO will also be responsible for the effective use of resources, including a budget of $20M and a headcount of 115. This position offers a unique opportunity to drive significant impact at one of the world’s leading research universities, ensuring that the Communications and Marketing division reflects the prestige and high standards of Vanderbilt University.

APPLICATIONS, INQUIRIES, AND NOMINATIONS

Screening of complete applications will begin immediately and continue until the search process is completed. Inquiries, nominations, referrals, and resumes with cover letters should be submitted below. Electronic submission of materials is strongly encouraged.

Katie Rockman is leading this search with Nella Young.