Project Manager, Digital Strategies

Job-ID: 10009036Category: University AdministrationLocation: Nashville, TN, United StatesWorkplace: HybridSchedule: Full timePosted: 2026-10-15Position Summary: The Project Manager, Digital Strategies leads complex digital projects from concept to launch while serving as the primary liaison and relationship manager between the Digital Strategies team and university partners. This role drives strategic alignment between partner goals and team capabilities, ensuring strong execution, clear communication, and confident stakeholder management throughout the project lifecycle. Additionally, the Project Manager is accountable for ensuring that projects move smoothly from concept to launch, that partners feel genuinely understood throughout the process, and that the team has the clarity and support needed to do strong work.This role also supports the UX Design and Development Teams and facilitates agile ceremonies and iterative delivery practices to enhance team velocity and responsiveness.About the Work Unit:The Communications and Marketing team at Vanderbilt University 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 on 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.Key Functions and Expected Performance:Strategic Partner Engagement & AlignmentServe as the liaison and relationship manager to university partners (schools, units, centers, divisions)Conduct proactive conversations with key partners to understand their strategic priorities and digital goalsHelp partners articulate their needs and understand how digital solutions serve their broader institutional objectivesCommunicate project constraints, trade-offs, and timelines in a way that partners feel heard and respectedEnsure alignment between partner expectations and team capacity and capabilitiesProject Execution and Timeline ManagementLead the setup and management of all assigned digital projects in Wrike and Notion establishing clear project structure and timelinesCreate realistic deadlines and action items for team members, stakeholders, and external vendorsMaintain accurate, current project documentation including scope of work, project timeline, and post-launch site documentationMonitor project progress, identify bottlenecks and risks, and facilitate solutions to keep projects on trackManage multiple complex projects simultaneously, balancing quick-turnaround requests with long-lead initiativesGuide projects through pivots and scope changes while maintaining team momentum and partner confidenceFacilitate agile ceremonies for the UX Design and Development teams including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectivesMaintain and prioritize project backlogs in coordination with team leads and partners as neededHelp the team identify and remove impediments that slow sprint progress or deliverySupport iterative delivery for the UX Design and Development Teams, balancing agile flexibility with the structured timelines required by partners and internal projectsCommunication and CoordinationMaintain clear, frequent communication with team members and partners through meetings, status updates, and documentationCreate and manage project agendas, meeting notes, and internal/external status updatesEnsure all stakeholders have accurate information and understand next stepsTranslate partner needs into clear project briefs and documentation for the teamProcess and Systems ManagementManage established project management systems and workflows (Wrike, templates, approval processes)Identify opportunities to improve processes for recurring project typesDesign and implement new systems and processes for novel or complex projects that require customized approachesMaintain organized project documentation and institutional knowledgeFacilitate agile ceremonies for applicable projects, including sprint planning, daily stand-ups, sprint reviews, and retrospectivesMaintain and prioritize project backlogs in coordination with team leads and partners as neededHelp the team identify and remove impediments that slow sprint progress or deliveryApply agile/scrum frameworks selectively and pragmatically based on project type, team capacity, and partner needsLeverage technology, automation and emerging AI-enabled tools to improve project planning, workflow management, research, information synthesis and communications development.Identify opportunities to streamline processes, strengthen visibility and coordination and improve the speed and quality of execution while applying appropriate judgment, confidentiality and institutional standards.Perform other relevant duties as assigned. Supervisory Relationships: This position does not have supervisory responsibility; this position reports administratively and functionally to the Director of Project Management and Production.QualificationsBachelor's degree from an accredited institution necessaryFormal certification (CSM, PSM) is preferred but not required.5+ years of project management experience is necessary (higher education experience preferred).Experience with Wrike or similar project management software is preferred.Experience in digital development environments is preferred.Proficient with Wrike and project management methodologies; strong organizational skills and attention to detailClear communicator across multiple audiences; able to translate between partner needs and team capabilitiesIdentifies bottlenecks and facilitates solutions; adapts to changing project needsUnderstands how digital projects serve institutional goals; helps partners think through priorities and trade-offsWorks independently; demonstrates discretion, professionalism, and sound judgmentFamiliarity with scrum frameworks and agile principles; ability to facilitate ceremonies, maintain backlogs, and support iterative delivery in. a hybrid PM/agile environment.Demonstrated ability to adopt and effectively use emerging technologies, including AI-enabled tools, to improve productivity, workflow and quality of work.About the companyAt Vanderbilt University, our work - regardless of title or role - is in service to an important and noble mission in which every member of our community serves in advancing knowledge and transforming lives on a daily basis. Located in Nashville, Tennessee, on a 330+ acre campus and arboretum dating back to 1873, Vanderbilt is proud to have been named as one of “America’s Best Large Employers” as well as a top employer in Tennessee and the Nashville metropolitan area by Forbes for several years running. We welcome those who are interested in learning and growing professionally with an employer that strives to create, foster and sustain opportunities as an employer of choice.We understand you have a choice when choosing where to work and pursue a career. We understand you are unique and have a story. We want to hear it. We encourage you to apply today so that you might become a part of our story. Vanderbilt University is an equal-opportunity 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.