The Assistant Director of Enterprise Program Delivery supports the execution of complex, high-visibility, and cross-functional initiatives across the Division of Communications and Marketing at Vanderbilt University.
Reporting to the Director of Enterprise Programs, this role serves as a senior execution lead responsible for advancing enterprise initiatives once they have been defined and structured. The Assistant Director translates program plans into coordinated action, ensuring that workstreams progress on schedule, stakeholders remain aligned, and deliverables meet expectations for quality and timeliness.
This role operates within a defined program structure and does not independently set enterprise program strategy or prioritization. Instead, it plays a critical role in driving execution, maintaining momentum, and ensuring operational discipline across initiatives that require coordination across multiple teams, partners, and senior leaders.
The Assistant Director must be highly organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable operating in fast-paced, high-visibility environments that involve confidential information and executive stakeholders.
Key Responsibilities
Support the delivery of enterprise programs by owning defined workstreams and ensuring consistent forward progress.
Translate program plans into actionable tasks, timelines, and deliverables
Manage execution of assigned workstreams across multiple teams and partners
Track progress, dependencies, and deadlines to ensure timely completion
Identify execution risks and escalate appropriately
Ensure deliverables meet expectations before advancing to leadership review
Facilitate day-to-day coordination across internal teams, external partners, and senior stakeholders.
Support engagement with senior leaders, handling sensitive or confidential information with discretion
Prepare briefings, updates, and materials for leadership meetings
Ensure clarity on roles, responsibilities, and next steps across participants
Maintain the operational infrastructure required to support effective program delivery.
Develop and maintain program documentation, timelines, trackers, and status reports
Capture key decisions, actions, and outcomes to ensure continuity and accountability
Monitor execution against established program structures and governance
Support the Director of Enterprise Programs in maintaining overall program discipline
Support the execution of program governance through structured coordination and facilitation.
Plan and facilitate working sessions and coordination meetings
Develop agendas and ensure productive use of time
Document outcomes, decisions, and action items
Ensure follow-through on commitments across teams
Reinforce consistency and quality across program execution.
Identify gaps, inconsistencies, or misalignment in workstreams
Ensure adherence to defined processes and expectations
Support continuous improvement of execution workflows and coordination practices
Contribute to a culture of accountability, clarity, and follow-through
Qualifications:
Required Experience
5-7 years of experience in project management, program execution, operations, or a related field
Demonstrated ability to manage complex, multi-stakeholder initiatives
Experience working with senior leaders and handling sensitive or confidential information
Strong organizational and coordination skills across multiple concurrent workstreams
Ability to execute effectively within structured programs and defined direction
Core Competencies
Strong attention to detail and follow-through
Ability to manage complexity and maintain organization under pressure
Effective communication and stakeholder coordination skills
Sound judgment in handling sensitive information
Ability to escalate risks and issues appropriately
Comfort operating in fast-paced, high-visibility environments
Preferred
Experience in higher education or similarly complex, matrixed organizations
Experience supporting enterprise-level or cross-functional initiatives
Familiarity with work management and collaboration tools (e.g., Wrike)
At 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.