Employee EngagementCultural Ambassador

The Employee Engagement & Cultural Ambassador serves as a strategic partner in fostering employee engagement organizational culture communication recognition and workforce connection across the Division of Real Estate Facilities and Development (REFD). This position develops and implements initiatives that strengthen employee experience enhance workplace culture support retention efforts and promote alignment with Vanderbilt Universitys mission values and strategic priorities. The role collaborates closely with leadership managers and employees to identify engagement opportunities measure outcomes and create programs that cultivate a diverse inclusive and high-performing work environment. Success in this role requires strong relationship-building skills experience managing engagement and event initiatives exceptional communication abilities strategic thinking and a passion for creating meaningful employee experiences.

The Office of the Vice Chancellor for Real Estate Facilities and Development at Vanderbilt University is committed to upholding the Universitys vision by excelling in management strategic initiatives and operational success. The unit embodies the core values and mission of the university working closely with key stakeholders to address complex issues that span across the University and its affiliates as well as coordinating with the Board of Trustees on complex and cross-institutional issues. Each member of the team is crucial in executing the strategic initiatives and advancing the university through strategic partnerships to strategically managing growth optimizing campus resources and ensuring that infrastructure supports Vanderbilts evolving academic and research needs and its vision to become the worlds best-run university. The team supports the Vice Chancellor Associate and Assistant Vice Chancellors and Executive Directors in managing the universitys real estate facilities development planning and operations liaising with affiliates and collaborating with the other Vice Chancellors the Chancellor and the Board of Trustees on multidimensional university-wide concerns.

The combined REFD annual budget exceeds $150 million in operating expenses and the division has approximately 600 employees. REFDmanages major capital project expenditures totaling $300 million annually and facility renewal replacement and large maintenance project expenditures totaling $20 million annually. The REFD Business Operations Center provides support to the entire department specifically regarding the areas of Finance Employee Engagement Systems Communications and General Administration.

Key Responsibilities:

Culture & Employee Experience

• Develop and implement initiatives that strengthen organizational culture and reinforce REFDs mission values and strategic priorities.
• Foster a workplace environment that promotes belonging collaboration recognition and employee well-being.
• Partner with leadership to identify opportunities that improve employee experience retention and workplace satisfaction.
• Support culture-building efforts during organizational growth operational changes and strategic initiatives.

Engagement:

• Develop Employee Experience Programs: Design and implement employee experience initiatives that support engagement well-being retention recognition and organizational culture.

• Plan and Execute Engagement Events:Design and implement employee engagement initiatives recognition programs and workforce connection opportunities that enhance employee experience and strengthen organizational culture.

• Assess Employee Experience and Engagement: Utilize surveys focus groups listening sessions pulse checks exit trends and other feedback mechanisms to identify opportunities establish engagement metrics and recommend improvements.

• Appreciation & Recognition Programs:Implement systems to motivate staff and acknowledge their contributions to the department and the University.
• Identify Engagement Needs:Collaborate with department heads to identify engagement needs and develop a tailored solution.
• Design and Deliver Training Programs:Develop and deliver engagement programs including workshops seminars and etc..
• Outreach Facilitation: Implement oversee contribute and/or facilitate outreach programs as deemed necessary by leadership to continually educate customers about the Facility Department such as: Facilities University.

• Culture Initiatives: Partner with leadership to develop and sustain initiatives that reinforce organizational values employee belonging inclusion collaboration and a positive workplace culture.

• Onboarding and Employee Integration: Support onboarding and new employee integration efforts that strengthen connection engagement and understanding of REFDs mission and culture.

• Change Management Support: Assist leadership with communication and employee engagement strategies during organizational or operational changes.

People and Communication:

• People Management:Recruit train and manage a team of engagement professionals and volunteers.

• Internal Communications and Storytelling: work with the communication team to improve transparency celebrate employee achievements showcase departmental accomplishments and strengthen employee connection to organizational goals.

• Relationship Building:Foster relationships with managers and vendors to ensure high-quality services for all events and programs.
• Customer Response:Address employee and vendor questions and concerns promptly and gracefully.

• Leadership Partnership: Consult with managers and department leaders regarding engagement concerns team culture recognition opportunities and employee feedback.

Accountability:

• Budget Management:Manage the budget for engagement initiatives ensuring cost-effective use of resources.
• Individual Contributions:Provide coaching advice and support for employee engagement and recognition.
• Committee Support:Contribute to various committees supporting the Universitys mission.

• Program Evaluation and Reporting: Establish success metrics analyze participation and engagement datameasure quantitative and qualitative return on engagement (ROE)prepare reports and presentations for leadership

Continual Improvement:

• Initiative Review:Conduct reviews after each initiative to add new elements and improvements.
• Stay Updated on Trends:Keep abreast of the latest trends in employee engagement and. Incorporate these new elements when possible.
• Proficiency:Remain proficient with the latest software programs and tools. Ex: Microsoft Office Oracle Oracle Learning Party CAD Design Anchorlink Virtual EMS MS Teams BOX etc.

• Benchmarking: Research emerging employee engagement workplace culture and employee experience practices and evaluate potential implementation opportunities for REFD.

Supervisory Relationships:

This position could be responsible for the supervision of VTS and/or volunteers during events and programs. This position reports administratively and functionally to the HR/Employee Engagement Director REFD.

Education and Certifications:

• Bachelors degree or equivalent experience required.
• Masters degree is preferred

• Preferred certifications include: SHRM-CP SHRM-SCP RPI PHR CPCE CMP CSEP CMM ACCED-I CCEP Certified Employee Experience Professional (EX) Change Management certifications or other related employee engagement organizational development human resources or event management credentials.

Experience and Skills:

• At least 4 years of progressive experience in employee engagement organizational culture employee experience internal communications event management human resources organizational development or a related field is required.

• Experience developing employee engagement strategies supported by measurable outcomes and key performance indicators.

• Experience facilitating focus groups listening sessions surveys or employee feedback processes preferred.

• Strong presentation and facilitation skills with the ability to engage audiences at all organizational levels.

• Ability to analyze workforce and engagement data identify trends and translate findings into actionable recommendations.

• Extensive knowledge of event logistics design budgeting staffing and client relations.
• Ability to manage/fix/operate and set-up event equipment and/or tools is preferred.
• Strong understanding of employee engagement strategies.
• Excellent communication interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Keen attention to detail and advanced time management skills.
• Proven track record of developing and implementing successful engagement programs.
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams.
• Proficiency in office software e-learning platforms and planning tools.
• Analytical skills to evaluate program effectiveness.