Senior Communications Strategist
Jessica Steen serves as senior communications strategist for the Division of Government and Community Relations. In this role, she leads the development and implementation of a comprehensive brand and communications strategy to engage stakeholders and amplify Vanderbilt’s impact in government and community relations.
Steen’s expertise spans guiding projects from concept to completion, establishing best practices for communications tools, and developing division-wide strategies for web, social media, email and print content. She collaborates with colleagues across the division to enhance Vanderbilt’s community engagement efforts, connecting resources and amplifying stories highlighting the university’s partnerships and impact. Additionally, she oversees strategic communications on behalf of the Vice Chancellor for Government and Community Relations, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across multiple platforms and materials.
For more than 12 years, Steen has worked with nonprofits in the Nashville area, helping them advance their missions through strategic communications and compelling visual design. Before joining Vanderbilt in 2023, she led her own freelance web and graphic design practice, specializing in creating meaningful digital experiences. She also served as a web and digital media specialist for Belmont University and as communications director at Harpeth Hills Church.
Steen holds a bachelor’s degree in fine arts from O’More College of Design.