COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST

Occupational Summary

The Communications Specialist for the Office for Research & Innovation (OR&I) is responsible for developing and executing comprehensive communication strategies that promote the office’s initiatives, operations, and mission to both internal and external audiences. This role will establish and manage standards, workflows, and processes for the creation, approval, and distribution of communications across a variety of channels. In partnership with OR&I leadership, the Communications Specialist will shape and refine messaging that supports the office’s strategic goals, ensuring clear, consistent, and engaging outreach. The position also plays a key role in fostering an informed and connected research and innovation community at Duke University.

Work Performed

Communications Strategy (50%)

• Design and implement comprehensive communication plans for OR&I and associated offices, aligning objectives, strategies, target audiences, and key messages.

• Assess and augment communication vehicles and channels for internal and external audiences, including newsletters, presentations, website, and social media.

• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships with OR&I and research-related offices, establishing consistent standards and streamlined processes for the development, approval, and distribution of internal and external communications.

• Collaborate with Duke University Office of Marketing & Communications, Executive Director of Research Communications, as well as Duke Health and DUHS communications on collaborative efforts and news locally, nationally, and internationally.

• Assist with planning and coordination of the promotion of OR&I events as well as coordinate with other units as appropriate.

Content Development (50%)

• Create, edit, and/or oversee development of content for distribution, including content for website, social media, publications and other communications channels, to include contact list maintenance.

• Lead the development and publication of OR&I’s Annual Report, including defining key messages and coordinating with stakeholders across the institution to highlight research and innovation impact.

• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Required Qualifications at this level

Education/Training

Work requires communications, marketing, strategic planning, analytical and organizational skills general required through completion of Bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, English or related field.

Experience

Requires four years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing or related field with experience posting and publishing through print and electronic mediums, including content management systems. Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills necessary to manage and coordinate a variety of tasks. Experience working in an academic environment is preferred. This position would be a primarily remote position; though attendance at office-led events and initiatives would be required. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Skills

N/A

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Communications Strategy (50%)

Content Development (50%)

Minimum Qualifications

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve of this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $61,535.00 to USD $95,880.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University andDuke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Education

Work requires communications, marketing, strategic planning, analytical and organizational skills generally required through completion of Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, English or a related field.

Experience

Requires four years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing or related field with experience posting and publishing through print and electronic mediums, including content managementsystems. Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills necessary to manage and coordinate a variety of tasks. Experience working in an academic environment is preferred.

Degrees, Licensures, Certifications

N/A