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Director of Communications

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Duke University

5d ago

  • Job
    Full-time
    Senior Level
  • Customer Relations
    Marketing
  • Durham

AI generated summary

  • You need a bachelor's in journalism/communications, 7+ years in PR/communications, leadership experience, strong writing skills, and a passion for the School's mission.
  • You will strategize communications, oversee content creation, mentor the editorial team, support leadership announcements, and collaborate with various stakeholders for effective outreach.

Requirements

  • Education/Training
  • Work requires background in communications strategic planning, analytical and organizational skills generally required through completion of bachelor’s degree in journalism, public relations, communications, or a related field.
  • Experience
  • At least 7 years of experience in writing, public relations, communications, or a related discipline.
  • Experience working in a public relations agency or higher education public relations with an understanding of how to write about research and healthcare is preferred.
  • Skills
  • Demonstrated ability to supervise 2-3 direct reports
  • Excellent written and verbal communications skills
  • Demonstrated ability in developing and executing comprehensive PR and communication strategies
  • Excellent writing, storytelling, and communication skills
  • Strong experience with Microsoft Office suite
  • Proven ability to work collaboratively as an integral part of a multi-disciplinary team
  • Sound judgment with a high level of interpersonal and diplomatic communication skills
  • Passion and interest in the School’s mission and values
  • MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
  • Education
  • Completion of a bachelor's degree program in Journalism, Communications, English or a related discipline.
  • Experience
  • Requires at least 7 years experience in writing, public relations, communications or related discipline.

Responsibilities

  • Collaborate with the Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications to implement a comprehensive strategic communications plan that aligns with the school’s mission and goals.
  • Support the Associate Dean in directing the implementation of the communications strategy, including a framework for building awareness and support for the School’s mission and activities with both internal and external constituents.
  • Oversee the creation of high-quality communications tactics and deliverables for various platforms, including web, social media, print, and multimedia.
  • Ensure a high level of team customer service, responsiveness, and collaboration with constituents.
  • Supervise editorial team members.
  • Recommend various personnel actions, including, but not limited to hiring, performance assessment and appraisal, and taking corrective personnel actions.
  • Provide coaching and mentoring for growth and improved performance.
  • Serve as a team leader and coach, develop, and motivate peers and ensure professional development opportunities are available to support employee goals and interests.
  • Lead and mentor editorial team members, ensuring their work aligns with overall strategies and objectives.
  • Represent Associate Dean Marketing and Communications in meetings, as requested.
  • Lead in the creation of monthly, quarterly, or annual reports.
  • Develop a proactive communications strategy to help the team plan and anticipate key leadership communications milestones (e.g., State of the School).
  • Create a leadership communications calendar that incorporates ongoing events and Dean’s announcements with the support of the content development manager and internal communications manager.
  • Collaborate with the Dean’s Chief of Staff, Dean, and Associate Dean to support communications planning and execution of high-profile Dean-focused announcements, events, meetings, and presentations.
  • Participate in meetings with the Dean’s engagement team to determine communications support needs for events.
  • Draft materials directly as needed to meet Leadership Communications goals and delegate Executive Communications tasks, including remarks, talking points, social media, and slide decks, to the Internal Communications Manager and Events & Social Media Specialist as appropriate.
  • Coordinate with the School’s Alumni and Development Office to incorporate their messaging priorities into communications planning to best serve donors’ and potential donors’ interest in the School of Nursing.
  • Represent the Marketing & Communications team at key alumni and development meetings and Duke campaign activities.
  • Work with the content development manager to ensure that alumni & development content is included within content plans.
  • Draft content related to Alumni & Development communications, including Dean’s messaging and presentations.
  • Assign and work closely with Editorial team members to support targeted projects related to alumni and development.
  • Collaborate closely with the Associate Dean of Marketing and Communications to develop and implement the school’s earned media plan.
  • Collaborate with Content Development Manager to write and distribute press releases to appropriate outlets and reporters, in coordination with the Duke Office of News & Communications and Duke Health Communications. Help create and disseminate unique pitches to individual reporters.
  • Coordinate with the Duke Office of News & Communications on media inquiries and news releases.
  • Develop strong and trusting relationships with local, state, and national reporters.

FAQs

What qualifications are required for the Director of Communications position?

Completion of a bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related discipline is required, along with at least 7 years of experience in writing, public relations, communications, or a related field.

Is previous experience in higher education communications preferred for this role?

Yes, experience working in a public relations agency or higher education public relations is preferred, especially with an understanding of writing about research and healthcare.

What are the essential duties of the Director of Communications?

Essential duties include collaborating on a strategic communications plan, overseeing high-quality communications, mentoring the editorial team, managing media relations, and coordinating with the alumni and development team.

Will the Director of Communications have direct reports?

Yes, the role involves supervising 2-3 direct reports and providing coaching and mentoring for their growth and improved performance.

Is there a specific focus on media relations in this position?

Yes, the Director of Communications will collaborate on developing and implementing the school's earned media plan and will build relationships with local, state, and national reporters.

What skills are emphasized for the Director of Communications role?

Strong written and verbal communication skills, the ability to develop and execute comprehensive PR strategies, excellent storytelling abilities, sound judgment, interpersonal skills, and a passion for the School's mission and values are emphasized.

Is Duke University an equal opportunity employer?

Yes, Duke University is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and is committed to providing employment opportunities without discrimination based on a variety of factors, including gender, race, and disability.

What benefits are associated with this position?

The job offers relocation assistance and the opportunity to work within a diverse and inclusive community that promotes professional growth and development.

What kind of work environment can candidates expect?

Candidates can expect a collaborative and innovative work environment that values creativity, belonging, and a robust exchange of ideas among a diverse community.

Will the Director of Communications be involved in planning high-profile announcements?

Yes, the Director will participate in planning and executing high-profile Dean-focused announcements, events, meetings, and presentations.

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Duke University

Fueled by creativity, informed by scholarship

Education
Industry
1-10
Employees
1924
Founded Year

Mission & Purpose

Duke University is a leading academic institution dedicated to excellence in education, research, and community service. Their ultimate mission is to advance knowledge and develop leaders who can make a positive impact on society. Duke University aims to provide a transformative educational experience, fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. By integrating rigorous academics with a commitment to social responsibility, Duke seeks to contribute to the global community and address pressing challenges through innovation and collaboration.