Communications Specialist

Duke University:

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Occupational Summary

The Communications Specialist works directly with the Associate Dean of Communications & Marketing to implement the strategic communications plan of The Graduate School (TGS) at Duke University.

Communications projects include designing effective and innovative communications, such as writing news and feature articles, designing graphics, recording photographs and video, assisting with internal communications efforts, updating website content, engaging with audiences of TGS on social media, and more. 

Work Performed

• Write original news, recognition, and feature content highlighting the faculty, students, and staff of TGS. Some writing assignments will require interviewing, research, and other investigative journalism techniques.
• Design original graphics and use graphic templates to support TGS communications initiatives while adhering to Duke University branding standards.
• Create layouts for print and digital publications.
• Attend major events in The Graduate School, including annual events such as commencement weekend to contribute to communications efforts, such as writing recap news articles and photography.  
• Collaborate closely with TGS interns to complete communications projects, including social media content curation, writing, and creating and disseminating TGS newsletters.  
• Use third-party email distribution software to manage TGS email communications and newsletters. 
• Assist with regular content updates and edits to the TGS website and other secondary websites that support TGS initiatives.
• Manage content curation for TGS social media accounts, including Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram accounts. Research latest trends and best practices to improve engagement with TGS social media audiences.
• Manage and update events on The Graduate School website.
• Collaborate with TGS leadership and communications team in the production of an annual report publication that highlights the successes and challenges of the previous year in TGS.
• Use newly emerging artificial intelligence (AI) tools to create communications products
• Help to steer communications efforts that support and celebrate historically excluded members of the Duke community.
• Use data analytics tools such as Google Analytics and Buffer to measure the success of communications campaigns and strategy.
• Assist TGS leadership with the development of engaging and informative presentations.
• Work with Associate Dean of Communications & Marketing to discover new and innovative ways of supporting TGS through communications efforts.
• Support TGS units in the planning and creation of a campaign to celebrate the school’s centennial in 2026
• 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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires communication and marketing skills normally acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience

Work generally requires one year related experience in advertising, marketing, media, promotions or public relations. OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Skills

• Exceptional writing, and strong proofreading and editing 
• Working knowledge of Adobe Suite, including Photoshop, InDesign, and Illustrator
• Mastery of Microsoft Office suite, especially PowerPoint presentation design
• Graphic design skills through original digital illustration and/or use of design templates
• Familiarity with general photography principles and techniques, including general use of DLSR camera
• Interviewing and investigatory journalism skills
• Ability to work collaboratively and independently

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 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 essentialjob 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.