Communications Strategist, Office of Undergraduate Education

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 Strategist for the Office of Undergraduate Education (OUE) is responsible for developing and implementing communication strategies to support major initiatives and projects. This position establishes standards and oversees editorial content across websites, publications, and other internal and external communication channels. The strategist collaborates with all OUE units, focusing on the Division of Intellectual Community (IC) to create communication plans that define objectives, strategies, target audiences, and key messages.

The Division of Intellectual Community (IC) includes the DukeLIFE office, the Office of University Scholars and Fellows, the Student-Faculty Engagement Office, the Judith Deckers Prize, and the Carolinas Initiative. These units work directly with students and faculty on a variety of programs. A strong candidate for the Communications Strategist position will have experience working with diverse and underrepresented populations, including lower-income and first-generation student populations. In support of OUE’s commitment to diversity and inclusion, the Communications Strategist plays a key role in creating an accessible and supportive environment that reflects cultural competence and academic excellence.

Work Performed

Strategic Communications (30%)

• Develop communication plans that define key objectives, audiences, and strategies for major initiatives across OUE and IC. Collaborate with leadership to ensure communication goals are aligned and measurable.
   

• Establish and maintain relationships with internal units to ensure consistency and effectiveness in messaging across platforms, including websites and social media.
   

• Provide editorial oversight for communications, ensuring content is accurate, relevant, and aligned with OUE's mission.
   

• Serve as a liaison with the Duke Office of News & Communications to coordinate press releases and media inquiries.
   

• Provide consultation to internal teams on communications strategy, refining messages based on engagement data.
   

Content Creation (30%)

• Lead editorial content creation for OUE and IC, ensuring materials reflect diversity and inclusion priorities.
   

• Oversee multimedia content production, including video, podcasts, and branding materials.
   

• Manage freelancers and student interns, providing guidance and feedback on content to meet strategic goals.
   

• Collaborate with the development office to create donor-facing content, highlighting the impact of OUE and IC programs.
   

Outreach (30%)

• Coordinate communication efforts with Duke's Office of Communications and Public Affairs to promote OUE and IC initiatives.
   

• Consult on IC unit’s newsletter, social media presence, and website content.
   

• Monitor audience engagement across platforms and adjust communication tactics as needed to ensure maximum outreach.
   

• Develop communication materials for IC recruitment teams.
   

Other Responsibilities (10%)

• Provide ongoing consultation and strategic communication support within OUE.
   

• Supervise student creators and manage communication-related projects such as the Duke LIFE podcast or video series.
   

• Conduct surveys and coordinate focus groups with the OUE Student Advisory Board to inform communication strategies.
   

• Perform additional duties as needed, with flexibility for occasional night and weekend work.

Minimum Qualifications

Education
A Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field is generally required.
 

Experience
A minimum of four years of professional experience in communications, public relations, or marketing is required, with demonstrated skills in content management and editorial oversight. Experience in academic settings and work with diverse, first-generation student populations is preferred.
 

Skills and Preferred Qualifications

• Strong writing, storytelling, and communication skills.

• Proven ability to manage multiple communication projects and meet deadlines.

• Proficiency in content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal) and digital marketing tools (e.g., Mailchimp, Emma).

• Basic familiarity with Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Premiere, InDesign).

• Experience applying an anti-racist and culturally responsive lens to communications work.

• Experience in higher education communications, especially in programs serving diverse and underrepresented populations.

Job Code: 00001218 COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGIST
Job Level: 13

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 feelsecure 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.