Communications Strategist

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Occupational Summary

Develop, implement and measure the effectiveness of communication strategies for the Duke Cancer Institute to advance reputation and thought leadership.  Design and create content for websites, social media, internal and external publications, leadership messages, media, and training materials.  Maintain website content and social media.  Liaise with communicators across the Duke University School of Medicine and gather cancer-related content to highlight DCI on a larger scale.

Work Preformed

Leadership – 30% Effort

• Develop and maintain collaborative working relationships within DCI, its members and the greater Duke community. Consult with administrators and clinical staff to develop communications strategies that support identified goals; identify needs, objectives and design approaches; develop schedules and budgets as required for each project.
• Develop and maintain professional contacts and affiliations with academic and professional organizations and societies, such as the Association of American Cancer Institutes, to effectively promote the DCI and its programs.
• Collaborate with the School of Medicine, the University, and the Health System communication offices to maintain an understanding of all cancer-related work happening across the organization and strategically promote/share it across appropriate channels.

Content and Media Strategy – 40% Effort

• Develop and recommend communication plans, initiatives, and other strategies to promote the DCI’s mission, leadership and programs. Lead, coordinate and participate in the strategic and conceptual development of major communications projects and publications in support of institutional and service line strategies of Duke University Health System.
• Write, publish and develop distribution strategy for content that supports the mission and brand position of the DCI. Content should promote thought leadership in the areas of research, clinical care, education and community outreach. Content will also support major fundraising campaigns in coordination with Development and Alumni Affairs team in the School of Medicine. Distribution channels may include: quarterly publications, blog posts, e-newsletters, etc.
• Conduct regular analysis to evaluate effectiveness of content and adjust content strategy as needed to achieve organizational goals.
• Monitor media, journals, and social media for mentions of DCI members and staff; contribute these to social media and blogs.
• Manage, coordinate, and maintain websites; writing and editing content. Contribute content, manage and upload content for the DCI internet and intranet websites.  Assist with the implementation of web software and architecture including rewriting content to best utilize new systems and software.  Assist and collaborate with DCI members, disease groups and programs on their individual pages. 
• Create, maintain, and oversee social media, including, but not limited to, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube, in alignment with broader DCI and Duke Health strategies and goals.

Writing – 30% Effort

Conduct the research and interviews needed to write science and feature articles, news briefs, announcements, blogs, newsletters, and reports. This includes taking photos to accompany writing.

Ethics

Know and follow policies, standard operating procedures (SOPs), regulations and communication requirements.  Maintain Duke and project specific training and certification requirements.

Skills

1. Excellent written, oral and conversational communication skills to work effectively with diverse groups. The ability to work independently, take direction, and communicate effectively, and manage projects.

2. Excellent organizational and time management skills needed to prioritize among many competing priorities. 

3. Experience in software applications for photo & graphics editing and website content.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required.  Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.The intent of this job description is to be representative of the level and the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of this position and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total specific duties and responsibilities. 

Qualifications Required At This Level

Education/Training

Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, English or a related field.

Experience

Minimum of 4 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.  Experience working in an academic environment is preferred.

This position reports to the Director of Integrated Marketing Communications, Duke University Health System, with a close connection to the Duke University School of Medicine Office of Strategic Communications and a dotted line to the Assistant Dean for Digital and Brand Communications.

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.