Senior Public Relations Specialist for Interdisciplinary Programs
About The Position
The Office of Interdisciplinary Programs at Duke University is looking for a Senior Public Relations Specialist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will craft compelling stories and strategic messaging that amplify Duke's interdisciplinary initiatives. You'll work closely with programs like Bass Connections, the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, and the Cook Center on Social Equity, helping to showcase groundbreaking research and collaborative projects that tackle society's most pressing challenges. You will be at the center of Duke's vibrant culture of interdisciplinarity-translating complex ideas into accessible narratives, managing digital platforms, and engaging diverse audiences. If you love storytelling, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to make an impact through strategic communications, this is the role for you. In this role, you will be the driving force behind strategic storytelling and digital engagement for three of Duke's most influential interdisciplinary programs. Your work will shape how faculty, students, and external audiences experience Duke's commitment to collaboration and discovery. Duke University is not just a workplace-it's a community of innovators and problem-solvers. The Office of Interdisciplinary Programs sits at the heart of this ecosystem, supporting initiatives that tackle the world's most pressing challenges through collaboration and creativity. When you join our team, you'll: Be part of a world-class research institution consistently ranked among the top universities globally. Work in an environment that values inclusion, discovery, and excellence, where your ideas can shape the future of education and research. Enjoy a hybrid work arrangement, competitive benefits, and access to professional development opportunities. Engage with programs like Bass Connections, which brings together students and faculty to address real-world issues; the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, advancing neuroscience research; and the Cook Center on Social Equity, driving scholarship on inequality and social justice. At Duke, your work will matter-and you'll have the resources, support, and community to make a lasting impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.
- At least 2 years of experience in communications, writing, public relations, or related activity in a complex environment OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex ideas for non-specialist audiences.
- Familiarity with digital and social content management systems and analytics tools.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
- Digital design skills; photography, videography, or audio production experience is a plus.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with strong attention to detail.
Responsibilities
- Lead content strategy and execution: Develop compelling narratives that highlight research breakthroughs, student experiences, and societal impact. You'll produce articles, videos, podcasts, and social media campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Own digital presence: Ensure websites and social platforms are vibrant, accurate, and engaging. You'll analyze performance metrics to refine strategies and maximize reach.
- Champion strategic communications planning: Create annual plans that align with Duke's vision, incorporating measurable goals and innovative tactics to elevate program visibility.
- Collaborate across disciplines: Partner with faculty, students, and staff to uncover stories that matter. You'll serve as a connector, ensuring interdisciplinary work gets the spotlight it deserves.
- Mentor and manage: Supervise student assistants, fostering their growth while ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Benefits
- 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Industry
Educational Services
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
