Senior 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.

The Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University is one of the fastest-rising, highly ranked engineering schools in the nation. The school consists of four departments with more than 130 tenure-track faculty members, 370 staff members, 100 postdocs, 1250 undergraduate students, 1400 master’s students, and 600 PhD students. Housed within a university renowned for its programs in the liberal arts, medicine, business and law, Pratt prepares future engineering leaders to address complex challenges with solutions that take into account the complexities and nuances of implementing them. Pratt takes a whole-student approach to education, ensuring students are well-supported throughout their journeys and graduate with the grit and determination required to persevere in their careers and their lives. Pratt is dedicated to the values of diversity, equitability, inclusivity, and community in its pursuit of knowledge and service to society.

The Pratt School of Engineering’s Department of Electrical & Computer Engineering (ECE) provides vibrant educational and research programs dedicated to developing solutions to significant challenges facing our world. ECE is Duke Engineering’s largest department, boasting 60 faculty members working to develop quantum computers and other futuristic computing technologies, recyclable electronics, and methods for securing data and privacy against AI and malicious attackers. 

Occupational Summary

The ECE Communications Specialist is a talented storyteller who will develop and execute communications and marketing initiatives to highlight the work and advance the strategic goals of both the Pratt School of Engineering and ECE, working closely with departmental and program leadership, and faculty. The position is integral to Duke Engineering’s growing communications and marketing team and collaborates with communicators across Duke University.
We’re seeking a proactive, creative individual eager to take initiative and strategize to improve the visibility of ECE and Duke Engineering.

Work Performed

Reporting and communications strategy (15%)

Develop and maintain productive, positive relationships with ECE faculty and program leaders across campus; proactively initiate and attend relevant meetings to gain a broad knowledge of current research, educational programs and faculty expertise to inform communications strategy. Coordinate coverage plans with communications managers in related programs across Duke.

Writing, assembly, editing and multimedia content production (50%)

Write articles highlighting the research and educational strengths of Duke ECE with an eye towards narrative and storytelling when possible. Produce and/or coordinate multimedia content production, such as photos, audio, and video, with team experts. Examples of work produced include long-form research features, alum profiles, student success stories, social media posts, press releases, and marketing communications content, including brochures and mailers focused on department and initiative achievements.

Publications and project management (15%)

Ability to help manage the production of departmental print projects, including editing and coordinating graphic design, photography, reviews, and distribution. Curate, assemble, edit, and produce regular e-newsletters and other communications touchpoints with visual/multimedia and written elements for Duke ECE to keep audiences engaged and informed.

Web content curation and management (20%)

Serve as primary content curator and content manager for ece.duke.edu. Perform regular site content updates and reviews to ensure all information is current, effectively meets program goals, and serves the needs of site audiences. Work with communications and marketing team members to review analytics data to strategize on improving site reach and effectiveness. Training can be provided.

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.

Qualifications:

Education/Training
Work requires the ability to perform creative writing and related activities such as conducting interviews and research, and copy editing normally acquired through attainment of a bachelor's degree in journalism, English or a related discipline. 

Experience
Work requires two years of directly related writing experience. A background in science or science communications and experience with multimedia production skills and social media is preferred. Prior working experience in an academic environment is a plus.

Skills
We’re looking for a creative and motivated communicator with:
●    Proven ability to tell compelling and creative stories in multiple formats that engage, inform, and inspire.
●    Proven ability to convey complex scientific topics to lay audiences.
●    Ability to effectively manage multiple projects and deadlines with a high level of project and time management skills.
●    Outstanding writing and editing skills, with attention to detail.
●    Ability to create/produce graphic and visual elements for social media, newsletters, and websites.
●    Ability to produce and edit videos and photographs for visual storytelling.
●    Ability to effectively use Adobe Creative Suite, Microsoft Office Suite, Canva, project management tools, social media tools, and content management system tools like WordPress/Drupal.
●    Understanding of how to reach different target audiences through different content channels.
●    Enthusiasm to work with many stakeholders and audiences to innovate, plan, and develop successful and impactful communications.
●    Ability to work effectively with a team, including ECE faculty and staff, the Pratt communications and marketing team, graphic designers, and web experts, etc. 

In addition to your application, please email three writing samples and portfolio of multimedia work (video, photography, infographics, etc.) to [email protected] with “ECE Departmental Communicator” in the subject line.

Work requires the ability to perform creative writing and related activities such as conducting interviews and research, and copy editing normally acquired through attainment of a bachelor's degree in Journalism, English or a related discipline.

Work requires two years of directly related writing experience. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

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.