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.

Create compelling content and connect students, faculty, and communities through communications and outreach.

Be You.

The Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity is seeking a proactive, detail-driven Communications Specialist to create and manage website and digital content and support event planning and student engagement in a dynamic academic environment.

Work Arrangement - Hybrid

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

• Commitment to advancing equity-driven research and education.
• Strong writer and content producer with exceptional attention to detail.
• Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities.
• Collaborative and customer-service-oriented.
• Comfortable working independently and within teams.
• Experience supporting programs or faculty in a higher education environment.
• Experience working with or supporting undergraduate students.
• Familiarity with Duke University student organizations.

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 (1) year of related experience in advertising, marketing, media, promotions or public relations.

OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Be Bold.

Skills

Required qualifications:

• Communications experience, including website and/or social media management.
• Experience creating content for digital communications platforms.
• Familiarity with social equity topics.
• Experience using Microsoft Office applications.
• Strong internet research skills.
• Excellent project management and organizational abilities.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Canva.
• Experience supporting events or public engagement initiatives.

Work Performed

Website and Social Media Content Development (40%)

• Create and post content for social media, including original posts, reels, and videos that highlight recent research, projects, and Center activities in collaboration with the Program Coordinator.
• Create website content that highlights research, educational programs, faculty achievements, student accomplishments, and community engagement.
• Design promotional graphics using Canva.
• Maintain the Cook Center website in collaboration with the Communications Director.
• Post publications, videos, webinars, and related content.
• Update faculty, staff and student profiles.
• Assist with production of communications materials.

Event Planning & Coordination (30%)

• Partner with Program Coordinator to plan and execute Center events.
• Coordinate event promotion and outreach efforts with students and groups on campus.
• Maintain mailing lists.
• Support event staffing and attendee experience.
• Develop summaries and post-event communications.

Student Engagement 20%

• Plan, communicate, and participate in student engagement activities including tabling for student events, outreach to student groups, and serving as the Cook Center’s primary liaison with student groups to help increase the visibility and impact of the Center’s research, educational opportunities, events, and initiatives.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein. (10%)

Choose Duke.

Apply today and help amplify the impact of research, education, and student engagement through innovative communications!