Executive Director, Communications, Divinity School

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

Reporting to the Dean and working as an integral member of the School’s leadership team, the Executive Director for Communications is responsible for the development and implementation of Duke Divinity School’s communication strategy.

The Director manages the communication activities (websites, print and digital publications, social media, media relations) that promote and enhance the School’s brand as a professional school within Duke University, one of thirteen United Methodist seminaries, and a leading theological school nationally.

The Director’s goal is to advance the School’s position with relevant constituents in the University, the Church, and the world, driving broader awareness, attracting support, and fostering engagement from prospective students, donors, and alumni.

The Director also manages and supervises the Office of Communications.

Work Performed

Communications Strategy, Vision, and Leadership

• Develop and implement an integrated and comprehensive communications plan to advance Duke Divinity School’s brand identity, broaden awareness of its programs and priorities, and increase visibility across key stakeholder audiences in consultation with senior leadership.
• Create and execute a marketing and public relations strategy with particular attention to new and expanding programs.
• Collaborate with the School’s leadership team to recognize and address internal and external communications opportunities that meet the challenges and emerging issues facing the School.
• Serve as the communications advisor to the Dean and other senior leaders, providing guidance on communications for the School’s departments, centers, and institutes.

Communications Operations

• Direct the development, design, and maintenance of the School’s website, collaborating with IT staff as needed and managing relationships with associated vendors.
• Coordinate and oversee print and electronic communications aimed at positioning the School or one of its departments, centers, or institutes with its constituents, or expanding the School’s visibility.
• Provide editorial oversight and content, as appropriate, for Divinity School publications, excluding those produced by students.
• Oversee advertising, marketing efforts, and social media presence, working closely with Enrollment Management and External Relations.
• Collaborate with faculty and staff to assist them in communicating with nonacademic audiences and external constituencies.
• Actively engage, cultivate, and manage press relationships to ensure coverage of School events, programs, and projects, and to heighten the School’s visibility.

Partner with Duke’s Office of News and Communications to generate and distribute news tips and opinion pieces.

Oversee the day-to-day operations of the Office of Communications, including budgeting, planning, and staff development.

Team Development / Management

• Recruit and manage a communications team to support the development and execution of the communications strategy as necessary.
• Set staff performance and development goals; establish priorities, objectives, and accountability; and conduct performance reviews.
• Mentor and develop staff, promoting a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and commitment to quality.

Preferences

• Advanced theological education and familiarity with ecclesial constituencies; experience in a university environment.
• Experience building relationships with top-tier reporters and editors.
• Extensive writing and editing experience focused on external audiences in both print and online formats, along with strong oral communication skills.

Skills

• Strategic and tactical innovation, problem-solving, peer collaboration, self-reliance, and the ability to exercise sound judgment in complex and high-stakes environments.
• Editing, proofreading, correspondence, writing for print and web, personnel management, strategic communications, budget planning and oversight, and oral communication skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Requires communication, analytical, and organizational skills generally acquired through a bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or a related discipline.

A Master’s degree is preferred.

Experience

Requires seven years of experience in marketing, communications, or a related field, with a minimum of two years in higher education.

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.