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 re