School of Medicine:

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation’s top medical schools. Ranked tenth among its peers, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where traditional barriers are low, interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced, and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve humanhealth locally and around the globe.

Comprised of 2,400 faculty physicians and researchers, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing and Duke University Health System create Duke Health. Duke Health is a world-class health care network. Founded in 1998 to provide efficient, responsive care, the health system offers a full network of health services and encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Private Diagnostic Clinic, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

The Department of Medicine (DOM) is a national leader in research, education and clinical care. With over 1500 faculty members and staff, DOM ranks No. 6 for NIH funding nationally among clinical departments. In fiscal year 2020, our faculty received more than $162 million in research funding and accounted for 37 percent of NIH funding to the Duke University School of Medicine.

To ensure our continued success, DOM aspires to create a data-driven community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. We are, currently, seeking a Director of Communications to work collaboratively with senior management in the development of strategic and integrated communications plans that ensures a robust and timely exchange of ideas and information.

Job summary:

The Director, Communications will compose, edit, manage and execute an internal and external strategy for communications, public image and media relations for the Department of Medicine. This includes production of materials for department initiatives, website data, department-wide meeting materials and information channels to/from individual faculty, as well as development of communications to showcase departmental successes to our external constituents. This role will report, directly, to the Department of Medicine (DOM) Vice Chair of Administration and Finance, as well as, the School of Medicine (SOM) Associate Dean and Chief Communications Officer. This role will also work in direct partnership with the DOM Chair and the department’s senior management team.

Primary Responsibilities:

Partner with the Chair and other internal constituencies for development and execution of a communications plan that builds visibility and public image for the department.

Advance the missions of the department by developing a strategy in annual giving; develop materials to engage department stakeholders, alumni, students and potential donors. Establish and maintain key relationships.

Working with divisions, develop strategies and implement solutions to significantly improve bi-directional departmental communication channels to all levels of department faculty, trainees, and staff.

Partnering with the Division Administrators and the Chair’s office Administrative Operations Manager, align central and divisional resources to provide an integrated and consistent approach to communication plans, messaging, departmental events, brochures, signage and newsletters in all internal and external materials.

Contribute to the Department’s strategic plan, reporting, and overall communications approach.

Create and maintain a unified voice through both print and electronic media in collaboration with the administration.

Execute a consistent visual identity for the department for all internet, intranet, videos, podcasts, and seminars.

Serve as a consultant for communication opportunities in other areas (e.g. Centers, faculty needs); collaborate with customer service representatives, technical consultants, graphic designers, photographers, and freelancers as needed.

Conduct interviews, research, and write news releases, articles, and feature stories for local and national publications to publicize and promote the activities and programs when not directed by Duke news and communications offices.

Coordinate with the Duke news and communications office, multi-disciplinary areas and other on-campus communications entities on the dissemination of news stories/communications efforts to the Duke University campus, regional, national and international media.

Direct the publication program to include supervision of the creation and revision of publications, ensuring they meet program objectives; determine content and deadlines; supervise production activities of publications.

Determine fiscal requirements; prepare budgetary recommendations; monitor, verify, and reconcile expenditure of budgeted funds. Prepare reports and analyses setting forth progress, trends and appropriate recommendation or expenditure of budgeted funds.

Manage and develop public websites, intranet sites and communications screens. Prepare reports and analyses setting forth progress, trends and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.

Advance the reputation of the department through strategic use of social media including Instagram, Twitter and LinkedIn.

Reflect our DOM support for DEI initiatives in all communications

Preferred Work Experience

Eight or more years related work experience; healthcare communications and/or marketing a plus.

Experience in media relations: print/broadcast/internet.

Familiarity with academic medicine preferred but not required.

Preferred Characteristics

The ideal candidate is strategic and has proven skills in leadership, writing, creativity and taking initiative. Must work independently and be results driven. Must be able to juggle multiple tasks and pay attention to details. Outstanding oral and presentation skills required. Must have excellent negotiation and communication skills. Must understand and function within a complex organization.

The candidate may be required to attend events and seminars during the evenings or weekends.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Completion of a bachelor's degree program in Journalism, Communications, English or a related discipline.

ExperienceRequires at least 5 years experience in writing, public relations, communications or related discipline.

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.