Communications Specialist

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 46,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University, through the Forum for Congregational Life, seeks a Communications Specialist to craft engaging content and amplify the mission across channels. You will work to strengthen faith communities and leaders nationwide, while ensuring consistent storytelling and alignment with Duke’s brand.

The role emphasizes collaboration with the Director of Communications, budgeting support for initiatives, and building strong relationships with diverse stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field.
• At least one year of experience in communications or related fields.
• Proficiency in digital communications and social media platforms.

Responsibilities

• Create engaging content across multiple channels.
• Maintain brand consistency and tell stories effectively.
• Collaborate with the Director of Communications to execute marketing strategies.
• Build relationships with constituents and stakeholders.
• Assist with planning and budgeting for communications initiatives.
• Coordinate activities with internal teams and external partners.
• Provide communication resources across the department.

Skills

Strong written & verbal comms

Relationship-building

Multitasking

Digital communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in a related field

Job description

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.

Be You

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives every team member brings to our community. As a Communications Specialist with the Forum for Congregational Life, you will execute effective and innovative communications efforts dedicated to strengthen Christian institutions that support congregations across the United States. You'll join a mission-driven team dedicated to connecting and resourcing networks of these institutions and their leaders. Your creativity, communications expertise and commitment to excellence will play an essential role in amplifying this impact.

Be Bold

This is an exciting opportunity for a communications professional who enjoys creating engaging content across multiple platforms and collaborating with diverse stakeholders. You'll help shape and deliver compelling messages that advance the mission of the Forum for Congregational Life.

What You’ll Do

Create Impactful Communications

Develop and produce engaging content across a variety of channels, including:

• Websites
• Videos
• Case studies
• Social media campaigns
• Email marketing communications
• Articles and graphics

Ensure brand consistency and effective storytelling across all communication platforms.

Drive Strategic Marketing Initiatives

• Partner with the Director of Communications to develop and execute marketing strategies that increase awareness and engagement with departmental programs and services.
• Support promotional efforts that enhance visibility and reach among key audiences.

Build Meaningful Relationships

• Engage with constituents and stakeholders to understand their communication needs and priorities.
• Translate insights into effective communication strategies, products, and services that support organizational goals.

Support Program Operations

• Assist with planning and budgeting for communication and marketing initiatives.
• Prepare program plans for review and approval.

Promote Collaboration and Service Excellence

• Research and respond to feedback, inquiries, and concerns related to departmental communications.
• Coordinate communication activities with internal teams and external partners.
• Serve as a trusted communications resource across the department.

Contribute Beyond The Job Description

• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of the Forum for Congregational Life’s mission and strategic priorities.

What You’ll Bring

Education

Work requires communication and marketing skills normally acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience

• At least one year of experience in communications, marketing, advertising, media, public relations, promotions, or related fields. Or any other equivalent combination of relevant education and or experience.

Desired Strengths

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and priorities effectively.
• Creative storyteller with strong attention to detail.
• Experience with digital communications and social media platforms.
• Relationship-building and stakeholder engagement skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a mission-driven environment.

Choose Duke

At Duke, you’ll find more than a job. You’ll find a community committed to excellence, innovation, collaboration, and meaningful impact. Through your work, you’ll help strengthen organizations that shape faith communities and develop leaders across the country.

Position Funding Notice

This position is currently supported through sponsored grant funding that extends through December 31, 2027.

Join a team where your communication expertise can help advance a meaningful mission and create lasting impact.

Anticipated Pay Range

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $45,661.00 to USD $73,140.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer

Duke is an 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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy-related conditions), sexual orientation, or military 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 essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).