Public Affairs & Issues Management Lead

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, NC, is seeking an Assistant Director of Communications Response & Support to lead issues management and coordinated response efforts for university-wide matters that affect reputation and mission.

Reporting to the executive director for media relations, the role develops reactive and proactive strategies, and collaborates with leadership across units to ensure timely, accurate communications during campus incidents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a relevant field.
• Four years of experience in issues management, strategic communications, public affairs, or related field.
• Experience supporting crisis communications or campus incident response is desirable.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a central resource for issues management support to schools, colleges, and units across the university.
• Support the development and execution of coordinated, system wide issues management strategies and response plans.
• Provide guidance, tools, and best practices to school level communications and leadership teams to support consistent issue assessment and response.
• Monitor and analyze emerging issues, trends, and risks affecting higher education, including public policy, regulatory developments, campus climate concerns, media coverage, and public sentiment.

Skills

Strategic thinking

Written and verbal communication

Interpersonal skills & relationship mg

Project management

News judgment

Experience with agency partners

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications, public relations, higher education administration, political science, public policy, journalism, or related field

Master's degree in a relevant field (preferred)

Job description

Duke Clinical Research Institute in Durham, NC, is seeking an Assistant Director of Communications Response & Support to lead issues management and coordinated response efforts for university-wide matters that affect reputation and mission.

Reporting to the executive director for media relations, the role develops reactive and proactive strategies, and collaborates with leadership across units to ensure timely, accurate communications during campus incidents.