Strategic Communications & Operations Leader

Duke Clinical Research Institute; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 80,000 - 159,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical and dental care programs

Retirement benefits

Family-friendly and cultural programs

Job summary

Duke University seeks a Director of Operations and Strategy to lead the department’s project management function and align complex initiatives across marketing, strategic communications, editorial, multimedia, web, and design teams. This on-site role reports to the AVP, translating priorities into coordinated plans and measurable results.

The position drives portfolio governance, risk management, and performance reporting, while guiding large cross-campus campaigns in research, climate,

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English or related discipline.
• At least 7 years' experience in writing, public relations, communications or related discipline.

Responsibilities

• Lead the department's project management function and supervise two project management/operations professionals.
• Establish and maintain department-wide project and portfolio management standards.
• Oversee Wrike and related tools, dashboards, and reporting practices.
• Develop and refine standard event operating procedures and governance structures.
• Manage vendors, agencies, and project budgets in collaboration with leaders.
• Serve as operational partner and project manager to the AVP with portfolio updates and risk assessments.

Skills

Leadership

Cross-functional collaboration

Strategic planning

Project management

Communication

Strategy execution

Education

Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, design, or related field

Advanced degree preferred

Tools

Wrike

Job description

Duke University seeks a Director of Operations and Strategy to lead the department’s project management function and align complex initiatives across marketing, strategic communications, editorial, multimedia, web, and design teams. This on-site role reports to the AVP, translating priorities into coordinated plans and measurable results.

The position drives portfolio governance, risk management, and performance reporting, while guiding large cross-campus campaigns in research, climate,