Duke University Health System (DUHS) Job Descriptions
Duke Job Postings
To see if there are current openings for any of the job descriptions listed on this web site, please search Duke Jobs.
CHIEF OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, DHLN
Job Title: CHIEF OF PUBLIC AFFAIRS, DHLN
Job Code: 5690
FLSA: E
Job Level: I1
Revised Date: 01/01/2026
Supervisory Responsibility: Yes
General Description of the Job Class
The Chief of Public Affairs (CoPA) is a senior executive responsible for leading Duke Health Lake Norman's public affairs strategy. This role involves overseeing a broad portfolio of functions and initiatives to advance the hospital's mission on behalf of Duke Health within the region. The CoPA serves as a trusted advisor to the President and executive leadership team, providing strategic leadership and execution on corporate sponsorships, and overall public and civic engagement.
Duties and Responsibilities of this Level
Develop and execute a comprehensive public affairs vision and strategy aligned with Duke Health mission, strategic planning framework, and organizational priorities.
Identifies opportunities to leverage strategic executive presence and communications in external public relations to strengthen Duke Health Lake Norman's (DHLN) presence in the business community.
Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including political and governmental influencers.
Establish clear objectives, key stakeholders, and influencers to advance these objectives.
Develop and implement a framework for measuring the impact of public affairs activities and adjust strategies as necessary.
Establishes and maintains constructive relationships with elected and appointed officials and community leaders on a state, regional and local level and invests considerable time and energy in prioritized networking activity.
Understands, communicates, and advocates the hospital's priorities to governmental officials, regional, local and state business organizations.
Provides frequent updates to the President and senior leaders, other members of the Senior Management team. Apprises the President of pertinent community issues, external factors, and proposals and actions that could impact the reputation of DHLN.
Monitor trends in public policy, media, and public opinion to ensure the hospital's position remains timely and impactful.
Partner with hospital leadership as a senior-level liaison to strategic partners, ensuring effective communication, collaboration, and mutual benefit.
Provide executive-level support for the President with overall relationship building and strategic outreach. Act as a spokesperson for the organization as appropriate and build media relationships.
Manage budgets and resources related to public affairs functions and activities.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education
Bachelor's degree required, preferably in related field. Advanced degree (e.g. MBA, MPA, MPP) preferred.
Experience
10+ years of combined experience in marketing, public relations, media relations or production, communications, and/or government affairs or related experience. 5+ years of managerial experience.
Degrees, Licensure, and/or Certification
N/A
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, public administration, public policy, political science, or a related field.
Advanced degree or equivalent level experience is preferred.
Proven ability to develop and implement strategic public affairs strategies.
Minimum 10 years of senior leadership and team management experience.
Excellent communication, collaboration, team building, and presentation skills.
Strategic thinker with a passion for advancing public service and local government.
Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
Adaptable, resourceful, and capable of navigating complex challenges.
Proficiency in leveraging digital tools and platforms for communications and engagement.
Solid network of contacts across federal, state, and local levels.
Experience managing large-scale events and communications, ideally within a non-profit or health care context.
Inspirational leadership attributes and high emotional intelligence to inspire and guide a diverse team.
Foster a collaborative and innovative environment that encourages creativity, aligns priorities, resources, and talent, and maximizes impact.
Knowledge of: Principles, practices and methodologies of communications, public or media relations, and speech writing. Branding and marketing communications, strategies and tactics, including content strategy, digital and social media. Microsoft Office Professional or similar application.
Distinguishing Characteristics of this Level
N/A
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University 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, (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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.
