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EXEC DIR, SCIENCE & RESEARCH COMM
Job Title: EXEC DIR, SCIENCE & RESEARCH COMM
Job Code: 1490
FLSA: E
Job Level: 17
Revised Date: 08/01/2023
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
Direct communications of Duke science and research to internal and external audiences through a variety of channels.
Work Performed
Serve as the chief editor and reviewer for all science, research and technology related news.
Research, report and develop content for Duke channels.
Track upcoming papers, coordinate with school and department communicators, meet with researchers, and coordinate release plans.
Supervise the science and research communications team. Provide editorial guidance and oversight that ensures stories deliver brand journalism in support of Duke and digitally native journalism.
Develop and build relationships and coordinate efforts with communications colleagues in University Communications, Media & Public Affairs, Digital and Brand Strategy, Public Affairs & Government Relations, State Relations and across the campus, as well as with researchers, administrators, and others. Actively identify and engage with departments, communicators, faculty and graduate students to highlight emerging scientific leaders.
Develop and maintain relationships with journalists, reporters, media outlets, influencers, etc. Serve as a principal point of contact with science reporters and other external media.
Serve on Duke-wide research committees and initiatives to provide communication counsel and support for the university and identified goals and objectives.
Serve as Duke liaison to Futurity and collaborative ventures.
Advise faculty, departments and centers on best practices in science and research communications.
Advise and support science and research fundraising efforts in collaboration with Alumni Engagement and Development.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work herein.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Completion of a Bachelor's degree program in Journalism, Communications, English or a related discipline.
Experience
Candidates must have at least 8 years' experience as a writer and editor, with clips demonstrating an ability to write lively material on diverse scientific topics, in various news and feature styles. At least three years of experience with a university or research institution is strongly preferred, as is experience with crisis communications, science policy and multimedia journalism.
Skills
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.
