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EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS LEAD
Job Title: EXECUTIVE COMMUNICATIONS LEAD
Job Code: 2731
FLSA: E
Job Level: 16
Revised Date: 02/01/2024
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
The Executive Communications Lead creates, researches, and writes for the Executive Vice President of Health Affairs, Duke University and Dean of Duke School of Medicine. This includes but is not limited to internal and external communications, speeches, remarks, video scripts, memorandums, community announcements, and social media content. In the EVP/Deans expanded role as Co-Lead of Duke Health, this position would also be called on to interact with counterparts in the office of the President, the Provost, and the CEO of DUHS. Support the School of Medicine (SoM) by making sure the overarching messaging incorporates its vision, values, and priorities, including the Duke Health Integrated Practice; Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion; One Duke; and key fundraising narratives. Direct report to the SoMs Vice Dean of Communications and Advancement and Chief Communications Officer.
Work Performed
Work closely with the EVP/Dean and Vice Dean on researching, creating, structuring, and implementing messaging strategy and platforms.
Collaborate with Office of Strategic Communications (OSC) colleagues to maximize the dissemination of materials across the broadest spectrum of platforms for engaging, educating, and motivating audiences.
Incorporate a broad variety of multimedia tools and tactics (photography, video, and audio) to elevate audience engagement, in close collaboration with the Assistant Director of Multimedia.
Implement tactics to repurpose content for further distribution among the SOMs varied platforms including websites and social media, in close collaboration with the Assistant Dean for Digital and Brand Communications.
Provide for robust messaging pull-through (e.g., One Duke) on all audience engagements, communications, and interactions. Coordinate, inform, and help oversee strategy for selecting and managing content for the Deans event, ceremony, and public speaking schedule.
Collaborate and align communications and messaging strategy with counterparts in the offices of the President, the Provost, and the DUHS CEO.
Identify and prepare the EVP/Dean and other SoM leaders for traditional and mainstream media opportunities that will promote and advance the institution within its four missions: research, education, clinical care, and community partnerships.
Draft, revise, and finalize speeches and remarks for the EVP/Dean, in close collaboration with the EVP/Dean and Vice Dean.
Conduct research supporting the EVP/Deans communications, ensuring content is accurate, complete, and appropriate.
Engage, meet, and interview Duke Health Leadership including Vice Deans, Chairs and Division Chiefs on behalf of the EVP/Dean seeking content for presentations, speeches, and audience encounters.
Work closely with DUHS Leadership Communications counterpart to implement, adhere to, and revise the Duke Health Co Leadership Communications Plan which coordinates joint communications to the Duke Health community.
Create presentations and slides to accompany speeches and remarks.
Provide stories, images and content about the EVP/Dean and the SOM to Duke Magazine, Duke Daily, Duke Today and all the other communications products of the University.
Manage social media accounts for the EVP/Dean.
Lead the planning and drafting of the Deans annual State of the School presentation, in close collaboration with the Dean and Vice Dean.
Provide, maintain, and update a steady content stream for the Deans Leadership website, including videos, podcasts, blog entries, and media links.
Create a consistent voice, style, and identity based on the Deans preferences, fostering audience understanding and enhancing engagement and reaction.
Research, identify, and tailor messaging to various internal audiences including but not limited to faculty, students, staff, and other senior leaders within the University and Duke Health.
Manage distribution of executive memos, create timelines, seek approvals and reviews from leaders, confirm distribution lists, and distribute memos via the appropriate communications channels.
Draft executive memos for other vice deans, as assigned.
Create, research, and draft crisis communication messages on behalf of the EVP/Dean in close collaboration with the Vice Dean, and with the Vice President of University Marketing and Communications.
Attend weekly calendar and scheduling meetings with the EVP/Dean, Chief of Staff, and Executive Assistant.
Provide materials and on-the-ground support for the EVP/Dean at high level University and Duke Health meetings (Executive Leadership meetings with VPs and AVPs, Board of Trustees, Board of Visitors, Medical Alumni Council).
Collaborate with Duke Health Development and Alumni Affairs (DHDAA) on customizing executive messaging for philanthropy, fundraising, stewardship, and alumni engagement.
Attend weekly DHDAA planning and strategy meetings, and monthly DHDAA calendar meetings to prepare and coordinate for the EVP/Deans upcoming visits, and events with alumni and donors.
Prepare the EVP/Dean with SOM stories, talking points, and content for key high level donor meetings.
Align EVP/Dean donor messaging and communications with the Universitys Office of Alumni Engagement and Development. Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Work requires communications, marketing, strategic planning, research, analytical and organizational skills generally required through completion of Bachelor degree in journalism, public relations, communications, political science, English or a related field.
Experience
Requires ten years of experience in journalism, public relations, public affairs, marketing or related field with experience creating, posting, and publishing content through print and electronic mediums, including content management systems. Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills necessary to manage and coordinate a variety of tasks. Experience working in an academic environment is preferred.
Skills
Excellent written and oral communication. Experience working directly with executives or leaders in government, non-profit organizations, academic institutions, or corporations. Expertise with all common presentation software (PowerPoint, etc.) and basic knowledge of digital, multimedia, website software tools, and content management systems (CMS). Ability to create written and spoken content reflecting the Deans voice, tone, style, and priorities. Skilled at conducting research, revising, and editing content for maximum engagement and effectiveness. Excellent knowledge of language, grammar, and style. Strong attention to detail and excellent collaborative skills. Experience with tailoring content for various audiences and a variety of platforms. Knowledge and expertise in best practices for maximum distribution and engagement.
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 Affirmative Action/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, sexual orientation, or veteran 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.
