What are the responsibilities and job description for the Senior Public Relations Specialist for Interdisciplinary Programs position at Duke?
Duke University:
Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.
Be You.
The Office of Interdisciplinary Programs at Duke University is looking for a Senior Public Relations Specialist to join our dynamic team. In this role, you will craft compelling stories and strategic messaging that amplify Duke’s interdisciplinary initiatives. You’ll work closely with programs like Bass Connections, the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, and the Cook Center on Social Equity, helping to showcase groundbreaking research and collaborative projects that tackle society’s most pressing challenges.
You will be at the center of Duke’s vibrant culture of interdisciplinarity—translating complex ideas into accessible narratives, managing digital platforms, and engaging diverse audiences. If you love storytelling, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to make an impact through strategic communications, this is the role for you.
Minimum Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, or related field.
- At least 2 years of experience in communications, writing, public relations, or related activity in a complex environment OR an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Strong writing and editing skills with the ability to translate complex ideas for non-specialist audiences.
- Familiarity with digital and social content management systems and analytics tools.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in higher education or nonprofit communications.
- Digital design skills; photography, videography, or audio production experience is a plus.
- Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines with strong attention to detail.
Other Requirements
- Hybrid eligible: This position is partially remote and requires residence in a Duke-approved state.
- Occasional evening or weekend work for events may be required.
Be Bold.
In this role, you will be the driving force behind strategic storytelling and digital engagement for three of Duke’s most influential interdisciplinary programs. Your work will shape how faculty, students, and external audiences experience Duke’s commitment to collaboration and discovery.
Expanded Essential Job Duties
- Lead content strategy and execution: Develop compelling narratives that highlight research breakthroughs, student experiences, and societal impact. You’ll produce articles, videos, podcasts, and social media campaigns that resonate with diverse audiences.
- Own digital presence: Ensure websites and social platforms are vibrant, accurate, and engaging. You’ll analyze performance metrics to refine strategies and maximize reach.
- Champion strategic communications planning: Create annual plans that align with Duke’s vision, incorporating measurable goals and innovative tactics to elevate program visibility.
- Collaborate across disciplines: Partner with faculty, students, and staff to uncover stories that matter. You’ll serve as a connector, ensuring interdisciplinary work gets the spotlight it deserves.
- Mentor and manage: Supervise student assistants, fostering their growth while ensuring high-quality deliverables.
Your creativity and strategic thinking will directly influence how Duke’s interdisciplinary initiatives are perceived locally, nationally, and globally.
Choose Duke.
Duke University is not just a workplace—it’s a community of innovators and problem-solvers. The Office of Interdisciplinary Programs sits at the heart of this ecosystem, supporting initiatives that tackle the world’s most pressing challenges through collaboration and creativity.
When you join our team, you’ll:
- Be part of a world-class research institution consistently ranked among the top universities globally.
- Work in an environment that values inclusion, discovery, and excellence, where your ideas can shape the future of education and research.
- Enjoy a hybrid work arrangement, competitive benefits, and access to professional development opportunities.
- Engage with programs like Bass Connections, which brings together students and faculty to address real-world issues; the Duke Institute for Brain Sciences, advancing neuroscience research; and the Cook Center on Social Equity, driving scholarship on inequality and social justice.
At Duke, your work will matter—and you’ll have the resources, support, and community to make a lasting impact.
Anticipated Pay Range:
Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $59,829.00 to USD $86,700.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Job Code: 00001268 PUBLIC RELATIONS SPEC, SENIOR
Job Level: 12
Duke 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, sex (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.
Salary : $59,829 - $86,700
