Director of Communications - 168203
The Duke Human Vaccine Institute is a large interdisciplinary organization with a goal to develop vaccines and therapeutics for HIV, Influenza, SARS-CoV-2, and other emerging infections. The Director of Communications will be responsible for the coordination, evaluation, and management of all internal/external communications related to the Duke Human Vaccine Institute (DHVI).
The Director of Communications will compose, manage, and execute an internal and external communications strategy to advance awareness and visibility for DHVI. This position will report directly to the DHVI Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) and work in direct partnership with DHVI senior leadership and other DHVI operational units. The position will work closely with Duke University, School of Medicine and Duke Health news and communications offices and will have a dotted line relationship to the Associate Dean for Communications in the School of Medicine.
Primary Responsibilities:
- Partner with the DHVI leaders and other internal constituencies to develop and execute a communications strategic plan that builds visibility and awareness for the institute and informs and engages internal audiences.
- Produce and/or edit interviews, articles, blog posts, videos, presentations social media content and other material about DHVI members, activities and programs. Coordinate with Duke communications offices to share news through various Duke channels.
- Partner with the Duke news offices to develop media relations strategies targeting regional, national, and international media. Collaborate with other Duke programs and units on collaborative communications efforts.
- Serve as DHVI liaison to University, SOM and Duke Health offices on issues and crisis communications matters, and participate in meetings and professional development for Duke communications leaders.
- Develop and maintain content on the DHVI websites, intranet, and DHVI social media channels.
- Work with DHVI leadership, Duke University, SOM and Duke Health partners to identify and execute thought leadership opportunities, including op-eds, social media, speaking engagements and other public outreach.
- Working with DHVI leadership and various research programs, develop strategies and implement solutions to significantly improve bi-directional internal communication to all levels of institute faculty, trainees, and staff.
- Ensure a consistent visual identity, in alignment with Duke branding guidelines, for the institute for the website, intranet, videos, podcasts, printed materials and seminars.
- Supervise DHVI communications staff and freelance/contract writers, photographers, videographers, designers, web developers.
- Determine fiscal requirements; prepare budgetary recommendations; monitor, verify, and reconcile expenditure of budgeted funds.
- Monitor and analyze impact and effectiveness of DHVI communications and recommend changes as needed.
- Reflect our DHVI support for DEI initiatives in all communications.
Preferred Experience:
- Experience working in an academic medicine environment.
- Exceptional storytelling, writing, and listening skills
- Bachelor’s Degree and a minimum 5 years’ directly related experience in communications planning, management or strategy for science, health, research or related fields or equivalent combination
- Ability to work independently and in partnership with others.
- Balance between strong organizational skills and creativity
- Experience working in an academic or research environment is preferred.
Required Qualifications at this Level
- Education/Training: Completion of a bachelor's degree program in Journalism, Communications, English or a related discipline.
- Experience: Requires at least 5 years experience in writing, public relations, communications or related discipline.