Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations

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Work Arrangement:
Hybrid (On-Site and Remote mix)

Requisition Number: 275789

Regular or Temporary:
Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date:
Oct 12, 2026

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 Pratt School of Engineering at Duke University is seeking an experienced and collaborative communications professional to serve as Associate Director of Communications and Media Relations
. In this highly visible leadership role, you will help shape how one of the nation's leading engineering schools shares its research, innovation, academic programs, and impact with audiences across Duke and around the world.

Reporting to the Executive Director of Strategic Communications and Marketing, you will lead the School's day-to-day editorial, research communications, and media relations efforts while supervising communications and multimedia staff. This is a hands-on role for a skilled writer, editor, and storyteller who enjoys translating complex ideas into compelling content and building relationships with faculty, researchers, media, and institutional partners.

You will work closely with leaders across the School to develop strategic communications plans, manage high-profile content initiatives, oversee editorial operations, support executive communications, and elevate the visibility of Pratt's faculty, students, and research achievements.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, marketing, or a related field is generally required.
• Six years of experience in public relations, marketing, media relations, communications, journalism, advertising, or a related field. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
• Strong writing, editing, organizational, and project management skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Eight to ten years of progressively responsible experience in strategic communications, editorial leadership, media relations, journalism, research communications, public relations, or integrated marketing.
• Master's degree in a related field or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with experience producing feature stories, research narratives, executive communications, and multimedia content.
• Experience translating complex scientific, engineering, or technical subjects into engaging content for diverse audiences.
• Demonstrated success developing proactive media relations strategies and cultivating relationships with journalists.
• Experience supervising staff, managing workflows, and providing coaching and performance feedback.
• Experience in higher education, research-intensive organizations, science, technology, engineering, or related fields.
• Familiarity with web analytics, audience insights, accessibility standards, and inclusive communications practices.
• Experience supporting executive communications, reputation management, or crisis communications.

Other Requirements

• Must be able to manage multiple projects, priorities, and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Requires the ability to exercise sound…