Communications Specialist

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.

Position Summary

The Communications Specialist advances the Nasher Museum of Art's mission and visibility by managing digital communications and promoting exhibitions, programs, and events to a broad audience. Under the guidance of the Communications and Marketing Director, this position oversees the museum's website, monthly e-newsletter, and social media platforms, ensuring a consistent and engaging voice that reflects the museum's vision and values.

Key Responsibilities

Digital Content Management and Marketing (40%)

• Maintain and update the museum's website by creating WordPress pages for exhibitions, events, articles, and other content while ensuring accuracy, accessibility, and an engaging user experience
• Plan, write, and produce the museum's bimonthly e-newsletter, coordinating content and images from across departments
• Promote museum exhibitions, events, and programs across digital platforms while ensuring all content aligns with the museum's and university's visual and editorial standards
• Track website and e-newsletter analytics to evaluate performance, guide content strategy, and support continuous improvement in digital engagement

Social Media and Audience Engagement (45%)

• Coordinate the museum's social media presence by creating and scheduling compelling content that reflects the institution's voice, priorities, and strategic direction set by the Director of Communications and Marketing
• Grow and cultivate online audiences through thoughtful community engagement, timely and responsive interaction, and creative storytelling that highlights the museum's exhibitions, programs, and mission
• Monitor trends in social media and digital communication within the arts and higher education sectors, recommending fresh approaches that enhance visibility and audience engagement

Visual Content Creation and Event Support (15%)

• Photograph programs, exhibitions, and special events to generate quality visual content for digital and print communications
• Edit images and produce polished assets using Photoshop and related design tools to support marketing and storytelling needs
• Provide on-site communications support during museum events-sometimes including evenings and weekends-capturing content and assisting with real-time promotion
• Collaborate with staff and the Director of Communications and Marketing to visually document and promote the museum's programs, activities, and community impact

Anticipated Pay Rate

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $44,766 to USD $71,706.00. 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 pay check. 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/

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.

Minimum Qualifications

Education/Training

• Work requires communication and marketing skills normally acquired through a bachelor's degree in a related field.

Experience

• Work generally requires one year related experience in advertising, marketing, media, promotions or public relations. OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Relevant Skills and Knowledge

• Experience with WordPress and digital content management; strong writing and editing skills
• Proficiency in social media strategy, content creation, and analytics
• Some skill in digital photography and image editing (Photoshop and related tools)
• Ability to support live events with real-time content capture
• Strong collaboration, communication, and project-management abilities
• Understanding of accessibility standards and inclusive communication practices