Associate Dean of Communications and Marketing

Duke University

Nov 6, 2024

Applications are closed

Job
Full-time
Expert Level
Marketing
Durham

Requirements

Work requires communication, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a master's degree in communications, business, marketing, or a related field.
Work requires five years of experience as a marketing/communications manager and administrator with a wide range of process, project, policy, budgetary, and supervisory responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in communications and marketing in a higher education organization is preferred. Evidence of a highly collaborative style and experience developing and implementing communications strategies is required.
Prefer 10 years of progressive experience managing communications and/or marketing in a complex, dynamic environment, with a minimum of 6 years in the role of marketing/communications manager and administrator with responsibility for a wide range of process, project, policy, budgetary and supervisory responsibilities. Demonstrated experience in communications and marketing preferably with substantial experience in these roles in a higher education organization. Evidence of a highly collaborative style and experience developing and implementing communications strategies is required.
Must be an accomplished senior communications professional who promotes a culture of high performance and continuous improvement that values learning and a commitment to quality.
Exceptional oral and written communications skills, visual/graphic communication skills.
Strong experience with social media applications (e.g., Sprout Social, Bit.ly, Canva) and platforms (Twitter, LinkedIn, Facebook) as well as working knowledge of digital tools and services such as WordPress and Google Analytics.
Extensive knowledge and use of social media in a dynamic and integrated marketing environment.
Ability to take knowledge and transform it into exciting and useful messages, and disseminate it to the right audiences through the best distribution channels.
Reliable judgment, trusted discretion and strong interpersonal skills to relate to numerous and varied constituencies of the University and the community.
Proven track record as a people manager that builds and enhances strong and diverse teams.
Deep experience with, knowledge about and a passion for higher education.
Self-starter, able to work independently and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

Create, design, implement and sustain integrated marketing and communication plans (external and internal) that support the Sanford School's strategic plan, brand strategy and mission. The plan will include quantitative and qualitative goals and objectives; strategies to measure progress against those goals; timelines, budgets, and responsibilities defined.
Evaluate School-wide communication resources, and develop recommendations for building a cohesive, brand-appropriate strategy that is consistent with Duke standards and policies.
Serve as critical communications strategy advisor to the dean, including drafting of messages and communication from the dean when needed.
Collaborate with colleagues across the school and administrative units –including admissions, faculty, development and alumni relations, and career services to align messages and to promote and communicate key initiatives of the school. Support the communication and develop common strategies for its successful implementation.
Collaborate with the School’s affiliated centers and programs to strengthen, align and guide their communication strategies while maintaining the School’s overall brand and messaging. Ensure collaborative, cohesive, consistent and effective communications strategies across all centers and programs throughout the School, assuring a uniform execution of logos and other branding items both online and offline.
Take a research-based approach to identify key messages and audiences, and work consistently to tell School stories, weaving them together to create a consistent, unified message in support of the School and University brands to a broad range of targeted, diverse audiences. As the lead curator of the School’s stories, engage pro-actively with faculty, administrators, staff, students, parents/families and alumni to recognize and promote the unique and compelling aspects of the school. Ensure effective distribution of research news across the university and beyond, including establishing working relationships with staff at high profile media outlets such as The Hill that cover of policy related research.
Create and implement an editorial calendar for all relevant audiences, executing an intentional communications plan throughout the year.
Coordinate dissemination of news stories and communications with Duke’s Office of University Communications, Duke in DC, multi-disciplinary areas, and other on-campus communications entities. Oversee creation/ submission of content (written, images, video, graphics, etc.) to university channels, including Duke Today and Duke Magazine.
Lead in the creation of annual reports.
Collaborate with the Associate Dean for Development and Alumni affairs in creating products for development communications purposes. Take leadership in helping Duke create a cohesive communications strategy on issues related to public policy that can enhance the reputation of both the school and the university in the policy world.
Represent Sanford on university-wide communications/ marketing initiatives, issues management and crisis communications related to the school, its people and programs under the overall direction of the Vice President for Public Affairs and Government Relations. Participate in communicators network and on the PAGR Executive Council.
Serve as the primary marketing advisor to the Dean, Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research, center directors and university communication leaders on specific initiatives. Define marketing and communications objectives that are aligned and in support of the School’s mission, strategic priorities, and business objectives; analyzes and interprets data, conditions, stakeholder positions and other variables to develop a framework for marketing; adjusts the strategy in response to or in anticipation of changing conditions.
Create and maintain a marketing and media plan with key initiatives, events, and publications, highlighting opportunities and deadlines.
Recognizing the Schools tuition driven financial model, work closely with the School’s admissions team members to continually improve and strengthen the School’s marketing and communications for the prospective student audience. Work closely with the admission team members to support the development of a student recruitment and marketing strategy to increase the volume, quality and diversity of applications.
Collaborate with the School’s senior leadership team to create a marketing/public relations strategy that will enable the School’s leadership to cultivate and enhance meaningful relationships with targeted, high-level external audiences, including the media and key influencers.
Working closely and in collaboration with University Communications, formulate and manage a comprehensive media relations strategy and program at the local, state, national and global levels encompassing print, television and social media outlets. Develop a working relationship with national press, and engage with key media outlets, both proactively and reactively. Seek media placement on an ongoing basis and provide media training to School leaders and faculty for print and television.
Manage all media contacts and develop new relationships to enhance Sanford’s earned media impact. Elevate the Sanford Brand and the Dean’s positioning, as a leading expert for comment on Public Policy Issues in the media.
Work with the Dean to develop interview briefs in preparation for engagement, anticipating difficult questions and developing key talking points.
Field and respond to media inquiries seeking Public Policy opinion and information; coordinate with staff to set up interviews.
Provide media monitoring for the Sanford brand and admired peers with relevant content communicated to the School’s leadership, in real time.
Anticipate and mitigate issues with the potential to negatively impact the School’s reputation and identify emerging issues to be addressed by the Dean.
Develop, manage and maintain school’s websites to serve the information, marketing, recruitment and media relations goals of the school. Create and manage the school’s online, multimedia and social networking initiatives including Facebook, YouTube channel, and ITunesU.
In consultation and coordination with University Communications, develop and maintain a crisis communication and reputation management plan to proactively address potential risks and establish communication guidelines for responding to reputation or crisis issues.
Ensure strategic direction of the group is communicated and supported and that resources and team members are deployed optimally. Oversee and manage the communication team members/office. Ensure that there is high-level monitoring and input regarding work flows, new project kick-offs and operating unit project management/results. Recommend various personnel actions, including, but not limited to hiring, performance assessment and appraisal, and taking corrective personnel actions. Provide coaching and mentoring for growth and improved performance. Serve as a team leader and coach, develop and motivate peers and ensure professional development opportunities are available to support employee goals and interests.
Direct responsibility for all related budgets, financial planning, and department expenditures. Work closely with team members and the Dean's Office to ensure return on investment reporting on key marketing initiatives.
Contribute to the life of the school by serving as appropriate on committees and participating in school-wide initiatives that require input from faculty, staff and students. Serve as liaison to other campus communications entities and Triangle organizations.

FAQs

What are the primary responsibilities of the Associate Dean of Communications and Marketing?

The primary responsibilities include overseeing communications, marketing, branding, and public relations for the Sanford School of Public Policy, creating and implementing integrated marketing and communication plans, advising the Dean and senior leadership on strategic priorities, managing media relations, collaborating with various teams, and overseeing the communications team.

What qualifications are preferred for this position?

Preferred qualifications include a master's degree in communications, business, marketing, or a related field, at least 10 years of progressive experience in communications or marketing management, and substantial experience in higher education communications.

Is prior experience in public relations agencies considered valuable for this role?

Yes, prior experience in public relations agencies is considered a plus for this position.

Will the Associate Dean work closely with other departments?

Yes, the Associate Dean will collaborate closely with the Associate Dean for Development & Alumni Relations and the Associate Dean for Academic Programs, as well as other academic departments within the School.

What type of skills are essential for the desired candidate?

Essential skills include exceptional oral and written communication abilities, strong visual/graphic communication skills, experience with social media applications and platforms, teamwork and leadership capabilities, and a deep passion for higher education.

What is the role of the Associate Dean in media relations?

The Associate Dean is responsible for managing a comprehensive media relations strategy, developing relationships with national press, providing media training to School leaders, fielding media inquiries, and monitoring the Sanford brand in the media.

What is the approach taken toward communications strategies?

The Associate Dean is expected to develop research-based communications strategies that identify key messages and audiences, promoting a consistent and unified narrative that aligns with the School and University brands.

Is a collaborative style important for this role?

Yes, a highly collaborative style is crucial for the Associate Dean, as the position requires building beneficial relationships with internal and external stakeholders and ensuring cohesive communication strategies across the School.

What types of benefits are offered by Duke University?

Duke University offers a variety of benefits for its employees, including health insurance options, retirement plans, and opportunities for professional development.

What is the work environment like at Duke University?

Duke University fosters a collaborative, innovative, and creative work environment that values diversity, inclusion, and the robust exchange of ideas among its community members.

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Duke University is a leading academic institution dedicated to excellence in education, research, and community service. Their ultimate mission is to advance knowledge and develop leaders who can make a positive impact on society. Duke University aims to provide a transformative educational experience, fostering intellectual growth, critical thinking, and ethical leadership. By integrating rigorous academics with a commitment to social responsibility, Duke seeks to contribute to the global community and address pressing challenges through innovation and collaboration.