Director of Communications Strategy & Operations

About the Role

The Director of Operations and Strategy is a manager within Duke University's Office of Communications, Marketing, and Public Affairs, reporting to the Assistant Vice President for Operations and Strategy and Chief of Staff. This role serves as the AVP's principal operational deputy, translating institutional and departmental priorities into coordinated plans, accountable workstreams, and measurable results. The Director leads the department's project management function, supervises two project management professionals, and establishes standards, systems, and practices to keep complex work moving across various teams.

Responsibilities

• Department Operations, Project & Event Management, and Team Leadership (30%):
  • Lead the department's project management function and supervise, coach, and develop two project management/operations professionals.
  • Establish and maintain department-wide project and portfolio management standards.
  • Oversee the effective use and continuous improvement of Wrike and related operational tools.
  • Develop and refine standard event operating procedures and governance structures.
  • Manage selected vendors, agencies, freelancers, and project budgets.
  • Serve as an operational partner and project manager to the AVP.
• Strategic Initiatives and Institutional Campaigns (25%):
  • Serve as the lead operational strategist for complex, high-visibility initiatives, events, and campaigns.
  • Manage major campaign portfolios related to research, climate, community impact, and other institutional priorities.
  • Translate strategic goals into integrated project plans.
  • Coordinate work across multiple communications disciplines and university units.
  • Track campaign progress and conduct post-project reviews.
• Special Events and Executive Support (20%):
  • Serve as a supportive lead for major university events, including commencement and leadership convenings.
  • Develop integrated event work plans and coordinate with various teams.
  • Support the AVP with strategic assignments and cross-campus coordination.
• Brand Governance and Creative Quality and Alignment (15%):
  • Support university-wide brand governance and help partners apply Duke's visual identity and standards.
  • Review high-visibility creative and campaign materials for alignment with institutional strategy.
  • Help maintain and improve brand guidance and review processes.
• Integrated Communications and Marketing Strategy Measurement and Reporting (10%):
  • Partner with the AVP and functional leaders to operationalize integrated marketing and communications strategies.
  • Contribute to communications and marketing plans, including objective setting and audience strategy.
  • Help establish measurement and reporting frameworks for priority initiatives.
  • Support annual and quarterly planning, goal tracking, and reporting.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, design, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• Experience:
  • 7–10+ years of experience in marketing, communications, brand strategy, or creative operations, preferably within higher education or a complex organization.
  • Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional teams and managing complex, high-visibility projects.

Skills

• Strong understanding of brand governance, digital strategy, and integrated marketing and communications.
• Proven ability to translate strategy into execution while maintaining attention to detail and brand integrity.
• Excellent leadership, collaboration, and communication skills, with the ability to influence across a decentralized organization.

Pay

The anticipated pay range for this position is USD $79,724.00 to USD $159,445.00 annually. Duke University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities, candidate's experience and skills, internal equity, and market conditions when determining the final offer.

Work Arrangement

This is an on-site position at Duke University.