Communications & Administrative Specialist , Sanford School of Public Policy

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the unique perspectives that strengthen our community. As a Communications Administrative Specialist, you will support communications, marketing, events, and administrative operations across several high-impact initiatives within the Sanford School of Public Policy, including the World Food Policy Center (WFPC), the Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG), and the Duke Center for International Development (DCID).

In this role, you'll work alongside faculty, researchers, staff, students, and external partners to amplify scholarly research, promote public engagement, and support programs that address some of the world's most pressing policy challenges.

Be Bold.

This position offers an exciting opportunity to combine communications expertise, digital content management, event planning, storytelling, and project coordination in a dynamic academic environment.

What You'll Do

World Food Policy Center Communications & Events (55%)

Serve as the primary communications liaison for WFPC and help increase the visibility and impact of the Center's research, events, and initiatives.

Website Management & Content Development

Manage and maintain the WFPC website in collaboration with Sanford Communications.

Develop communications strategies that highlight recent research, projects, and Center activities.

Generate articles, feature stories, and narratives that showcase research and engagement activities.

Develop and distribute newsletters.

Maintain and update project descriptions and program information.

Create opportunities to promote WFPC initiatives both within Duke and to external audiences.

Update staff and student profiles.

Post publications, news mentions, podcasts, videos, webinars, and related content.

Maintain course listings and internship information.

Writing & Editing Support

Copy edit reports, policy briefs, presentations, and other written products.

Support communications with sponsors and external funders.

Coordinate transcription services for qualitative research projects.

Communications & Marketing Support

Assist with the design and production of reports, presentations, and communications materials.

Collaborate with Sanford Communications on multimedia initiatives, including podcast-related content.

Event Planning & Coordination

Partner with the Associate Director to plan and execute Center events.

Coordinate event promotion and outreach efforts.

Draft social media content and communications materials.

Maintain mailing lists and audience engagement tools.

Coordinate vendors, catering, venue logistics, photography, and videography.

Support event staffing and attendee experience.

Develop event summaries and post-event communications.

Design promotional graphics using Canva or similar platforms.

Southeast Asia Research Group (SEAREG) (20%)

Serve as the primary communications contact for SEAREG.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and maintain the SEAREG website.

Update calls for papers, application announcements, and program information.

Track project activities and milestones.

Create written content, newsletters, and social media communications.

Draft and distribute news releases highlighting SEAREG initiatives.

Manage and maintain mailing lists and audience communications.

Collaborate closely with Duke's SEAREG leadership team.

Duke Center for International Development (DCID) (10%)

Support the DCID online presence by ensuring website content remains accurate, engaging, and current.

Key Responsibilities

Manage and update the DCID website.

Create content that highlights research, academic programs, faculty achievements, student accomplishments, and community engagement.

Publish news stories, events, articles, and other communications materials.

Partner with the Executive Director to support strategic communications objectives.

Sanford Communications & Event Support (10%)

Provide communications and event support for school-wide initiatives.

Responsibilities Include

Supporting Distinguished Lectures and Dean-priority events.

Assisting with multimedia projects and podcasts.

Drafting and amplifying social media content.

Supporting event logistics and communications efforts across Sanford School programs.

Other Responsibilities (5%)

Perform other duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of the Sanford School of Public Policy.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

Education: Work requires knowledge of basic mathematical, research, and communications principles normally acquired through two years of postsecondary education.

Experience: Work generally requires four years of clerical or research experience to acquire strong skills in administrative or project research responsibilities, office management, communications, and research practices.

A bachelor's degree in a directly related field may substitute for the education requirement and two years of the required experience.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate will be:

A strong writer with exceptional attention to detail.

Highly organized and able to manage multiple priorities.

Collaborative and customer-service oriented.

Comfortable working independently and within teams.

Preferred qualifications include:

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Graphic Design, Political Science, Public Policy, Social Sciences, or a related field.

Professional communications experience, including website management.

Experience creating content for digital communications platforms.

Familiarity with public policy, international development, food systems, or related topics.

Experience using Microsoft Office applications.

Strong internet research skills.

Excellent project management and organizational abilities.

Strong written and verbal communication skills.

Experience supporting events or public engagement initiatives.

Familiarity with higher education environments, public relations, alumni affairs, or student affairs.

Communications and Administrative Specialist Work Arrangement & Additional Information

This position is based in Durham, North Carolina. Regular on-campus presence is expected to support collaboration, events, meetings, and operational needs. Hybrid work arrangements may be considered based on business needs and departmental approval. Team members approved for hybrid work are expected to maintain consistent availability for scheduled on-campus activities, events, and meetings. Occasional evening and weekend work will be required to support special events and programming.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll join a world-renowned institution dedicated to education, research, and service. You'll have the opportunity to contribute to meaningful work that advances public policy research and global engagement while collaborating with talented colleagues across disciplines.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Bring your communications expertise, creativity, and organizational talents to Duke University and help amplify research and programs that positively impact communities around the world.

Apply today and help advance the mission of the World Food Policy Center, SEAREG, and the Duke Center for International Development.

RLW 7/22

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $19.80 to USD $30.63. 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.