Ready to lead strategy, operations, and projects that drive organizational success? Be You. 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, the Director serves as the AVP's principal operational deputy and helps translate institutional and departmental priorities into coordinated plans, accountable workstreams, and measurable results, events, and engagement. The Director leads the department's project management function and directly supervises two project management professionals. The role establishes the standards, systems, meeting rhythms, and portfolio practices that keep complex work moving across marketing, strategic communications, editorial, multimedia, web, design, and other partner teams. The Director is responsible for visibility across the portfolio, early identification of risks and resource conflicts, timely escalation of decisions, and consistent follow-through. The Director also serves as a supportive lead for high-visibility strategic initiatives, major institutional campaigns, and special events. This includes managing large, cross-functional projects that advance Duke's work in research, climate, community impact, reputation, enrollment, advancement, and other institutional priorities. In addition, the Director supports brand governance, integrated marketing and communications planning, performance reporting, and continuous improvement across Duke's decentralized communications ecosystem. Work Arrangement – On-Site DEPARTMENTAL PREFRENCES Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, design, or a related field; Advanced degree preferred. 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. 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. MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS Education - Completion of a bachelor's degree program in Journalism, Communications, English or a related discipline. Experience - Requires at least 7 years’ experience in writing, public relations, communications or related discipline. Be Bold. 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; set clear expectations, allocate work, review performance, and build consistent practices across the team. Establish and maintain department-wide project
