Senior Writer

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.
Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives each member of our community brings. As the Writer for Duke Student Affairs , you’ll play a key role in shaping how students, families, faculty, staff, and partners experience our message. You will help tell the stories that define the student experience, amplify the voices of our diverse community, and communicate Student Affairs’ mission with clarity, purpose, and authenticity.
Be Bold.
As a creative storyteller and strategic communicator, you will lead the development of high‑impact messaging, digital content, and multimedia assets that strengthen Student Affairs’ brand and deepen engagement across the Duke community.
What You’ll Do
Writing & Editorial – 65%

Produce high‑quality written content for digital and print platforms including feature stories, newsletters, announcements, and divisional campaigns.
Conduct research and interviews to create compelling narratives that highlight the Duke student experience.
Draft, edit, and finalize memos, briefs, web content, and executive correspondence on behalf of the Vice Provost/Vice President for Student Affairs.
Ensure all communications reflect Duke’s standards for tone, accuracy, style, and strategic alignment.
Collaborate with divisional leadership and campus partners to craft key messages.
Support crisis, urgent, or issue‑related communications.
Assist with scriptwriting and content planning for Student Affairs video channels.
Visual & Creative Communications – 20%

Support the development of digital graphics, video materials, and visual assets that align with Student Affairs’ brand identity.
Partner with the Student Affairs Communications team on pre‑ and post‑production video work, including writing and editing support.
Help maintain consistency in branding, style, and voice across all materials.
Collaboration & Strategic Support – 10%

Audit and update web pages to ensure compliance with Duke’s digital standards and divisional messaging.
Participate in editorial planning, proofreading, and design workflows for major publications and campaigns.
Other Responsibilities – 5%

Perform additional duties as assigned to support the goals of the division and the university.
Choose Duke.
Join a team dedicated to enriching the student experience through thoughtful communication, inclusive storytelling, and a bold commitment to Duke’s values. You’ll collaborate across the university, contribute to meaningful projects, and elevate the voices that shape the Duke community.
What You Bring
Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, Communications, or a related discipline.
At least five years of professional writing experience with an editorial organization.
Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
Strongly Preferred

Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
Strong organizational abilities and attention to detail.
Strategic, creative, and critical thinking skills.
Customer‑service orientation with the ability to work effectively with students, families, faculty, staff, and vendors.
Experience with marketing analytics and using data to inform content.
Ability to manage multiple projects, adapt to shifting needs, and protect confidential information.
Advanced technical skills, including:
Experience with project management tools such as Asana, Airtable, and Miro.
Familiarity with Google Analytics. Additional Preferred Skills

Experience with email and social media marketing tools (Emma, Salesforce, HubSpot, Blueshift, YouTube, Instagram).
WordPress content management.
Proficiency with Canva, Figma, Adobe Creative Cloud, and Microsoft applications.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help us create a more connected, vibrant, and student‑centered Duke.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $59,829.00 to USD $86,700.00. 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 paycheck. 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/
Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.
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 andreasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).