Director of Marketing, Innovation & Entrepreneurship

The Director of Marketing and Communications is accountable for developing and executing innovative marketing and communication strategies to elevate Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E)’s visibility, engagement, and impact. Reporting to the Director, this role requires an entrepreneurial mindset, technical fluency in modern marketing tools, and data-driven decision-making. The position blends strategic communications with a strong focus on digital marketing, audience engagement, and content strategy to effectively reach students, alumni, faculty, staff, university leadership, and other stakeholders.

Your portfolio will encompass branding, digital and social media marketing, content development, marketing automation, audience segmentation, strategic messaging, executive communications, and stakeholder outreach. As a key member of the leadership team, you will provide counsel on communication strategies while driving rapid experimentation, leveraging data analytics, and optimizing marketing effectiveness.

Key Responsibilities:

Marketing Strategy and Execution

• Develop and implement dynamic, data-driven marketing strategies to effectively engage stakeholders through audience-appropriate channels, emphasizing rapid testing, learning, and adjustment.
• Lead audience segmentation efforts, utilizing CRM and analytics tools to target key demographics with personalized, impactful messaging.
• Drive the creation and dissemination of visually compelling, short-form content (e.g., videos, infographics) that translates complex thought leadership, success stories, and impact into easily digestible formats.
• Manage marketing automation platforms and CRM systems to optimize outreach, lead generation, and engagement workflows.
• Analyze website traffic, social media metrics, and email campaign performance to continuously improve marketing effectiveness.
• Foster a culture of experimentation, encouraging innovative approaches to stakeholder engagement and brand awareness.

Strategic Communications

• Develop strategic messaging that promotes Duke I&E as a global thought leader in innovation and entrepreneurship.
• Support major program initiatives, organizational strategy, and key milestones with effective internal and external communication plans.
• Provide strategic communications counsel to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with Duke I&E’s goals and messaging priorities.
• Collaborate with other communicators and marketing professionals at Duke to align strategies and amplify impact.

Content and Resource Management

• Oversee the editorial calendar to promote Duke I&E programs, events, and initiatives at key moments throughout the academic year.
• Manage a direct report and coordinate with consultants, student ambassadors, and student employees on video production, resource development, and content creation.
• Promote and encourage brand consistency across all communication channels, including web, social media, newsletters, and executive communications.

Required Competencies

• Entrepreneurial mindset with the ability to think creatively, rapidly test new ideas, and adapt strategies based on data insights.
• Strong data-driven decision-making skills with proficiency in marketing analytics, A/B testing, and performance tracking.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication skills with the ability to translate complex ideas into compelling content.
• Technical fluency with marketing automation tools, CRM systems, content management systems, and web analytics platforms.
• Strong project management skills with a results-oriented, deadline-driven approach.
• Proven ability to collaborate cross-functionally and manage diverse stakeholder relationships.

Education and Experience Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Data Analytics, Business, or a related field.
• 8+ years of progressive experience in marketing and communications roles, with demonstrated expertise in digital marketing and strategic communications.
• Prior experience leading and managing others.
• Proficiency in CRM platforms, marketing automation tools, and analytics software (e.g., Google Analytics, content management systems).
• Experience managing content creation teams.
• Successful track record of working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in entrepreneurship, innovation-focused organizations, or higher education.
• Demonstrated ability to lead marketing initiatives that engage stakeholders through creative, cost-efficient methods.
• Strong understanding of social media platforms, content trends, and emerging marketing technologies.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $61,465.00 to USD $105,523.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position; the 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/

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 and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

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