James Todd

Director of Communications, Duke University Chapel

Durham, North Carolina, United States

About

Leading a team, I present the mission and value of higher education institutions, religious organizations and cultural centers. I use various media to communicate in clear, compelling and convenient ways that produce engagement, donations and attendance. To achieve lasting results, I focus on the importance of community, relationships and organizational values. Work samples below (must be logged in to LinkedIn to view).

Experience

  • Duke University (21 yrs)
    • Director of Communications, Duke University Chapel
      Aug 2025 - Present · 1 yr

      * Guide Duke Chapel’s public voice by directing and advising about key messages, visual standards, and tone in communications products, in alignment with University Communications and Marketing * Continue responsibilities from Communications Manager role

    • Communications Manager, Duke University Chapel
      Mar 2016 - Aug 2025 · 9 yrs 6 mos

      * Oversee and coordinate public communications and advertising via web, email, social media, broadcast and print materials * Increased weekly audience size across digital and broadcast platforms by more than 50% to a reach of 70,000 * Serve on Senior Staff leadership team * Supervise a Communications Specialist colleague as well as student workers, and direct the work of vendors and freelancers * Responsible for the Communications budget * Continue Multimedia Manager roles described below

    • Multimedia Manager, Duke University Chapel
      Jul 2014 - Feb 2016 · 1 yr 8 mos

      * Oversee radio and TV broadcasts, as well as livestreams of services and ceremonies * Produce multimedia stories that highlight the mission of the chapel * Write announcements and press releases

  • Writer/Producer at Freelance
    Dec 2002 - Aug 2005 · 2 yrs 9 mos

    * Produced and reported radio segments for public radio shows, including “Day to Day,” “News and Notes,” “PRI’s The World,” “The Tavis Smiley Show,” “World Vision Report” and WUNC News * Edited reports for nonprofit organizations, including Round River Conservation Studies * Wrote features, press releases and web copy for various Duke University departments

  • Campaign Coordinator at Vote For America
    Aug 2002 - Nov 2002 · 4 mos

    * Organized and delivered 29 “Democracy Captains” trainings to groups of 5 to 50 across North Carolina to encourage citizens to be “informed and thoughtful voters” * Presented a message of civic engagement to partners, volunteers and news media

  • Production Assistant/Commentator at WUNC Radio
    Aug 2001 - Jul 2002 · 1 yr

    * Produced segments for “The State of Things” daily interview show * Wrote and voiced commentaries aired during local broadcasts of “Morning Edition”

  • Senior Sales Representative at Identify Software
    Jul 1998 - Jan 2001 · 2 yrs 7 mos

    * Sold more than $900,000 of software, earning Salesman of the Month award four times * Helped establish a new office in San Jose, Ca.