Health Administration Intern

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Duke Health Marketing & Communications (MARCOM)

Dr. McKissick-Melton Communications Fellow — Integrated Communications & Multimedia

Summer 2026 | Duke Health

Position Overview

Duke Health Marketing & Communications (MARCOM) seeks a Dr. McKissick-Melton Communications Fellow to participate in a rotational learning experience providing exposure to multiple disciplines within an integrated communications department at a leading academic health system.

Over a 10-week fellowship, the Fellow will gain hands-on experience across communications content strategy, visual storytelling, multimedia production, digital communications, and editorial writing while contributing to impactful health system projects.

The Fellow will work alongside MARCOM professionals and participate in team meetings, creative projects, and production activities, culminating in a capstone project demonstrating applied learning and professional growth.

Fellowship Structure

• Dates: May 18 – July 24, 2026
• Schedule: Up to 19.9 hours per week
• Location: Duke Health hospital campuses (Durham, NC and Raleigh, NC)
• Compensation: $18.00/hour
• Participation in weekly professional development Lunch & Learn sessions is required.
• Completion and presentation of a capstone project during Farewell Week.

Rotational Learning Experience

The Fellow will rotate across core MARCOM functions, gaining exposure to how integrated communications teams collaborate to plan, produce, and distribute content.

1. Communications Content Strategy & Planning (Approx. 25%)

• Attend content planning and communications team meetings.
• Learn how communication channels and storytelling priorities are selected.
• Observe strategic planning discussions and campaign development.
• Assist with research and communications planning activities.

2. Visual Storytelling & Production (Approx. 25%)

Working with the Director of Visual Storytelling, the Fellow will:

• Attend photo and video shoots (studio and on-location).
• Support production preparation and coordination.
• Learn fundamentals of visual storytelling in healthcare communications.
• Observe editing and production workflows.

3. Digital Communications & Multimedia Design (Approx. 25%)

The Fellow will gain exposure to:

• Website and digital experience management.
• Multimedia storytelling approaches.
• Graphic design and brand implementation.
• Digital content workflows and collaboration processes.

4. Editorial Writing & Content Development (Approx. 25%)

Working with editorial leadership, the Fellow will:

• Observe stakeholder intake and story development.
• Assist with drafting communications content.
• Learn editorial review and publishing processes.
• Support newsletter and content publication workflows.

Capstone Project

The Fellow will complete a capstone project aligned with Duke Health MARCOM priorities, producing a tangible deliverable presented during Farewell Week.

Example Capstone Project (illustrative only):

 “Mission Moment” Video — Concept to Delivery

The Fellow may support development of a short mission-focused video featured predominantly in Duke Health communications channels, gaining extensive experience in communications and multimedia storytelling.

Example responsibilities may include:

• Supporting story development and creative planning.
• Assisting with interview preparation and filming coordination.
• Participating in production and post-production workflows.
• Tracking feedback and revision cycles.
• Supporting rollout communications and distribution planning.

Final deliverables may include video assets, planning materials, and supporting communications content.

Final capstone scope will be determined based on organizational priorities and fellowship timeline.

Qualifications

Required

• Current undergraduate student majoring in Mass Communications, Journalism, Marketing, Public Relations, or related field.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and collaboration abilities.
• Interest in multimedia storytelling and communications strategy.
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.

Preferred

• Experience with video, photography, writing, or digital media.
• Interest in healthcare or mission-driven communications environments.

What the Fellow Will Gain

• Exposure to an integrated communications department within a major academic health system.
• Hands-on experience across strategy, storytelling, multimedia, and editorial functions.
• Portfolio-ready work products.
• Mentorship from communications professionals.
• Professional networking opportunities across Duke Health.

Supervision

The Fellow will report to a designated MARCOM leader and receive regular mentorship, feedback, and opportunities to shadow communications professionals across the team.

About Duke Health Marketing & Communications

Duke Health MARCOM leads integrated communications and marketing strategies supporting patient care, research innovation, education, and community impact across Duke University Health System.