Senior Program Coordinator

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.

DukeLIFE within the Office of Undergraduate Education is seeking a Senior Program Coordinator who is passionate about supporting first-generation and lower-income students and creating meaningful, high-impact student experiences.

In this role, you will design and deliver programs that immerse students in Duke's intellectual community while strengthening their sense of belonging. You'll independently manage a portfolio of programs-from peer mentoring and transition initiatives to large-scale community events-ensuring they are thoughtfully planned, well-executed, and aligned with DukeLIFE's mission.

On a day-to-day basis, you will coordinate program logistics, engage directly with students through events and advising, and collaborate with campus partners. You will serve as a primary point of contact for students, helping them navigate resources, build connections, and thrive in a highly selective academic environment. You'll also play a key role in mentoring student leaders, supervising a student assistant, and shaping programs that support student success from transition through retention.

This is a dynamic opportunity to directly impact the Duke student experience by fostering community, supporting student development, and advancing access and inclusion.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree is generally required
• Three years of experience in program administration or roles involving academic, instructional, or counseling activities
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and implement multiple programs or events simultaneously
• Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will be considered

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience coordinating student-facing programs, ideally in higher education
• Experience working with high-performing students in selective or elite institutions
• Proven success managing events/programs with multiple stakeholders, logistics, and timelines
• Experience supervising student staff or peer leaders
• Experience developing student engagement, transition, or mentorship programs
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including newsletters and social media
• Experience managing program platforms or engagement tools (e.g., Mentor Collective), graphic design platforms (Canva) and Microsoft Office Suite
• Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and sound judgment

Other Requirements:

• Must maintain a flexible schedule, including some nights and weekends
• This position is onsite, with work primarily performed on campus at Duke University. The unit observes a 4:1 hybrid schedule.

Be Bold.

Position Responsibilities:

Program Coordination & Event Planning

• Coordinate and administer the LIFE Peer Mentoring Program, fostering sustained mentoring relationships between incoming and experienced students
• Manage program participation and engagement through the Mentor Collective platform, using data and feedback to enhance program effectiveness
• Design and facilitate regular in-person events to strengthen student connection and engagement
• Lead planning and execution of ASCEND, a fall transition program focused on academic integration and help-seeking behaviors
• Develop program schedules, coordinate logistics, and ensure seamless delivery of student programming
• Plan signature events including Welcome Tailgate, DukeLIFE Fall Retreat, and Parents & Family Weekend programming
• Support recruitment initiatives such as Blue Devil Days and other spring events
• Oversee student-led faculty engagement programs, providing guidance, structure, and alignment with goals
• Coordinate logistics across unit programs, including space reservations, catering, supplies, and travel
• Maintain the DukeLIFE Study Room in Perkins Library, ensuring a welcoming and functional student space
• Serve as the primary point of contact for students, providing guidance and resolving program-related issues

Student Development & Supervision

• Build strong relationships with students through one-on-one engagement, outreach, and advising
• Hire, train, and supervise the Programming & Communications Assistant, providing ongoing coaching and feedback
• Recruit, train, and support student leaders (Peer Mentors and ASCEND Coaches)
• Guide student leaders in supporting peer transitions and coordinating engagement initiatives
• Recruit and onboard incoming students into DukeLIFE programs
• Identify student needs and connect them to appropriate campus resources
• Develop and deliver training for student leaders and partners to enhance student support

Communications

• Develop and distribute a monthly newsletter highlighting resources, events, and opportunities
• Manage DukeLIFE's Instagram account to ensure consistent, engaging, and brand-aligned messaging
• Coordinate communications to ensure students receive accurate and timely program information

Outreach & Collaboration

• Partner with campus stakeholders including New Student & Family Programs, Conference & Event Services, and Perkins Library
• Represent DukeLIFE on committees and working groups
• Contribute to collaborative initiatives that support first-generation and lower-income students

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work performed and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is one of the world's leading institutions for education, research, and innovation, and DukeLIFE plays a critical role in ensuring that all students-regardless of background-can fully access and thrive within that environment. Through mentorship, transition programming, and community-building initiatives, DukeLIFE empowers first-generation and lower-income students to succeed academically, socially, and professionally.

Joining DukeLIFE means becoming part of a collaborative, student-centered team dedicated to inclusion, excellence, and transformative experiences. You'll have the opportunity to shape programs that directly impact student success while working alongside committed colleagues and campus partners.