Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.
Be You.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality, purpose, and the unique strengths each person brings to our community. As a Staff Assistant within the Duke Office of Durham and Community Affairs (DCA), Division of Education and Community Engagement, you’ll play a critical role in advancing community-engaged scholarship and education initiatives that connect Duke with Durham and communities across North Carolina. In this role, you’ll independently manage complex operational and programmatic activities supporting the Center for Community‑Engaged Scholarship (DCCES), the NC Leadership Forum (NCLF), America Reads/America Counts/Leap2School (ARAC/L2S), and other Education and Center team programs. You’ll provide high‑level administrative support to the Assistant Vice President (AVP) for Community‑Engaged Scholarship and the Faculty Director of DCCES, while also supporting a collaborative, mission‑driven team. DCCES is a joint endeavor of Duke Community Affairs and the Provost’s Office of Interdisciplinary Programs, requiring thoughtful coordination across all Duke schools, units, and the School of Medicine—including regular interaction with the Provost’s and President’s offices.
Minimum Qualifications
Education
Work requires a broad knowledge of clerical and accounting principles and practices normally acquired through two years of post-secondary education in administrative support or a related business field.
Experience
Work generally requires four years of related secretarial/clerical experience to acquire skills necessary to administer complex office functions related to office management, communications, andbudgetary/accounting activities. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE
Be Bold.
Bring your organization, initiative, and attention to detail to a fast‑paced environment where your work directly supports students, faculty, and community partners.
What You’ll Do
Executive & Administrative Support (40%)
- Provide day‑to‑day administrative support for the AVP for Community‑Engaged Scholarship, the Faculty Director of DCCES, and the Education and DCCES teams (12 staff), with occasional support for 20+ college advisers and 80+ undergraduate and graduate student tutors
- Manage complex scheduling and calendars for AVP and Faculty Director, coordinating meetings with community partners, Duke leaders, faculty, and internal teams
- Coordinate team calendars and schedule meetings involving multiple stakeholders, including internal and external partners
- Support room scheduling within DCA offices and plan team‑wide meetings and outings, including logistics, food orders, and implementation
Program & Event Management (30%)
Supporting DCCES, NC Leadership Forum, Education Strategic Council, ARAC/Leap2School, and Advise NC:
- Lead logistics for external events with community partners, including:
- Venue reservations, catering, and event supplies
- AV coordination, RSVP tracking, participant communications, name badges, and name tents
- Inventory management and ordering of event materials
- Support weekly programming for DCCES, Education team, and NCLF, along with recurring community‑facing events
Financial Stewardship & Administrative Operations (30%)
- Manage onboarding and payroll processes for:
- 80+ annual Education team tutors
- 50+ annual DCCES undergraduate and master’s interns and doctoral fellows
- Ensure timely and accurate onboarding, time reporting, approvals, and compliance with Duke and DCA requirements
- Manage office operations including supplies, parking, maintenance, and janitorial coordination for two office locations: NC Mutual Building and East Campus DCCES offices (opening this summer)
- Maintain materials and supplies for weekly ARAC/L2S tutoring, NCLF programming (6–10 events annually), and ongoing team needs
- Provide one day per week of backup support for the DCA front desk at NC Mutual
- Support maintenance of community partner contact information across DCA, Education, and DCCES systems for reporting, matchmaking, and communications
- Assist with financial reporting, expense reconciliation, and team reporting in coordination with the Senior Program Coordinator and Finance Director
- Perform other job‑related duties as assigned
This position reports directly to the AVP for Community‑Engaged Scholarship, works up to 40 hours per week, and is expected to be in the office at least three days per week, with flexible and remote hours available as approved.
Choose Duke.
At Duke, your work matters. You’ll join a mission‑driven team committed to educational access, community partnership, and inclusive excellence—while enjoying a supportive work environment that values flexibility, growth, and collaboration.
What We’re Looking For
We seek a highly motivated candidate who is a responsible, self-motivated, and proactive professional who can undertake various office support tasks in a fast-paced environment:
- Familiarity with general personnel practices, accounting and budgeting principles, and coordination of major office activities.
- Ability to work as part of a team and independently
- Interpersonal and customer service skills
- Ability to prioritize and execute tasks in a fast-paced environment
- Excellent communication, verbal, and written skills
- Demonstrated proficiency with Mac or PC, as well as Microsoft Office application
Candidates will regularly interact with a diverse population of students, faculty, staff, and community partners. Individuals with a strong work ethic, motivation, and commitment to inclusive engagement are strongly encouraged to apply.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and help strengthen Duke’s connection to community‑engaged scholarship, education, and impact.
