Assistant Director, New Student and Family Programs

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.

At Duke, we believe a welcoming and inclusive beginning shapes a student’s entire journey. As the Assistant Director, New Student and Family Programs, you will join an engaging, student-centered team dedicated to fostering belonging, connection, and well-being for new-to-Duke students and their families. In this role, you’ll bring your creativity, communication skills, and collaborative spirit to support experiential orientation programs and campus wide onboarding efforts that help students feel at home from day one.

Be Bold.

This is a role for someone who thrives at the intersection of student advising, communications strategy, and program leadership. You’ll work across Duke’s vibrant campus to design experiences, build partnerships, and deliver messaging that amplifies Duke’s commitment to inclusion and community.

What You’ll Do

Advise and Support Student Leaders (35%)

• Advise Experiential Orientation projects, guiding student leaders through the design, implementation, and execution of Orientation Week.
• Advise the student marketing and communications subcommittee for Experiential Orientation.
• Provide advising support to additional student organizations as needed.

Lead Communications and Administrative Initiatives (25%)

• Chair the New Student Communicators Committee.
• Organize, curate, and edit content for the Virtual Blue Book for incoming first-year and transfer students.
• Collaboratively design, edit, and publish communications for incoming students, parents, alumni, and campus partners, including:
• Summer Transition Series
• Parent and Family Newsletter
• Family Webinar Series
• Serve as a liaison to key campus partners, including University Admissions and University Communications and Marketing.

Plan and Execute Programs (15%)

• Develop and implement a social media strategy to onboard new-to-Duke students and elevate New Student and Family Programs and university initiatives.
• Implement and train campus partners on online collaboration tools that support incoming students.

Engage Key Constituents (15%)

• Partner with campus colleagues to develop content that introduces new students to Duke’s resources, values, and campus climate.
• Design and facilitate training sessions for students, faculty, and staff related to the new student matriculation process.
• Represent New Student and Family Programs on departmental and divisional committees, as well as at national conferences and professional meetings.

Contribute to a Culture of Innovation (10%)

• Support additional initiatives that advance Duke’s campuswide commitment to belonging, engagement, and well-being as part of QuadEx.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of experience in college or university administration, personnel management, or a related field.
• Experience supporting program management, student advising, and administrative operations.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success advising student organizations.
• Experience in marketing, communications, social media, writing, graphic design, or communications strategy.
• Exceptional attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to build strong partnerships with students, families, alumni, faculty, staff, administrators, and community stakeholders.
• A demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is a world-class institution where innovation, collaboration, and care for the whole student are central to our mission. When you choose Duke, you join a community that values bold ideas, meaningful relationships, and making a difference—together.