Director, Time Away Office

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 celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Director of the Time Away Office (TAO), you’ll play a vital role in shaping an equitable, supportive, and student‑centered approach to undergraduate separation and return processes. You’ll guide students and collaborate with partners across campus to ensure pathways that promote clarity, belonging, and well‑being.

Be Bold.

The Director of the Time Away Office provides strategic leadership for Duke’s approach to undergraduate student time away and return. Positioned within the Dean of Students Office, this role sets the vision, standards, and partnerships that uphold consistency, transparency, and compassionate support throughout the student separation and re-entry experience.

What You’ll Do:

Program Leadership & Operational Strategy (30%)

• Lead the strategic direction, workflow design, and operational structure of the Time Away Office.
• Streamline documentation, tracking, and communication processes to increase efficiency and reduce administrative burden.
• Oversee compliance of university leave and return documentation with Student Affairs and institutional policies.
• Guide development and use of data systems to track outcomes and inform decision-making.
• Manage the TAO budget and align resource allocation with Dean of Students Office priorities.
• Establish and maintain professional communication standards and templates.

Strategic Student Support & Case Oversight (25%)

• Provide leadership for Student Affairs–led time away and return practices.
• Lead high-impact or complex cases requiring executive-level judgment and cross-campus coordination.
• Establish standards for individualized time away and return planning that ensure clear academic expectations and support structures.
• Maintain periodic engagement with students during time away, reinforcing expectations and readiness for return.
• Oversee the multidisciplinary review process for return requests and recommendations.

Campus Partnerships & Institutional Leadership (25%)

• Serve as the primary Student Affairs liaison to academic deans on matters of time away and student return.
• Rebuild and sustain collaborative relationships across campus that support coordinated student-centered decision-making.
• Partner with academic and Student Affairs leaders to review and refine policies related to student separation and return.
• Represent the Time Away Office on university committees and initiatives.
• Provide briefings, consultations, and trainings for campus leaders on Student Affairs roles and processes.

Supervision & Team Development (10%)

• Lead, supervise, and mentor TAO staff.
• Delegate case management and administrative responsibilities effectively.
• Facilitate case consultation with an emphasis on consistency, assessment, and shared learning.
• Oversee recruitment, onboarding, training, and performance evaluation processes.

Assessment, Data & Continuous Improvement (5%)

• Lead assessment of time away trends, student experiences, and return outcomes.
• Translate data insights into policy improvements and staffing recommendations.
• Support ongoing efforts that advance equity, transparency, and student understanding of Student Affairs–led processes.

Other Duties (5%)

• Perform additional responsibilities as assigned to advance departmental, divisional, and institutional priorities.

What You Bring:

• Education:
  A master’s degree demonstrating strong knowledge of educational principles, curriculum development, instructional design, and analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Experience:
  • At least four years of professional experience.
  • Strongly preferred: Five or more years of progressive experience supporting students in a higher education or Student Affairs setting.

Preferred Strengths:

• Demonstrated leadership in complex, cross-functional initiatives.
• Professional grounding in counseling, education, social work, public health, or a related field.
• Experience providing strategic leadership within a Dean of Students or Student Affairs context.
• Proven success in staff supervision, development, and organizational leadership.
• Deep understanding of undergraduate student development and transitional support.
• Ability to use data to inform policy, decisions, and program improvements.
• Excellent oral, written, and intercultural communication skills.
• A strong commitment to advocating for students and ensuring equity and transparency in institutional processes.

Choose Duke.

Duke is a community of bold thinkers and compassionate leaders dedicated to student thriving. In this role, you’ll help shape institutional practices that empower students during pivotal moments in their academic journey.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a more student-centered, connected, and supportive future.