Executive Assistant to the Vice President of Government Relations

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 270686

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area: CENTRAL ADMIN MANAGEMENT CTR

Date: May 28, 2026

Be You.

Duke University is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to the Vice President for Government Relations to provide high‑level administrative and operational support in a fast‑paced, high‑visibility environment. In this role, you’ll manage complex scheduling, prepare executive communications, and serve as a key liaison across the university and with external stakeholders—including government agencies and leadership partners.

You’ll play a critical role in ensuring the smooth operation of the Office of Government Relations while handling sensitive and confidential matters with professionalism and discretion. This position is ideal for someone who thrives supporting senior leadership and managing complex, high‑impact work.

Minimum Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
5+ years of executive‑level administrative experience with increasing responsibility
Knowledge of administrative processes in higher education or healthcare environments

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting senior executives in government, policy, or institutional settings
Experience managing confidential and highly sensitive information

Other Requirements

Strong discretion, judgment, and ability to manage competing priorities
Ability to build and maintain relationships with internal and external stakeholders
Strong organizational, communication, and analytical skills

Be Bold.

Position Description (Essential Duties)

45% Perform advanced, diversified and confidential secretarial and administrative duties by independently preparing for meetings, crafting memos, and correspondence; completing a variety of non-routine assignments; coordinating busy and shifting office calendar including scheduling and coordinating meetings and/or conferences on campus and in other locations, and processing a considerable amount of confidential and sensitive information in support of administrative activities, which may include sensitive work with state, federal and international government bodies; serve as the primary liaison for executive and other senior management personnel.
15% Prepare and develop government reports related to lobbying compliance at the state and federal levels. Serve as university’s main liaison with those entities on this matter.
15% Manage daily operation of the Office of Government Relations by assisting in developing administrative goals and priorities for departmental long-range strategic planning; order and maintain sufficient inventory of office supplies; communicating, implementing, interpreting and revising policies and procedures as appropriate; facilitating process improvement analysis for work unit; maintain knowledge of technology. Assist in oversight of Duke in DC’s administrative practices and policies.
15% Participate in budget management by assisting in managing an operating budget, assisting in budget preparation and control, and analyzing unit operating procedures; effectively administer, develop and monitor contracts with outside vendors/consultants; analyze data trends and advise executives of significant changes or discrepancies (e.g. budget).
10% Maintain and develop (when appropriate) extensive, regular outside contacts on behalf of the executive with executives and boards of directors of other companies, regulators, elected representatives, charitable boards, and customers.

Choose Duke.

The Office of Government Relations plays a key role in representing Duke’s interests at the state, federal, and international levels. In this role, you’ll work at the center of strategic initiatives that connect Duke’s mission with public policy and external partnerships.

Duke offers a collaborative, mission‑driven environment and a competitive benefits package designed to support your well‑being and professional growth: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Job Code: 00002098 EXEC ASST
Job Level: 00

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).