Program Coordinator, MIDS Quantitative Finance Concentration (QFC)

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.

MIDS Quantitative Finance Concentration (QFC) Program Coordinator

The Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) program is a partnership between the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) and the Rhodes Information Initiative at Duke (iiD). It trains students in rigorous academy studies in Data Science and prepares students for impactful careers in industry, government, and academia. Enrolling 90-100 students across two cohorts annually, Duke MIDS combines rigorous computational and technical training with field knowledge and repeated practice in critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and collaborative leadership to produce data scientists who can add value to any field. Students complete coursework, a required summer internship, and a year-long capstone project.

Quantitative Finance Concentration (QFC) is a track within MIDS for students who are interested in a career in finance. QFC offers a set of well-defined electives, experiential learning and career advising.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the MIDS QFC Program Coordinator, you will be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue careers in data science. This position reports to the Administrative Coordinator of MIDS.

The MIDS (QFC) Program Coordinator is responsible for supporting the planning, coordination, and administration of activities for the Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) Program at Duke University, with a particular focus on the QFC. The work will be both individual and team based. This position requires some evening and weekend availability. This position reports to the MIDS Administrative Coordinator. While remote work is possible during semester breaks and occasionally as needed, during much of the academic year, it is expected that the candidate will be on-campus a substantial portion of the work week. The overall administrative team includes one MIDS Administrative Coordinator, one Senior Program Coordinator, and additional support from the SSRI administrative team (for HR, program marketing & communications, and finance).

Program Administration & Operations (30%)

• Coordinate select program courses and events, in particular for the QFC. Work with faculty, staff, students and other team members on guest speaker arrangements, course materials, A/V, and other needs.
• Manage logistics and communications for events and activities related to QFC program.
• Plan, coordinate and administer activities of assigned programs to include developing and implementing procedures, processes, services, and systems; train employees or student workers in proper methods and procedures and ensure correctness of work.
• Assist with QFC teaching assistant hiring and administration, as needed.
• Support scheduling processes for MIDS courses and events; liaising with faculty and cross-listing departments and programs to develop marketing and materials.
• Provide support for developing and monitoring the QFC annual budget. Track and reconcile expenses.
• Develop, coordinate, and advise staff and faculty regarding QFC program resources, procedures, and policy.

Event Planning (20%)

• Plan and coordinate travel, logistics, and operations for QFC faculty, guest speakers and events.
• Assist senior staff with event planning logistics for MIDS Capstone symposium, MIDS graduation, online summer review, pre-coursework boot-camp, social events, career development events, technical workshops, and guest speakers. This includes but is not limited to: room reservations, catering, placing orders for event supplies including promotional materials, room setup, distribution of materials, creating attendance sheets and name tags, generating parking passes, meeting special guests, and cleanup.
• Monitor and evaluate event planning process for large and small events, including administering assessment surveys for co-curricular student activities. Recommend and implement modifications as needed.

• Serve as a contact for QFC student groups. Assist QFC groups to organize, coordinate, and resource their activities and events. Supervise students during student-led events when needed.

Student Development & Support (10%)

• Monitor student progress towards concentration requirements for QFC. Coordinate with the DGSA (Director of Graduate Studies Assistant) to ensure QFC students meet all the requirements for MIDS.
• Track student progress towards program requirements and provide timely reports to DGSA.
• Assist DGSA with student communications and records regarding scholarships, academic progress, and other needs.
• Support the development of a process to assess academic and career needs of QFC students.
• Support senior staff in coordinating career development events.
• Recommend activities, events, programs, and speakers that will enhance the student academic experience.
• Monitor student communication channels to ensure communications are appropriately disseminated and various learning opportunities are publicized.
• Cultivate relationships across campus to support career and professional development of QFC students.
• Support the Director of Graduate Studies, DGSA and QFC faculty in advising QFC students on the suitability of QFC electives.
• Advise QFC students on university resources, policy issues, act as student advocate, initiate referrals to appropriate student and/or academic services, and resolve problems as needed.
• Assist students in recognizing and achieving their educational and professional development goals as related to meeting their QFC requirements.
• Design and implement QFC student services and activities that help students navigate the integration of the different facets of academic life into a fulfilling and coherent academic and career plan.
• Connect international students to Duke Visa Services or Duke International Student Center as appropriate for questions, advising, and specialized resources (e.g. CPT or OPT information); provide programmatic documentation (as requested/appropriate) for alumni.

• Support DGSA with other student support activities as needed.

General Administration (20%)

• Screen and route/respond to email in MIDS general Inbox.
• Order program supplies, recruitment materials, and necessary equipment; maintain and update inventory.
• Process expense reports, check requests, and reimbursement requests for QFC students, staff, and faculty.
• Provide ad hoc administrative support for MIDS program staff and faculty.
• Attend selected MIDS meetings, take and distribute meeting notes as needed.
• Assist with student hiring processes as needed.
• Assist with exam process, including proctoring exams, administering early or late exams.
• Work with program staff and SSRI Evaluation Team to administer and collect assessment surveys for all program activities, including course evaluations, program evaluations, and alumni surveys.
• Maintain liaison with other programs, offices, and departments at Duke to coordinate program business and to accomplish program objectives.
• Support the Faculty Director and DGSA in ensuring the accurate and timely implementation of Graduate School policies and procedures.

Admissions, Recruitment & Enrollment (10%)

• Support MIDS leadership to devise and execute recruitment strategies for the QFC applicant pool.
• Work closely with the admissions team to select, admit, and matriculate a qualified and diverse QFC cohort of students. Assist with other admissions/enrollment tasks as needed.
• Provide data to inform a yearly report on Admissions Recruitment and Enrollment strategy.
• Assist the admissions team with cultivating applicants and outreach with prospective students (e.g. campus tours, info sessions/fairs/webinars, FAQs, communications with incoming students, etc.).
• Make recommendations on criteria, parameters, and processes for selection and scholarship distribution to MIDS faculty director; update and issue and track receipt of scholarship letters and acceptances annually.

Other Duties (10%)

• Cultivate partnerships with University academic departments, administrative units, and community organizations to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality services to students and key constituents.
• Contribute to strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Choose Duke.

Duke is a place where innovation meets purpose. Here, your work will directly impact the next generation of data scientists and leaders. You’ll join a university that values collaboration, inclusion, and bold thinking.

Preferred Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.

Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.

Experience with student advising, event planning, and data systems (e.g., Stellic, DukeHub, Slate) preferred.

Knowledge or prior experience in working for a business school or financial company is a plus. 

While remote work is possible during semester breaks and occasionally as needed, during much of the academic year, it is expected that the candidate will be on-campus a substantial portion of the work week.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

MIDS (QFC) Program Coordinator, employer: Duke University

Duke University is an exceptional employer that fosters a collaborative and inclusive work environment, making it a prime location for the MIDS Administrative Coordinator role. With a commitment to employee growth, Duke offers comprehensive benefits, including competitive medical and dental care, generous retirement plans, and numerous family-friendly programs. Situated in the vibrant Research Triangle, employees enjoy a dynamic atmosphere that encourages innovation and supports the academic success of diverse students pursuing careers in data science.