Program Coordinator Nicholas School

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. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Program Coordinator, Undergraduate Research Scholars Program

Job Level: 10

 Work Arrangement: Primarily on-site at the Nicholas School of the Environment (Durham and Beaufort, NC) with limited remote flexibility based on business needs.

Be You.

At Duke University, we celebrate curiosity, innovation, and the unique perspectives that every member of our community brings. As the Program Coordinator, Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, you will play a central role in supporting transformative undergraduate research experiences that prepare future leaders in environmental science, climate research, marine science, and interdisciplinary scholarship.

Based within the Nicholas School of the Environment, you'll help guide one of Duke's premier faculty-mentored undergraduate research initiatives, supporting approximately 100 students annually as they engage in rigorous research pathways that culminate in Graduation with Distinction.

Be Bold.

The Program Coordinator serves as the operational and strategic leader for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, which includes:

• Marine Lab Scholars Program
• Rachel Carson Scholars
• Scholars in Marine Medicine
• Repass-Rodgers Scholars
• Climate Scholars Program
• Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Experiential Education and Undergraduate Research, this position provides leadership, administration, and coordination across all aspects of program operations while fostering exceptional student experiences and supporting faculty excellence.

What You'll Do

Undergraduate Research Scholars Program Coordination (70%)

• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all components of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program across its five scholar themes.
• Serve as the central administrative authority for program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead scholar recruitment, application review, selection processes, and faculty mentor matching in partnership with Faculty Directors.
• Oversee scholar funding allocations supporting undergraduate research, conference travel, and programmatic activities.
• Plan and execute high-impact programming, including:
• Scholar research presentations
• Professional development workshops
• Alumni engagement activities
• Marine Lab Scholars Alumni Weekend
• Direct administration of the Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program, including:
• Recruitment strategy
• Curriculum coordination
• Research primer delivery
• Mentoring oversight
• Program assessment and evaluation
• Provide functional supervision and guidance to student leaders, executive board members, student employees, and support staff as assigned.
• Support scholar success through intentional programming, mentorship coordination, and resource management.

Administration (15%)

• Oversee financial reconciliation, procurement activities, contracts, and compliance processes.
• Track expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of program resources.
• Maintain complex calendars and schedules for program leadership.
• Coordinate operational activities across multiple campuses and stakeholders.
• Manage vendor relationships, logistics, and event operations to support seamless program delivery.
• Ensure adherence to university policies and administrative procedures.

Development, External Relations & Institutional Engagement (10%)

• Contribute to grant proposal development and sponsored funding opportunities.
• Assist with preparation of program reports, foundation communications, and donor stewardship materials.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications teams to strengthen program visibility and brand recognition.
• Collaborate with Faculty Directors to expand the program's institutional reputation and national profile.
• Support strategic initiatives that advance experiential education and undergraduate research opportunities across Duke.
•  

Communications (5%)

• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and current scholars.
• Maintain and enhance program websites and digital communication platforms.
• Develop communications that promote engagement among students, faculty, alumni, and external partners.
• Highlight student achievements, research accomplishments, and program impact through strategic messaging and storytelling.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

Work requires analytical, communication, and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience

Work requires one year of experience in program administration or involving academic, instructional, or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of program activities and events.

OR

An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Environmental Science, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
• Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in program management, higher education administration, research administration, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing budgets and financial forecasting.
• Experience developing and leading complex programs involving multiple stakeholders.
• Strong analytical, assessment, and reporting skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience preparing reports, proposals, and grant materials.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities.
• Experience with website management systems and digital communications.
• Familiarity with Duke systems such as Concur, Qualtrics, Box, and related platforms.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a world-renowned institution committed to excellence in education, research, and service. You'll help create transformative opportunities for undergraduate scholars while working alongside distinguished faculty, academic leaders, alumni, and community partners.

Your work will directly influence the development of the next generation of researchers, environmental leaders, and changemakers.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help shape exceptional undergraduate research experiences that inspire discovery, innovation, and impact.