Program Director, Education & Experiential Learning

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 that solving the world's most complex energy, environmental, and sustainability challenges requires diverse perspectives, collaborative thinking, and meaningful learning experiences. As the Program Director, Education & Experiential Learning, you will play a vital role in connecting students, faculty, researchers, and external partners through innovative educational programming that prepares future leaders to make a lasting impact.

As a key member of the Nicholas Institute's Education & Experiential Learning team, you will help design, deliver, and continuously improve interdisciplinary curricular and co-curricular opportunities that engage students across Duke University. Working alongside colleagues, faculty, and university partners, you will foster learning experiences that bridge research, policy, and practice while supporting Duke's commitment to excellence in energy, environment, and sustainability education.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape transformational learning experiences while helping students connect classroom knowledge to real-world challenges.

Be Bold.

The Program Director serves as a strategic leader and collaborative partner responsible for advancing educational programming across the Nicholas Institute. This position has primary responsibility for administering the Bass Connections in Energy & Environment Theme and partnering with Nicholas Institute research programs to deliver high-impact curricular and co-curricular experiences for students throughout Duke University.

What You'll Do

Lead Interdisciplinary Academic Programming

• Collaborate with university leaders, faculty, and staff to develop and enhance energy, environment, and sustainability-related educational opportunities.
• Serve on university, school, and departmental committees focused on academic and educational programming.
• Advise on course scheduling, curriculum development, course additions, and program improvements.
• Monitor and manage course creation, scheduling, and cross-listing within the ENERGY and ENRGYEGR course designations.
• Track participation and engagement trends across courses and academic programs.
• Support curriculum integration efforts by collaborating with faculty and participating in classroom activities and presentations.
• Conduct periodic analyses of existing educational offerings and identify opportunities to strengthen alignment with the Nicholas Institute's strategic priorities.

Administer Bass Connections in Energy & Environment

• Serve as the primary administrator for the Bass Connections in Energy & Environment theme.
• Manage the annual request for proposals (RFP) and review process in partnership with faculty leadership.
• Promote program participation and cultivate engagement among Duke faculty, staff, and students.
• Coordinate proposal reviews and facilitate communication with project teams throughout the selection process.
• Manage student recruitment and selection processes in collaboration with Bass Connections and Provost's Office staff.
• Develop and deliver onboarding, training, and support resources for participating students and faculty.
• Coordinate program logistics, budgets, project agreements, and communications related to funding and project implementation.
• Represent the Energy & Environment theme at university events, meetings, and outreach activities.

Expand Experiential Learning Opportunities

• Build and strengthen partnerships across Duke University to increase interdisciplinary educational and experiential learning opportunities.
• Collaborate with Nicholas Institute research programs to identify meaningful ways to engage students in research, policy, and applied learning experiences.
• Support the development and implementation of workshops, field experiences, networking programs, and educational events.
• Partner with colleagues to ensure students have access to mentoring, training, internships, consulting projects, research opportunities, and other experiential learning activities.
• Develop and oversee student engagement initiatives for the Energy & Environment Certificate, Energy Engineering Minor, and Bass Connections programs.
• Serve as a trusted resource and advisor for students exploring interests and opportunities within energy, environment, and sustainability fields.

Measure Impact and Drive Continuous Improvement

• Collect, analyze, and present program data to support strategic decision-making and program assessment.
• Partner with academic units and university stakeholders to evaluate educational effectiveness and identify opportunities for improvement.
• Develop reports and recommendations related to student engagement, academic participation, recruiting, and program outcomes.
• Assess emerging educational needs and industry trends and recommend enhancements to curricular and co-curricular offerings.

Lead and Collaborate

• Co-supervise support staff and student assistants contributing to educational programming initiatives.
• Foster a culture of collaboration, innovation, and continuous improvement across programs and partnerships.
• Contribute to additional projects and initiatives that advance the mission of the Nicholas Institute and the Education & Experiential Learning team.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education/Training

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

Experience

Work requires the ability to plan and administer programs and direct program activities within a specific functional area, generally acquired through four years of related experience. OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field.
• Three years of experience in program administration, academic programming, advising, educational initiatives, or related areas.
• Experience in higher education program administration.
• At least 1 year of experience in database administration.
• Ability to build constructive and successful relationships with employers, students, alumni, faculty, staff, and other constituents.
• Ability to balance creative and analytic decision making to implement effective education and experiential learning strategies.
• Sound judgment, team management, excellent written and oral communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to speak persuasively in small and large groups.
• Ability to implement marketing strategies across a variety of online channels.
• Well-developed understanding of the work world and the ability to apply knowledge of the career needs of students.
• Ability to solve problems and make decisions in a timely and effective manner, using technology where appropriate.
• Skills in assessment, evaluation, and data analysis.
• Experience in customer service or customer relations.
• Experience in organizing and coordinating events and programs.
• Skills evaluating program performance, summarizing findings, communicating results, and forming an action plan.
• Ability to provide guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting standards and monitoring performance.
• Proficient in using fundamental computer programs such as Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Experience with Adobe suite and/or Canva for editing and design is desirable.

Key Competencies

• Strategic Program Management
• Relationship Building and Collaboration
• Student Engagement and Advising
• Curriculum and Academic Program Coordination
• Experiential Learning Design
• Data Analysis and Assessment
• Communication and Presentation Skills
• Project and Event Management
• Continuous Improvement Mindset

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll join a community that is dedicated to discovery, innovation, and meaningful impact. The Nicholas Institute for Energy, Environment & Sustainability brings together leading researchers, policymakers, students, and practitioners to address some of society's most pressing challenges.

As part of our team, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Shape transformative learning experiences for future leaders.
• Work alongside nationally recognized faculty and researchers.
• Build partnerships across one of the world's leading research universities.
• Advance solutions to critical energy, environmental, and sustainability challenges.
• Contribute to a collaborative and mission-driven culture that values innovation, inclusion, and lifelong learning.

Ready to Make a Difference?

If you are passionate about creating exceptional educational experiences, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration, and preparing students to address complex global challenges, we encourage you to apply.

Apply today and help shape the future of energy, environment, and sustainability education at Duke University.