Program Director - Duke Gap Year Program

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.

*This position is funded through June 30, 2028 with the possibility of an extension.

Be You.

The Duke Gap Year Program is seeking a dynamic, student‑centered Program Director to lead a nationally recognized initiative that supports admitted Duke students pursuing meaningful gap‑year experiences. In this role, you will shape the , strategy and daily operations of a growing program that directly influences the personal and academic journeys of selected incoming Duke students.

You’ll collaborate closely with Undergraduate Admissions, campus partners, and the national gap year community to guide gap year participants through a transformational year of exploration. From designing programming to overseeing budget strategy, from managing communications to building community for gap year participants and current students, you are the hub that keeps this unique program thriving.

Every day in this role, you’ll solve problems, build relationships, support participants, and elevate the visibility and impact of the Duke Gap Year Program . If you enjoy helping young people discover their path while managing a program with wide institutional reach—this position gives you the opportunity to make a lasting mark.

Minimum Requirements

• This position generally requires a Bachelor’s degree and four years of experience in planning, directing, or administering academic, student‑facing, or comparable programs.
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• This role requires availability for occasional events on evenings and weekends

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with student programming, advising, or pre‑college/transition‑to‑college programs.
• Strong communication, writing, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated ability to build partnerships with internal and external stakeholders.
• Experience overseeing budgets, financial awards, or grant‑funded programs.
• Prior supervisory experience, especially with student employees.
• Familiarity with assessment, data collection, or program evaluation practices.

Be Bold.

In this role, you will:

Program Direction, Strategy & Partnerships

• Direct and lead the Duke Gap Year Program in partnership with Undergraduate Admissions leadership.
• Establish program objectives, priorities, policies, and strategic plans.
• Build and maintain relationships with national gap year organizations, peer institutions, and other partners.
• Communicate regularly with prospective, current, and former gap year participants to support program visibility and alignment with Duke standards.
• Manage the program budget, recommend expenditures, and oversee financial operations in collaboration with the departmental business manager and payroll specialist.

Student Selection, Admissions & Financial Administration

• Lead the annual application, proposal review, and cohort onboarding processes.
• Coordinate admissions staff  to ensure consistent evaluation practices.
• Oversee assignment and communication of financial awards and participation agreements.
• Monitor and reconcile expenditures; ensure compliance with University financial policies in collaboration with the departmental business manager and payroll specialist.
• Review and approve changes to student plans and funding requests.

Program Implementation & Community Development

• Design and run meaningful virtual and in‑person programming that fosters community among current and past gap year participants.
• Develop mentorship opportunities with Duke students.
• Organize the Duke Gap Year Program ’s annual retreat, Family Weekend events, and pop‑up programs.
• Manage logistics, scheduling, communications, and event execution.

Recruitment, Communications & Publications

• Lead all recruitment and outreach efforts for the Duke Gap Year Program .
• Oversee website content, blog posts, social media, print materials, and digital communications.
• Create brochures, newsletters, and publications highlighting program goals and outcomes.
• Plan and host webinars and information sessions; represent the Duke Gap Year Program  at internal and external events.

Personnel Supervision

• Hire, train, supervise, and evaluate the Duke Gap Year Program  student interns.
• Set priorities, delegate work, and support student staff learning and development.

Program Evaluation & Reporting

• Develop and administer assessment tools to evaluate participant experiences and program impact.
• Collect and analyze data from participants, alumni, and campus partners.
• Prepare reports on trends, outcomes, and recommendations for continuous improvement.
• Complete special projects and administrative tasks as needed.

Choose Duke.

As part of Duke Undergraduate Admissions, the Duke Gap Year Program offers a vibrant, mission‑driven environment committed to student growth, exploration, and success. You will join a collaborative team that values innovation, community engagement, and the transformative power of experiential learning.

The Duke Gap Year Program  is unique—few universities offer a fully supported gap‑year option—and you will be a central leader in shaping its evolution. Duke offers an exceptional professional community, opportunities for cross‑campus collaboration, and access to a wide network of student‑facing partners.