Senior Program Coordinator, Center for Documentary Studies

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.

Senior Program Coordinator

Center for Documentary Studies (CDS) Location: (On-site)

Are you driven by the power of storytelling? Do you believe documentary work can illuminate the human experience and spark change? At Duke’s Center for Documentary Studies, we do too—and we’re looking for a Senior Program Coordinator who’s ready to dive in and help bring our mission to life.

CDS is a creative hub where photography, film, writing, audio, and new media converge to explore life, learning, and art. We support original work that challenges perspectives and deepens understanding. If you thrive in a collaborative, interdisciplinary space and want to be part of something bold, this is your moment.

💡 What You’ll Do

You’ll be the connective tissue across our programs—supporting faculty, students, artists, and community partners to make documentary work happen. You’ll help shape experiences that are meaningful, inclusive, and unforgettable.

Program & Event Coordination

• Support and manage workshops, exhibitions, and community events
• Coordinate logistics for visiting artists and summer programs
• Maintain digital presence through website and social media
• Collaborate across departments and with external partners
• Build systems for registration, communication, budgeting, and marketing

Director & Operations Support

• Manage scheduling, correspondence, and meetings for the CDS Director
• Provide financial and administrative support for CDS activities
• Welcome students, faculty, and guests to our space
• Help organize internal gatherings and social events

Special Projects

• Assist with signature programs like the Full Frame Documentary Film Festival
• Respond to inquiries about awards, sponsorships, and opportunities

Who You Are

• A proactive, creative team player who thrives in dynamic environments
• Detail-oriented and able to juggle multiple projects with grace
• A strong communicator with organizational savvy
• Tech-curious or tech-confident—comfortable with Microsoft Office, Teams, Adobe Creative Suite (training provided)
• Flexible, funny, and ready to grow with us

 What You Bring

• A bachelor’s degree
• Three years of experience in program administration or academic, instructional, or counseling activities OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience
• A passion for documentary work (or a deep curiosity to learn)
• A desire to contribute to a vibrant, creative community

Anticipated Pay Range: $48,960.00 – $77,928.00 annually Final offer will consider scope of responsibilities, candidate’s experience and skills, internal equity, and market factors.

Total Rewards: Your compensation goes beyond your paycheck. Duke offers:

• Comprehensive medical and dental care
• Generous retirement benefits
• Family-friendly and cultural programs Explore more at Duke Benefits

Choose Duke

This is more than a job—it’s a chance to be part of a movement. At CDS, we believe in the power of stories to connect, challenge, and transform. If that speaks to you, we’d love to meet you.