Senior Program Coordinator

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.

Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (I&E) is looking for a Senior Program Coordinator to join our education team. In this student-centered role, you will guide students through educational offerings, connect them with entrepreneurial resources, and help them turn bold ideas into real-world impact.

This role has a particular focus on early outreach to prospective students, including advising, recruiting, and admissions. Day-to-day, you will serve as a primary point of contact for prospective students in our certificate and other educational programs, manage enrollment and advising, coordinate events and workshops, and work closely with faculty, university partners, and the broader I&E team. This is a campus-based, student-facing role.

Minimum Requirements

• Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
• Minimum of three years of experience in program administration, academic or instructional programming, counseling, or a related field. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE 
• Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and implement a variety of program activities and events while managing multiple projects and priorities
• Proven ability to work collaboratively as part of a team and independently with minimal supervision
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, including presentation and relationship-building abilities
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, databases, email marketing software, and project management software
• Ability to work evenings, weekends, and travel with student programs

Preferred Qualifications

• Strong customer service orientation
• Exceptional attention to detail and follow-through
• Able to develop a strong sense of ownership over the role and its outcomes
• Experience in a higher education or entrepreneurship/innovation environment
• High level of initiative, creativity, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to execute and operate within an established operations framework

Work Arrangement

This is an onsite position. The work is performed on-site at Duke University's campus in Durham, NC.

Be Bold.

As Senior Program Coordinator, you will:

Engage & Advise Students

• Manage student recruitment, oversee the certificate application process, review applications, and make recommendations for admission.
• Serve as a primary contact for students interested in I&E’s graduate and undergraduate certificates and other educational offerings.
• Provide guidance and maintain relationships with certificate students, supporting their academic and professional development.
• Advise students on certificate pathways, course selection, and program requirements based on individual interests and goals.
• Communicate regularly with students, faculty, and internal stakeholders through email updates, newsletters, and other correspondence.
• Promote I&E educational opportunities to current and prospective students.

Administer Programs & Manage Data

• Develop and analyze program data and reports to inform strategic decisions.
• Contribute to the design, implementation, and assessment of educational programs and initiatives.
• Manage student records and track progress toward completion of certificate requirements.

Support Events & Programming

• Plan, coordinate, and execute logistics for I&E events, including info sessions, seminars, workshops, and special programs.
• Provide administrative and project support for both short-term and long-term strategic initiatives in educational programming.
• Represent Duke I&E at events, meetings, and other university or public engagements.
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to enhance program visibility and effectiveness.
• Recommend and implement improvements to program operations, processes, and resource utilization.

Collaborate Across Campus

• Serve on committees and attend professional meetings as appropriate.
• Act as liaison between I&E and other Duke programs, offices, and departments.
• Support organization-wide priorities as part of the Duke I&E team.

Choose Duke.

Duke Innovation & Entrepreneurship (Duke I&E) empowers the Duke community to lead with creativity, resilience, and impact. From launching ventures to tackling big challenges, we help you think boldly and act with purpose. A hub of programs, faculty, and global connections—born from Duke Interdisciplinary Studies and Fuqua—we equip innovators to shape the future by taking action on their bold ideas.

Duke I&E is home to the largest certificate programs at Duke, open to students across the university—from first year undergraduates to PhDs. Our educational offerings are built upon real-world experiences—students learn by doing, partnering with startups and other clients as well as working on their own ventures.

Beyond the engaging work, you'll also benefit from Duke's competitive benefits package including health insurance plans, generous paid time off, retirement programs with employer contributions, tuition assistance for employees and their children, and more.