Staff Assistant / Front Desk Receptionist

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 celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Staff Assistant / Front Desk Receptionist, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports students, faculty, and staff across The Graduate School. Your welcoming presence and organizational expertise will help create a positive and efficient environment for all who engage with our office — in person and virtually.

Be Bold.

This role is more than just administrative support — it’s about being the face of The Graduate School and a trusted partner in its daily operations. You’ll manage complex tasks with discretion, build relationships across departments, and contribute to the success of high-level events and initiatives.

What You’ll Do:

• Serve as the primary receptionist for The Graduate School, greeting guests and answering inquiries with professionalism and care.
• Provide administrative support to the Dean’s Office, including scheduling meetings, coordinating events, and managing calendars.
• Serve as the Facilities Manager by placing work orders and maintaining strong relationships with Facilities Management, Environmental Services, and contractors.
• Monitor and replenish general office and kitchen supplies.
• Receive, sort, and distribute mail and deliveries.
• Prepare reports and summaries for the Dean’s Office using internet research, charts, and narrative writing.
• Compose correspondence independently, applying departmental policies and procedures.
• Support ad-hoc projects across divisions within The Graduate School.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position of USD $19.80 to USD $30.63. The university considers factors such as (but not limited to) the scope and responsibilities of the position, the candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills, internal peer equity, as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Total Compensation:

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke offers comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provisions for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department

Choose Duke.

This position requires:

• Two years of post-secondary education or equivalent experience in a related business field.
• Four years of administrative assistant experience, with skills in office management, communication, and basic budgeting/accounting.
• A clear commitment to promoting and sustaining equity and inclusion in the workplace.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future

Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.