Staff Specialist

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 Specialist (DGSA) in the Department of Religious Studies, you’ll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports graduate students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue advanced academic and professional goals.

You’ll be the go-to resource for students, faculty, and staff—bringing your attention to detail, initiative, and interpersonal strengths to a role that blends administrative excellence with meaningful student support.

Be Bold.

The Department of Religious Studies is a dynamic academic environment where bold ideas and inclusive support systems thrive. In this role, you’ll help shape the graduate student experience, manage departmental operations, and contribute to the success of faculty and leadership.

What You’ll Do:

Graduate Program Support

• Serve as the primary contact for graduate student inquiries.
• Coordinate recruitment events and manage application materials.
• Support fellowships, exams, accommodations, and alumni data.
• Assist faculty with Slate and ensure policy compliance.
• Organize travel and maintain admissions records.
• Manage awards budgets, funding allocations, and payroll processes.
• Prepare award letters and coordinate with Visa Services.
• Maintain tracking systems and support reporting and assessments.

Administrative & Office Management

• Serve as the department’s front-facing contact for phone, visitors, mail, and supplies.
• Maintain office suite cleanliness and coordinate facilities requests.
• Exercise discretion in interactions with faculty, students, and university officials.
• Manage departmental listservs, social media, and website content.
• Coordinate logistics for departmental events and advertise courses.
• Ensure accuracy of print and online materials.
• Attend training and maintain alumni contact information.

Financial Responsibilities

• Act as faculty delegate for Concur expense reports.
• Process AP Check Requests and support financial operations.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Provide additional administrative support aligned with departmental and institutional priorities.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position of USD $19.80 to USD $30.63. Duke 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 provides 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 role requires:

• Knowledge of basic mathematical, research, and communications principles typically acquired through two years of postsecondary education.
• Four years of clerical or research experience to develop strong administrative and project support skills.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for the education and two years of experience.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities.
• Proficiency in university systems such as Payroll (comp and noncomp) SISS, Concur, and Slate.

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.