Associate Director - Mms, Fuqua School of Business

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.

The Associate Director (Student Services Coordinator, level 12) of the MMS Program is responsible for managing a broad portfolio of student-facing, operational, and programmatic responsibilities that support student well-being, engagement, and success throughout the MMS lifecycle. This role plays a central part in shaping the student experience and cohort culture by delivering comprehensive communications, advising and supporting students individually, coordinating complex programming and events, and building an alumni bridge to current students. 

The Associate Director balances independent operational leadership with close collaboration with the Assistant Dean, exercising sound judgment, discretion, and cultural competency in working with a diverse student population. The position requires advanced organizational and project management skills, strong written and interpersonal communication abilities, sensitivity and trustworthiness in a counseling and advising capacity, the ability to prioritize and respond effectively in a fast-paced academic environment, and must have the ability to work and communicate well with students, faculty, Fuqua administrators and University offices.

This is a full-time position reporting to the Assistant Dean for the MMS Program. The MMS program is a pre-experience master's degree providing fundamental entry-level business skills and subject matter knowledge. The program focuses on building the technical skills and capabilities needed to obtain and succeed in entry-level analyst positions in finance, marketing, consulting, and general management. The program is targeted to individuals without previous business training and experience. The MMS program combines the depth, breadth, and critical thinking skills from the liberal arts and sciences with fundamental business skills, to position the student to take on a variety of professional roles.

Be Bold.

Key Responsibilities

Student Programming & Advising

• Design, implement, and evaluate co-curricular programming that enhances the student experience and fosters engagement throughout the MMS Program.
• Develop programming and serve as a liaison between Fuqua and Duke in support of the Duke Deferred admissions pathway program for Duke undergraduates.
• Partner with the Assistant Dean to develop and deliver leadership development programming for MMS student leaders and student organizations.
• Serve as a primary resource on student organization policies, risk management, and university compliance requirements, partnering with appropriate Duke offices as needed.
• Advise MMS student leaders on school policies and procedures, event planning, leadership transitions, budgeting, and organizational strategy.
• Plan and execute signature student events, including orientation activities, leadership programming, recognition events, graduation and end-of-year celebrations.
• Support student success by connecting students with campus resources and collaborating with faculty and staff to address student concerns.

External Engagement & Outreach

• Develop and implement strategies to strengthen engagement between current MMS students and the MMS alumni community.
• Lead the planning, launch, and execution of the MMS Fellows Immersion program, including student selection, specific Pathway-aligned trips with employer and alumni engagement, travel and logistical coordination, and evaluate outcomes to support the program’s long-term endowment.
• Coordinate alumni participation in student programming, including networking events, career panels, mentorship opportunities, admissions activities, and leadership programming.
• Partner with Career Management Center to identify and cultivate alumni volunteers in support of MMS initiatives in career and programmatic space.
• Maintain regular communication with MMS alumni regarding program updates, engagement opportunities, and student-focused initiatives.

• Plan and execute strategic engagement opportunities, including alumni events, advisory meetings, special events, and student-facing programs that foster meaningful connections with senior University leadership, distinguished alumni, and external partners while strengthening engagement with the MMS Program and Fuqua School of Business.

Communications

• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy for the MMS Program.
• Lead the creation, development, and maintenance of online resources and student guides to ensure timely, accurate, and accessible information.
• Serve as a communications resource for departmental colleagues by advising on messaging strategies and coordinating communications with faculty, staff, Admissions, Career Management, Alumni Relations, and other University partners to ensure consistent and effective communications to MMS students.
• Anticipate stakeholder needs, prepare briefing materials, and ensure timely, accurate communications that support effective engagement with high-profile constituents.

Program Assessment and Strategic Support

• Collaborate with the Assistant Dean to establish operational priorities, program planning, assessment, and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Contribute to efforts to gather and analyze student feedback, identify trends in student experience, and inform future programming and support strategies.

• Participate in MMS Program Team initiatives and cross-functional projects that support the strategic priorities of the MMS Program and The Fuqua School of Business.

Required Qualifications

Education/Training

Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience

Work requires three years of experience in a student advising or other student services function.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in a related field
• Experience in a graduate business school with early-career and international students
• Experience in alumni engagement, volunteer management, or student organization advising
• Experience advising students or early-career professionals with discretion
• Experience with program assessment and student feedback data
• Familiarity with Duke University policies and systems
• Five or more years of experience in student affairs, program administration, alumni relations, or a related area
• Experience planning and executing complex programs and events, including budgets and logistics
• Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills
• Sound judgment, ability to work independently, and cultural competency with a diverse student population
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend events and domestic travel

Choose Duke.