Assistant Director - Nationally Competitive Scholarships

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 Office of University Scholars and Fellows (OUSF) is seeking an Assistant Director of Nationally Competitive Scholarships to join a dynamic team dedicated to supporting some of Duke University's most academically engaged and intellectually curious students and alumni. In this highly visible role, you will advise applicants pursuing prominent national and international scholarship opportunities, manage complex application and endorsement processes, and foster student success through advising, mentorship, program administration, and strategic outreach.

You will play a key role in administering Duke's Fulbright U.S. Student Program while also coordinating the Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship (MMUF) program and supporting additional nationally competitive scholarship opportunities. This position offers the opportunity to build meaningful relationships with students, alumni, faculty, staff, and external partners while helping students achieve transformative educational and professional experiences.

Minimum Requirements

• Work requires analytical, communications, and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
• Two years of related experience in advising, program administration, project management, student development, higher education, or a related area. Or any other equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience
• Strong written, verbal, interpersonal, analytical, and organizational skills.
• Experience planning and administering programs, projects, or initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and deadlines in a high-volume environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree.
• Experience advising students on nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships, or academic opportunities.
• Experience as an applicant or recipient of a nationally competitive scholarship or fellowship.
• Experience managing application, selection, endorsement, and/or review processes.
• Experience developing outreach, recruitment, and promotional initiatives.
• Knowledge of higher education student support programs and academic enrichment opportunities.

Other Requirements

• Occasional evening and weekend work may be required to support events, workshops, interviews, and conferences, as well as to meet deadlines.
• Occasional travel required for professional development, program administration, and scholarship-related conferences.
• Ability to serve as a supervisor and chaperone for student travel and conference participation.

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement in accordance with Duke University policies.

Be Bold.

Fulbright Program Leadership and Administration

• Serve as the primary advisor and campus administrator for Duke's Fulbright U.S. Student Program.
• Manage the campus application, evaluation, endorsement, and interview processes while maintaining sustainable workflows and timelines.
• Recruit, advise, and support undergraduate students, graduate students, and alumni throughout the application cycle.
• Coordinate faculty and staff interview committees, recruit committee participants, and oversee committee operations.
• Draft, review, approve, and sign institutional evaluations and endorsements.
• Train and supervise graduate student assistants and monitor application cycle metrics, reporting, and program outcomes.
• Maintain scholarship-related websites, and develop communications and promotional materials.

Mellon Mays Undergraduate Fellowship Program Coordination

• Serve as Duke University's MMUF Coordinator and liaison to the Mellon Foundation.
• Recruit students and promote fellowship opportunities through workshops, outreach efforts, and information sessions.
• Coordinate application review and selection processes in partnership with the MMUF Faculty Director.
• Manage program finances, reconciliation activities, annual reports, and compliance requirements as directed by the Mellon Foundation and Duke University
• Support student participation in conferences and serve as a chaperone during fellowship-related travel.
• Coordinate regional and campus-hosted conferences, overseeing event planning, communications, logistics, volunteers, budgeting, and operations.
• Develop and maintain fellowship materials, participant agreements, award communications, and stipends.

Scholarship Advising and University Engagement

• Advise students on a variety of nationally competitive scholarship and fellowship opportunities, including DAAD, Lafayette Fellowship, M. David-Weill Scholarship, Beinecke Scholarship, Critical Language Scholarship, Boren Scholarship, Luce Scholars Program, and others.
• Manage assigned scholarship endorsement and nomination processes and prepare institutional recommendations as needed.
• Support scholarship information sessions, outreach events, communications, and educational programming.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and campus partners to strengthen awareness and participation in scholarship opportunities.
• Participate in committees, special projects, and professional development activities that support OUSF initiatives.

Choose Duke.

The Office of University Scholars and Fellows helps students and alumni pursue nationally competitive scholarships, fellowships, and academic opportunities that expand their academic, leadership, and global engagement experiences. Through individualized advising, programming, and institutional support, OUSF empowers students to achieve ambitious educational and professional goals while advancing Duke's commitment to excellence and discovery.

At Duke University, you'll join a collaborative community dedicated to student excellence, innovation, and academic achievement. You'll have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact on the lives of exceptional students while working alongside faculty and staff who are committed to developing future leaders and scholars.