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 a Staff Specialist in the Department of Political Science, you'll play a critical role in supporting graduate students as they navigate their academic journeys and prepare for future success.

You will join a collaborative and intellectually vibrant community dedicated to scholarship, student development, and academic excellence. In this role, you'll work closely with students, faculty, and staff while helping create an engaging and supportive environment for our MA, MAPE, and 4+1 programs.

Whether coordinating admissions, supporting student milestones, planning events, or enhancing communications, your contributions will have a direct impact on the student experience and the success of our department.

Be Bold.

Help shape the student experience while supporting innovative academic programs and departmental operations within one of the nation's leading universities.

What You'll Do

Support Graduate Student Success

• Serve as the primary administrative resource for the MA, MAPE, and 4+1 programs.
• Guide prospective and current students by responding to inquiries and providing information regarding program requirements, timelines, and university resources.
• Coordinate admissions processes and communications for master's programs.
• Support student advising activities, registration processes, examinations, thesis defenses, and academic scheduling.
• Maintain student records and monitor academic milestones, degree progress, Graduate School documentation, tuition waivers, and 4+1 course planning.
• Coordinate orientation programs, onboarding activities, workshops, professional development opportunities, and student engagement events.
• Connect students with appropriate university resources and support services while assisting with routine procedural questions.

Strengthen Departmental Operations

• Process and review financial and expense-related documentation using Concur and related systems.
• Coordinate faculty recruitment and search activities.
• Provide backup support for payroll processing and administrative operations.
• Assist with front-desk support, office management, supply coordination, and maintenance of shared departmental spaces. Collaborate with colleagues across the department to support operational excellence and service continuity.

Coordinate Events and Communications

• Plan and support conferences, workshops, receptions, graduation events, recruitment activities, and special departmental programs. Manage event logistics, vendor coordination, scheduling, and participant communications.
• Assist with departmental communications, including newsletters, website updates, announcements, and promotional materials.
• Support undergraduate and graduate recruitment initiatives through outreach and engagement activities.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Experience providing administrative support within higher education, academic, professional, or student-focused environments.
• Strong communication skills with the ability to engage effectively and professionally with students, faculty, staff, university partners, and external stakeholders.
• Experience preparing newsletters, website content, announcements, and other communications.
• Excellent organizational and project coordination skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability to maintain accurate records and manage confidential information responsibly.
• Strong attention to detail and problem-solving skills.
• Experience coordinating meetings, workshops, orientations, conferences, events, or related programs.
• Strong technology proficiency and the ability to learn and adapt to new systems and applications.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience updating or maintaining websites.
• Familiarity with Concur or similar financial management systems.
• Experience utilizing emerging technologies, including large language models (LLMs) and AI-enabled tools, to support administrative efficiency and communication efforts.

Education & Experience

Education Work requires knowledge of basic mathematical, research, and communications principles normally acquired through two years of postsecondary education.

Experience Work generally requires four years of clerical, administrative, program coordination, or research-related experience.

A bachelor's degree in a directly related field may substitute for the education requirement and two years of the required experience.

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience will also be considered.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a community driven by purpose, innovation, collaboration, and excellence.

As part of the Department of Political Science, you'll contribute to an academic environment that values intellectual curiosity, student success, and meaningful engagement. Your work will help support future leaders, scholars, and professionals while advancing the university's commitment to education, research, and service.

At Duke, you'll have opportunities to grow professionally, build meaningful relationships, and make a lasting impact every day.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help support student success while contributing to a stronger, smarter, and more connected future at Duke University.