Associate Director - Campus Office Operations

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 believe exceptional residential experiences begin with exceptional people. As the Associate Director of Campus Office Operations, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the day-to-day experience of thousands of residential students by leading key operational functions that support Housing and Residence Life (HRL).

In this highly collaborative leadership role, you'll partner across Student Affairs, Facilities, Residential Education, and University departments to ensure our residential communities operate efficiently, safely, and with a commitment to outstanding service. Your expertise in operations, staff leadership, strategic planning, and customer service will directly contribute to creating an exceptional student living experience while supporting Duke's mission of excellence in education, research, and student engagement.

Be Bold.

As the operational leader for HRL campus offices, you will drive innovation, establish best practices, and lead a talented team dedicated to delivering seamless residential services. You will help shape policies, improve processes, foster collaboration, and ensure operational excellence across Duke's residential communities.

What You'll Do

Lead Campus Housing Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of Housing and Residence Life campus and apartment offices to provide a high-quality, student-centered residential experience.
• Develop, implement, and continuously improve operational policies, procedures, and service standards.
• Manage key inventories, including bedroom, specialty, and high-value master keys.
• Monitor operational performance and establish meaningful metrics that support service excellence and informed decision-making.
• Analyze trends, assess outcomes, and identify opportunities to enhance efficiency, student satisfaction, safety, and community well-being.
• Support Duke Housing's commitment to remaining a national leader in residential operations and customer service.

Drive Strategic Partnerships and Collaboration

• Partner with Residential Education, Residential Student Services, Facilities Planning and Operations, Conference and Event Services, Parking and Transportation Services, and other campus stakeholders to coordinate critical housing operations.
• Support major departmental initiatives including opening, closing, break housing, occupancy management, health and safety inspections, and student communications.
• Advise colleagues on operational procedures and ensure compliance with University, Division, and departmental policies.
• Collaborate on residential assessment processes, including room damage charges, key replacement fees, and other student housing-related financial transactions.
• Analyze operational needs, recommend solutions, and contribute to strategic planning efforts that support future student housing initiatives.
• Represent Housing and Residence Life on University committees, stakeholder groups, and operational planning teams.

Lead and Develop High-Performing Teams

• Provide direct leadership and supervision for Campus Office Staff Assistants and indirect oversight of student staff members.
• Foster a culture of accountability, customer service, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
• Oversee recruiting, onboarding, training, performance management, and professional development initiatives.
• Coach and mentor staff to support individual growth, team effectiveness, and organizational success.

Support Financial and Administrative Excellence

• Assist with budget forecasting, operational planning, expense management, and financial reconciliation processes.
• Ensure responsible stewardship of departmental resources and adherence to established financial procedures.
• Support operational assessments and reporting efforts that inform departmental strategy and resource allocation.

Contribute Beyond Your Core Responsibilities

• Participate in departmental initiatives, special projects, and University priorities as assigned.
• Support evolving operational needs and contribute to the overall success of Housing and Residence Life and Student Affairs.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Business Administration, Public Administration, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Four years of progressively responsible experience in higher education administration, housing operations, personnel management, property management, student services, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex operational processes and providing administrative leadership.

Preferred Experience

• Experience supervising full-time staff and student employees.
• Experience in residential housing, property management, facilities operations, or university housing administration.
• Experience managing large-scale operational events or programs.

Preferred Skills & Competencies

• Exceptional organizational, planning, and project management skills.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to navigate complex situations with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment.
• Budget management experience and understanding of financial processes within higher education.
• Crisis response, risk management, and problem-solving expertise.
• Ability to build effective partnerships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Experience utilizing housing management software and operational systems.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service excellence and continuous process improvement.
• Ability to analyze data and operational trends to inform decision-making.
• Cultural competency and the ability to work effectively with individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and experiences.
• Proven leadership skills in staff supervision, coaching, evaluation, and team development.

Why You'll Thrive Here

At Duke, you'll join a community that values innovation, collaboration, and belonging. You'll have opportunities to:

• Make a meaningful impact on the residential experience of thousands of students.
• Collaborate with professionals across one of the nation's premier universities.
• Lead operational initiatives that directly influence student success and well-being.
• Develop professionally through leadership opportunities, training, and mentorship.
• Work within an environment that values inclusion, continuous improvement, and excellence.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is committed to creating a community where every individual can thrive. We recognize that our strength comes from the unique talents, experiences, and perspectives of our people. As a member of the Housing and Residence Life team, you'll help create welcoming residential environments that support student growth, engagement, and success.

When you choose Duke, you choose a workplace where your contributions matter, your ideas are valued, and your professional growth is supported.

Ready to Make a Difference?

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