Program Coordinator

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, integrity, and the essential role that every team member plays in advancing education, research, and care.

As the Program Coordinator (DUSA), you will serve as a trusted administrative partner responsible for planning, coordinating, and administering activities within assigned program areas. You will help develop, coordinate, and provide guidance on policies and processes related to the Psychology Undergraduate program while providing exceptional administrative support to students, faculty, and other key stakeholders.

Be Bold.

This role sits at the center of a dynamic academic setting. You’ll take ownership of complex administrative, financial, and client-service responsibilities that require accuracy, professionalism, and a strong commitment to compliance.

What You’ll Do

Academic Program Planning & Student Advising Oversight

• Design, implement, and manage matriculation activities for incoming students, collaborating with the Admissions Office to establish early engagement and guide students on psychology major requirements and departmental opportunities.
• Develop advising strategies and processes, including advisor assignment protocols, course registration policies, and advising best practices to support student success.
• Analyze students’ academic records to ensure compliance with degree requirements; exercise independent judgment to approve course substitutions, process transfer credits, and clear students for graduation.
• Serve as a senior-level academic resource by providing guidance to faculty advisors and intervening in complex academic situations.
• Manage departmental involvement in student organizations such as Psychology Majors Union and Psi Chi, ensuring alignment with academic objectives and departmental priorities.

Undergraduate Research Program Support

• Direct and manage the Undergraduate and Graduate Research and Travel Grants process, including policy interpretation, eligibility verification, award communication, and compliance monitoring.
• Advise award recipients on financial processes, allowable expenses, and reporting obligations; ensure adherence to university and departmental policies.
• Oversee application review workflows, data tracking, and reporting for all research-related programs to inform leadership decision-making and resource allocation.
• Coordinate research course enrollment processes (e.g., research practica, independent studies, honors theses), ensuring compliance with academic policies and timely resolution of student issues.
• Implement quality control measures for research-related submissions, including syllabi collection and final project reports.

Curriculum & Faculty Coordination

• Lead the planning and development of the course schedule each semester, assessing enrollment trends and collaborating with faculty to optimize course offerings and resolve scheduling conflicts.
• Establish and implement policies for course waitlist management and enrollment limits to ensure fairness and compliance with university standards.
• Design and deliver advisor training workshops to enhance faculty advising effectiveness and consistency across the department.
• Provide high-level academic and career guidance to students, focusing on complex cases or escalations.

Program & Event Management

• Plan and execute major departmental events such as the Summer Research Program, graduation ceremonies, and recruitment events, ensuring alignment with departmental goals and compliance with university policies.
• Negotiate and manage vendor contracts for event services (venue, catering, sound and tech support, rental, photography, programs, security and crowd management) and hiring and supervising events assistants while overseeing event budgets, ensuring fiscal responsibility and adherence to procurement guidelines.
• Develop and implement event marketing strategies, including print and digital communications, to maximize engagement and visibility as well as recruiting students to represent the department at Blue Devil Days and Majors’ Fair.

Communication & Marketing Strategy

• Oversee the development and accuracy of undergraduate program materials, website content, and communications (including newsletters), ensuring consistency with departmental branding and university standards.
• Supervise and mentor student assistants and interns engaged in marketing, communications, and digital media, providing training and quality control.

Other Duties as Assigned

Required Qualifications

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

Experience: Work requires one year of experience in program administration or involving academic, instructional or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of program activities and events.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you’ll find more than a job—you’ll find a mission-driven community committed to excellence, learning, and service. This role offers the opportunity to work in a collaborative academic environment that values professionalism, integrity, and growth.