Assistant Director, Arts Annex

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

10d•$48,899 - $77,510•Onsite

About The Position

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the power of artistic expression to transform communities. As the Assistant Director, Arts Annex, you will play a key role in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant environment where students can explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful creative experiences. You will join a collaborative team within Venue and Production Management that supports student engagement through the arts while fostering innovation, belonging, and personal growth. Your leadership will help ensure the Arts Annex remains a dynamic hub where students from all backgrounds can create, connect, and thrive. The Assistant Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Arts Annex, supporting student arts engagement, facility management, program development, and student leadership initiatives. This role serves as a champion for creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success while strengthening partnerships across Duke and supporting the connection between the Arts Annex and the Rubenstein Arts Center.

Requirements

Analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
Two years experience in personnel, college or university administration, or a related field to acquire skills necessary to provide program management, advising and general administrative support.
OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Arts Management, Media Production, or a related discipline.
Three or more years of experience supporting student activities, student organizations, arts programming, media production, or campus engagement initiatives.
Experience supervising student employees and supporting student leadership development.
Experience managing budgets, operational resources, and assessment processes.
Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and events.
Experience working in arts, performance, creative, or student-centered environments.

Responsibilities

Oversee the daily operations of the Arts Annex and its specialized creative spaces, including ceramics, screen-printing, visual arts, and dance studios.
Manage facility schedules, resources, and space utilization to ensure an exceptional experience for students and campus partners.
Guide operational planning, facility improvements, maintenance efforts, and long-range space enhancement initiatives.
Maintain inventory systems and oversee the tracking, maintenance, and safe use of equipment and resources.
Provide a visible and supportive presence during daytime, evening, and weekend operations.
Ensure compliance with university, safety, risk management, and operational policies.
Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate undergraduate and graduate student employees.
Foster a student-centered culture that encourages creativity, ownership, leadership development, and collaboration.
Manage student staffing budgets, payroll processes, and workforce planning.
Support assessment initiatives by gathering feedback and implementing continuous improvement strategies.
Prepare reports, recommendations, and planning materials that support departmental and divisional goals.
Mentor and coach student leaders while promoting innovation and engagement through the arts.
Cultivate an environment where students feel empowered to explore creative opportunities and build community.
Represent the Arts Annex in divisional initiatives that advance student belonging, engagement, and wellbeing.
Promote accessibility and inclusive practices that ensure all students can meaningfully participate in programs and experiences.
Manage social media platforms and digital communication strategies for the Arts Annex.
Create engaging content that highlights programs, workshops, facilities, and opportunities for involvement.
Support marketing efforts designed to increase awareness, participation, and community connection.
Oversee reservation and registration systems to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
Maintain strong communication with students, campus partners, and stakeholders.
Develop collaborative relationships with faculty, departments, student organizations, and community partners.
Strengthen connections between the Arts Annex and the Rubenstein Arts Center.
Support interdisciplinary programming and innovative arts experiences.
Identify opportunities to expand student participation and create impactful engagement initiatives.
Contribute to special projects that advance and enrich the student experience.
Participate on committees, working groups, and professional development opportunities.
Serve as a collaborative partner across the university.
Perform other duties that support departmental, divisional, and university goals.