Assistant Director, Durham and Community Affairs

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

3d•$59,829 - $86,700

About The Position

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Assistant Director, Durham and Community Affairs, you will play a key role in advancing initiatives that strengthen partnerships between Duke and the Durham community across five focus areas: Community, Health, Housing, Employment, and Education. You’ll collaborate across teams and with local partners to drive meaningful, mission-driven work that creates lasting impact. In this role, you will lead and manage strategic programs that connect Duke with the broader community, ensuring alignment with institutional priorities while advancing innovative approaches to community engagement. You’ll operate with a high level of autonomy, guide cross-functional efforts, and influence initiatives that shape community outcomes. At Duke University, you’ll join a mission-driven organization committed to building stronger communities through collaboration, innovation, and service. You’ll have the opportunity to shape impactful programs, partner with passionate colleagues, and contribute to meaningful change across Durham and beyond.

Requirements

Analytical, organizational and communications skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
A minimum of three years management experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education AND/OR experience.

Responsibilities

Lead and manage strategic initiatives across DCA’s five focus areas: Community, Health, Housing, Employment, and Education
Develop, coordinate, and evaluate programs that foster purposeful partnerships between Duke and the Durham community
Oversee operational planning, budgets, and program policies to ensure alignment with strategic objectives
Monitor program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative methods; identify trends and implement improvements
Facilitate focus area meetings and provide recommendations on structure, processes, and priorities to senior leadership
Manage proposal development, reporting processes, and administrative deliverables
Coordinate and execute special events and initiatives both on and off campus
Partner across DCA teams (housing, education, community health, engagement, operations, research, and advancement) to align efforts with community priorities and SCIP outcomes
Build and strengthen connections between Duke and community partners to advance collaboration
Research and present local and national trends and best practices to leadership
Support communications strategies, including newsletters, promotional materials, publications, and internal “Doing Good” communications
Collaborate with Communications leadership to plan and execute public-facing materials and campaigns
Supervise staff, interns, student workers, and contractors, supporting development and performance
Respond to inquiries and manage requests in alignment with established policies and procedures
Work independently while proactively keeping senior leaders informed on progress and priorities