Assistant Director, Major Events and Programs, QuadEx

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

5d • $47,940 - $75,990

About The Position

As a member of the QuadEx team, the Assistant Director provides leadership for student programming and campus-wide major events. This role advises Duke University Union (DUU) on strategic planning, self-governance, leadership development, programming, financial management, risk mitigation, and contract execution. The role advances the vision of involvement as leadership, ensuring meaningful co-curricular experiences for all students. Responsibilities include coordinating large-scale university programs and collaborative events, overseeing programming budgets and endowment accounts, and supervising student staff and graduate assistants. As a member of the Student Involvement and Leadership team, the Assistant Director supports initiatives that promote belonging, engagement, and student well-being.

Requirements

• Education: Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
• Experience: Work generally requires two years experience in personnel, college or university administration, or a related field to acquire skills necessary to provide program event design and management.
• OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Nice To Haves

• Master's degree preferred in Higher Education, Student Affairs or related field of study
• A minimum of one year of experience in student organization management, student advising and governance, leadership development, fraternity/sorority life, and program planning at the undergraduate and/or graduate level(s)
• Familiarity with student advising and event management work, interest & knowledge in student governance, social identity development and its relation to the college student experience
• The successful candidate will balance year-round student programming responsibilities with seasons when multiples project are occurring at once.
• Experience coordinating large-scale recruitment or admissions-related events
• Understanding of compliance frameworks in higher education
• Project management experience with multiple simultaneous initiatives
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholder groups including prospective students, families, university leadership, and external vendors

Responsibilities

• Student Leadership Advising (40%)
• Provide strategic advising to large-scale student coordinating and governing bodies (e.g., Duke University Union [DUU]), supporting effective student self-governance, organizational sustainability, and mission alignment.
• Guide student leaders through the full event lifecycle, including concept development, budget planning, risk assessment, logistical coordination, implementation, and post-event evaluation.
• Attend regular meetings and events to guide student decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership development.
• Support the student leaders in navigating complex relationships and negotiations with University administrators, faculty, staff, and peers on current University issues and trends.
• Design and deliver student focused training on programming procedures, facility usage, contracting and negotiations, team building, publicity, needs assessment, and other related topics as needed.
• Provide oversight and guidance on financial management, including budget development, allocation tracking, revenue reconciliation, and responsible stewardship of institutional funds.
• Advise students on university policies and procedures related to contracts, performers, vendors, facility usage, risk management, safety planning, and compliance requirements.
• Major Events Programming (30%)
• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of university-wide events for students, prospective students, alumni, and  external constituents, ensuring alignment with divisional and institutional priorities and student engagement goals.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans and timelines, coordinating logistics such as space reservations, vendor contracts, technical needs, catering, staffing, etc., for assigned events and programs.
• Design and implement programming that authentically showcases student involvement opportunities, campus culture, and leadership development pathways at Duke University
• Collaborate with Office of Undergraduate Admissions, academic departments, student organizations, and various student affairs departments to create joy-filled, rewarding, and safe student events.
• Train and supervise student volunteers and ambassadors participating in large-scale events
• Manage the budget for major events and programs that support Duke University student traditions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned major events, facilitating cross-campus communication and ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations.
• Departmental Supervision & Support (15%)
• Provide day-to-day supervision, direct training, and evaluation and performance management for assigned Graduate Assistant(s) and student staff, supporting both ongoing programming and special celebrations.
• Serve as part of the divisional QuadEx team, offering opportunities for connection related to student organization support, large-scale programming, event management and logistics, and leadership development
• Support office and departmental programs as an additional event support member at evening and weekend programming
• Oversee budgets for area of responsibility and manage appropriate expenditures in accordance to University and Student Involvement and Leadership Policies.
• Train, supervise, and evaluate student volunteers and ambassadors participating in large-scale events, fostering leadership development and high standards of customer service.
• Contribute to departmental decision-making and strategic planning efforts by providing insight from student engagement trends, event assessment data, and frontline advising experience.
• University & Community Relations (10%)
• Collaborate with university partners to support university-sponsored initiatives and signature events, ensuring alignment with student involvement goals and consistent communication across stakeholders.
• Advise and support students in creating meaningful partnerships and relationships with other students, staff and the Durham community through reciprocal participation in programs and events
• Foster and maintain relationships with academic departments, administrative units, and community partners to enhance student programming and encourage reciprocal engagement opportunities.
• Serve as primary Student Affairs liaison to Office of Undergraduate Admissions for yield programming, coordinating student engagement efforts that authentically represent campus culture and involvement opportunities.
• Represent the department in interdepartmental planning meetings and working groups related to recruitment, community engagement, and university-wide initiatives.
• Other Duties (5%)
• Perform other duties as assigned, including executing administrative projects, team assignments, and committee work

Benefits

• Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family- friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level