Executive Assistant to the President

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The Office of the President is seeking an experienced Executive Assistant to the President to provide high‑level administrative, operational, and strategic support to the university’s chief executive. In this trusted role, you will serve at the center of Duke’s leadership operations, managing complex calendars, coordinating travel and engagements, and ensuring the smooth day‑to‑day functioning of the President’s Office.
You’ll work closely with senior leaders, trustees, faculty, donors, students, and distinguished guests—often handling sensitive matters that require discretion, sound judgment, and professionalism. Each day, you’ll anticipate needs, prepare briefing materials, oversee office operations, and support institutional priorities at the highest level. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced executive environment, values excellence, and enjoys being a proactive partner in leadership success.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree OR an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.
• Five years of executive‑level administrative support experience, preferably in a C‑suite or senior leadership office.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professionalism at all times.
• Experience using Microsoft Office and Adobe Acrobat; comfort learning new technologies.
• This position requires onsite work Monday-Friday. Occasional evenings/weekends and flexibility to meet executive needs is essential.

Nice To Haves

• Demonstrated experience managing complex executive calendars and high‑volume scheduling.
• Experience supporting senior leaders and interacting with boards, donors, and external stakeholders.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Proven ability to anticipate needs, manage competing priorities, and exercise sound judgment.

Responsibilities

• Manage all aspects of the President’s calendar, including routine, standing, and one‑time meetings, travel, and engagements.
• Manage the calendar for Hart House, coordinating facilities, maintenance, and special events with internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage Duke‑related activities on the President’s spouse’s calendar and prepare briefing materials for events.
• Oversee daily operations of the President’s Office and supervise two full‑time staff members.
• Coordinate annual appointments to presidential committees in partnership with the Executive Committee of the Academic Council.
• Collect, prepare, and quality‑check materials for meetings, correspondence, and engagements.
• Monitor and manage the [email protected] inbox in accordance with established procedures.
• Oversee document archiving consistent with policy and manage special projects as assigned.
• Provide back‑up calendar and administrative support to the Chief of Staff and Secretary to the Board of Trustees.

Benefits

• Duke also offers a competitive benefits package designed to support your health, well‑being, and professional growth.
• Learn more about Duke’s benefits: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
• Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation or military status.
• Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees