Program Communications Assistant, Hart Leadership Program

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$20 - $31•Onsite

About The Position

The Hart Leadership Program at Duke University prepares and inspires undergraduate students to practice the art of ethical leadership in public life through internships, fellowships, academic courses, and co-curricular leadership projects. The Program and Communications Assistant, reporting to the Senior Program Coordinator, provides administrative support for these undergraduate experiential learning programs and manages communications functions. This role is crucial for recruiting students into the programs and requires a candidate who is comfortable working independently and as part of a fast-paced team. The ideal candidate is dependable, hardworking, energetic, creative, possesses excellent people skills, and has a thorough attention to detail.

Requirements

Four years of clerical or research experience to acquire strong skills in administrative or project research responsibilities as well as accepted office management, communications and research practices.
A bachelor's degree in a directly related field may substitute for education and two years of experience.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience
At least two years of experience in program administration and/or communications
Excellent writing and editing skills with demonstrated attention to detail
Experience creating digital and print communications, including graphic design
Proficiency in social media management and website platforms (e.g., WordPress)
Strong organizational and logistics coordination skills with ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously
Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively in a team environment while also working independently
Exceptional professionalism in written and verbal communication
Experience using tools such as Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, Canva, and database systems
Ability to meet deadlines, manage competing priorities, and maintain consistent workflow
Interest in civic engagement, leadership development, or higher education programming
Demonstrated initiative, creativity, and problem-solving mindset

Responsibilities

Update, distribute, collect, and track student forms and surveys for experiential learning programs.
Maintain records for experiential learning programs, including downloading summer assignments, updating spreadsheets and databases with student and alumni information, and maintaining contact lists.
Create student assignment calendars for summer field placements and track submission of written reflections.
Assist with recruitment, selection administration, and student onboarding for experiential learning programs.
Prepare application packets for program selection committees.
Schedule program meetings and student interviews.
Make travel/housing arrangements for students in the Laidlaw Scholars Program and other programs.
Propose, plan, and facilitate events for past program participants (students and alumni) to maintain engagement.
Provide logistical assistance with program-related events such as information sessions, student retreats, selection meetings, orientations, and research symposia.
Ensure the Hart Leadership Program is registered for and represented at relevant campus fairs.
Provide limited course administration support for HLP courses, including distributing and tracking course permission numbers.
Update, distribute, and collect program evaluation surveys.
Provide administrative support for Davis Projects for Peace.
Design, create, and distribute print and digital assets for program recruitment, course promotion, and unit-wide communications.
Manage the Hart Leadership Program’s social media accounts, ensuring consistent, engaging, and brand-aligned content according to an editorial calendar.
Write news stories and develop content for the Hart Leadership website, including student and community partner profiles, research updates, and programmatic content.
Regularly update website copy and images, maintain program cohort pages, and manage the online events calendar.
Coordinate, design, and publish the monthly HLP newsletter, including planning content, managing audience lists, and handling occasional e-blasts.
Identify and pursue opportunities to share HLP stories in other venues.
Attend Duke and Sanford Communicators meetings as the HLP representative.
Coordinate media for all HLP events.
Design and produce program brochures, annual reports, program directories, and other print assets.
Ensure all communications adhere to Duke, Sanford, and HLP brand/style guides.
Perform other related duties as assigned.