Program Coordinator, Senior

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$48,960 - $77,928

About The Position

The Senior Program Coordinator is a central operational and strategic leader within the REGAL (Research to Eliminate GlobAL Cancer Disparities) research program. REGAL is a multidisciplinary research team focused on eliminating cancer disparities through innovative, data-driven approaches spanning biological, social, and structural determinants of health. The role is designed for an individual who thrives in complex team science environments and is motivated to drive execution, solve problems, and build systems that enable scientific excellence. This position blends high-level strategic coordination with hands-on operational execution, acting as a force multiplier for the PI and program leadership to ensure alignment across projects, accelerate productivity, and strengthen the infrastructure for a growing, multi-institutional research portfolio.

Requirements

Analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
Three years of experience in program administration or involving academic, instructional or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of program activities and events.
OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Nice To Haves

Master’s degree in Epidemiology, Public Health, or related field
Experience supporting multi-project or multi-institutional research programs
Familiarity with grant management (NIH or similar funding mechanisms)
Experience managing complex, interdisciplinary research or team science environments
Highly organized but also strategic, proactive, and solutions-oriented
Can operate effectively across levels—from detailed execution to high-level planning
Demonstrate strong leadership, accountability, and follow-through
Thrive in fast-paced, high-expectation environments with evolving priorities

Responsibilities

Lead coordination across a diverse portfolio of projects by translating strategic priorities into clear, actionable workplans and ensuring consistent execution against defined milestones.
Actively manage cross-project alignment, track deliverables, and maintain visibility into timelines, dependencies, and risks.
Continuously evaluate program workflows to identify inefficiencies, implement systems to improve productivity, and ensure that meetings, retreats, and team activities are purposeful and outcome driven.
Serve as a key liaison with internal and external collaborators and play a key role in implementing the community engagement and equity plan.
Build and maintain systems that support efficient, high-quality team science by ensuring that all program materials, documentation, and workflows are organized, standardized, and accessible.
Develop and maintain SOPs, ensure accurate tracking of budgets, expenditures, and financial reporting across multiple funding sources, manage repositories for protocols and study materials, and ensure that manuscripts, presentations, and reports are current and submission ready.
Play a key role in grant development efforts with planning, documentation, and submission logistics supporting.
Play a key role in dissemination efforts and ensuring that external-facing materials such as manuscripts, reports, newsletters, website content, and presentations are timely and accurately reflect program progress and impact.
Support the PI and team administrative operations, serving as a central point of coordination for trainees, new hires, and collaborators.
Manage onboarding and offboarding processes, facilitate recruitment and hiring logistics, and ensure that new team members are effectively integrated into program workflows.
Contribute to the design and implementation of structured trainee and internship experiences, ensuring alignment with program goals while supporting professional development.
Maintain records of trainee activities and outcomes to support reporting and training grant requirements.
Operate with a high degree of independence and initiative by identifying challenges, proposing solutions, and driving implementation.
Contribute to broader program strategy by identifying opportunities for growth, improved efficiency, and expanded impact.
Actively engage in professional development and apply best practices in program management, team science, and research operations to continuously strengthen program performance.