Program Coordinator Nicholas School

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$45,661 - $73,140•Hybrid

About The Position

Based within the Nicholas School of the Environment, this position will help guide one of Duke's premier faculty-mentored undergraduate research initiatives, supporting approximately 100 students annually as they engage in rigorous research pathways that culminate in Graduation with Distinction. The Program Coordinator serves as the operational and strategic leader for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, which includes the Marine Lab Scholars Program, Rachel Carson Scholars, Scholars in Marine Medicine, Repass-Rodgers Scholars, Climate Scholars Program, and Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program. Reporting to the Associate Dean of Experiential Education and Undergraduate Research, this position provides leadership, administration, and coordination across all aspects of program operations while fostering exceptional student experiences and supporting faculty excellence.

Requirements

Analytical, communication, and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.
One year 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.
An equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree in Higher Education Administration, Environmental Science, Nonprofit Management, or a related field.
Three or more years of progressively responsible experience in program management, higher education administration, research administration, or a related field.
Demonstrated experience managing budgets and financial forecasting.
Experience developing and leading complex programs involving multiple stakeholders.
Strong analytical, assessment, and reporting skills.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Experience preparing reports, proposals, and grant materials.
Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and manage competing priorities.
Experience with website management systems and digital communications.
Familiarity with Duke systems such as Concur, Qualtrics, Box, and related platforms.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic and operational leadership for all components of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program across its five scholar themes.
Serve as the central administrative authority for program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
Lead scholar recruitment, application review, selection processes, and faculty mentor matching in partnership with Faculty Directors.
Oversee scholar funding allocations supporting undergraduate research, conference travel, and programmatic activities.
Plan and execute high-impact programming, including scholar research presentations, professional development workshops, alumni engagement activities, and Marine Lab Scholars Alumni Weekend.
Direct administration of the Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program, including recruitment strategy, curriculum coordination, research primer delivery, and mentoring oversight.
Provide functional supervision and guidance to student leaders, executive board members, student employees, and support staff as assigned.
Support scholar success through intentional programming, mentorship coordination, and resource management.
Oversee financial reconciliation, procurement activities, contracts, and compliance processes.
Track expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of program resources.
Maintain complex calendars and schedules for program leadership.
Coordinate operational activities across multiple campuses and stakeholders.
Manage vendor relationships, logistics, and event operations to support seamless program delivery.
Ensure adherence to university policies and administrative procedures.
Contribute to grant proposal development and sponsored funding opportunities.
Assist with preparation of program reports, foundation communications, and donor stewardship materials.
Partner with Marketing and Communications teams to strengthen program visibility and brand recognition.
Collaborate with Faculty Directors to expand the program's institutional reputation and national profile.
Support strategic initiatives that advance experiential education and undergraduate research opportunities across Duke.
Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and current scholars.
Maintain and enhance program websites and digital communication platforms.
Develop communications that promote engagement among students, faculty, alumni, and external partners.
Highlight student achievements, research accomplishments, and program impact through strategic messaging and storytelling.