Project Coordinator, Center for Child & Family Policy

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

6d • $44,766 - $71,706

About The Position

Duke University: Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is regarded as one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, Duke is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, which is ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. Duke has more than 15,000 students who study and conduct research in its 10 undergraduate, graduate and professional schools. With about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina, and it now has international programs in more than 150 countries.  Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.
Be You.
At Duke University, we celebrate individuality, collaboration, and the unique perspectives that strengthen our academic and research community. As the Program Coordinator, you will be a vital contributor within the Center for Child and Family Policy, supporting faculty, leadership, students, and external partners in advancing research, policy, and practice that improves outcomes for children and families. This role requires discretion, sound judgment, and the ability to manage complex and confidential information in a fast‑paced academic environment.
Be Bold.
In this role, you will take ownership of advanced administrative, financial, and programmatic responsibilities that ensure the efficiency, compliance, and effectiveness of Center operations. You will balance multiple priorities, anticipate needs, and provide proactive support across Center initiatives.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree required, or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.
• At least one year of experience in program administration or related academic, instructional, or research environments.
• Experience managing multiple priorities, deadlines, and complex administrative processes.
• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Excel and strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision and collaboratively within a team environment.
• Strong attention to detail, initiative, and problem‑solving skills.
• Professional discretion when handling confidential and sensitive information.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and complete monthly reconciliations for Center operating accounts, ensuring accuracy, compliance, and timely reporting.
• Prepare and submit faculty and staff expense reports for corporate card and out‑of-pocket transactions using Duke@Work and Concur.
• Create and submit Accounts Payable check requests in Duke@Work and PaymentWorks for vendor and service payments.
• Use Buy@Duke to create, submit, and track purchase orders for vendor payments, service agreements, and office supplies.
• Assess whether vendors should be classified as employees or independent contractors and coordinate with Procurement, Payroll, and Accounts Payable.
• Process payments to research participants and experimental subjects in compliance with Duke policies and research protocols.
• Provide financial tracking and reporting support for the North Carolina Education Research Data Center, including monitoring payments and analyzing client trends.
• Manage administrative operations of the Jacqueline A. Morris Fellowship, including application coordination, selection processes, payment processing, and event planning.
• Provide administrative support for the Policy+ program, including coordination with faculty, scheduling, student communications, and tracking program activities.
• Assist with planning and execution of at least two School Research Partnership events annually.
• Compile and maintain the annual School Research Partnership Manual and provide ongoing support to program leadership.
• Provide short‑term administrative support to Center grants and research projects, including copy‑editing, participant communications, data cleaning, or survey development.
• Support development of Center newsletters, including content coordination, writing, layout, and copy‑editing.
• Assist with graphic design for Center events and communications, ensuring alignment with Duke branding guidelines.
• Provide communications support across platforms, including written content and basic video production or editing as needed.
• Contribute to clear, consistent, and professional messaging for Center programs and initiatives.
• Manage day‑to‑day office operations, including tracking supplies, ordering replacements, and maintaining shared spaces.
• Provide proactive administrative and logistical support to the Executive Director and senior staff.
• Support scheduling, meetings, events, and Center activities.
• Handle sensitive and confidential information related to personnel, finances, research, and operations with discretion and sound judgment.

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
• Number of Employees: 101-250 employees