Senior Program Coordinator, Center for Politics, Sanford School of Public Policy

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

9d•$49,939 - $79,487•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Program Coordinator plays a key role in supporting the Becker Government Leadership Initiative, an innovative program designed to identify, recruit, inspire, and support exceptional undergraduate students preparing for careers in federal and public service leadership. Working within POLIS: The Center for Politics at Duke University's Sanford School of Public Policy, this role helps create transformational experiences that connect students with public-sector leaders, alumni, faculty, and practitioners while fostering the next generation of government leadership. The position is part of a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to expanding pathways into public service and creating meaningful opportunities for Duke students to explore impactful careers.

Requirements

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.
Excellent organizational, planning, communication, project management, and event implementation skills.
Exceptional teamwork and collaboration skills.
Ability to function effectively and manage multiple priorities under deadlines.
A proactive, solution-oriented approach and can-do attitude.
Strong attention to detail.
Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Ability to work effectively with faculty, students, staff, and internal and external stakeholders.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting student engagement, leadership development, higher education programs, public policy initiatives, or public service-related programming.
Experience planning events, workshops, speaker programs, or professional development experiences.
Experience coordinating multiple stakeholders and managing complex program logistics.

Responsibilities

Coordinate recruitment and outreach efforts to attract undergraduate students interested in public service careers, particularly within the Initiative's focus areas of national security, health, and education.
Support the identification, selection, and onboarding of annual cohorts of Becker Government Leadership Fellows.
Manage communications and engagement activities for Becker Fellows throughout their participation in the program.
Develop and coordinate programming that supports students' exploration of public service pathways and strengthens their connection to the Initiative.
Monitor student participation, engagement, and progress across all stages of the Becker Fellow experience.
Manage the day-to-day administration of the Becker Government Leadership Initiative.
Coordinate program logistics, timelines, communications, and operational processes.
Maintain program records, participant data, and reporting systems.
Assist with assessment activities, data collection, and preparation of annual reports and program evaluations.
Develop and maintain operational procedures that support program effectiveness and growth.
Coordinate all logistical and administrative aspects of the Initiative's Practitioner-in-Residence program.
Serve as a primary point of contact for visiting practitioners and guest speakers.
Arrange travel, scheduling, event planning, student meetings, and related activities for practitioners during their residency.
Support meaningful interactions between students and visiting public-sector leaders.
Plan and execute workshops, seminars, speaker programs, networking events, leadership development activities, and other co-curricular experiences.
Coordinate student-focused programming associated with the Explore, Immerse, Bridge, and Connect phases of the Initiative.
Collaborate with POLIS, Sanford School units, alumni relations staff, and campus partners to maximize program impact.
Support public-facing events that advance awareness of public service opportunities among Duke students.
Assist with management of program budgets and expenditures.
Track spending related to programming, events, practitioner residencies, and student support activities.
Process reimbursements, payments, and other financial transactions in accordance with Duke policies.
Prepare budget reports and provide administrative support for donor reporting requirements.
Serve as a liaison among POLIS, the Duke Career Center, Sanford School departments, and other campus partners.
Coordinate closely with the Career Advisor supporting the Becker Initiative to ensure a seamless student experience.
Support engagement with alumni, public-sector leaders, and external organizations that contribute to Initiative programming and mentoring activities.
Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.