Senior Program Coordinator

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$48,960 - $77,928•Hybrid

About The Position

Duke University's Office of Undergraduate Education, specifically the DukeLIFE program, is seeking a Senior Program Coordinator. This role focuses on supporting first-generation and lower-income students by designing and delivering programs that immerse them in Duke's academic community and foster a sense of belonging. The coordinator will independently manage a portfolio of programs, including peer mentoring, transition initiatives, and large-scale events. Responsibilities include coordinating program logistics, engaging directly with students, collaborating with campus partners, serving as a primary point of contact for students, mentoring student leaders, supervising a student assistant, and shaping programs that support student success from transition through retention. This position offers a dynamic opportunity to impact the Duke student experience by fostering community, supporting student development, and advancing access and inclusion.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree is generally required
Three years of experience in program administration or roles involving academic, instructional, or counseling activities
Demonstrated ability to plan, coordinate, and implement multiple programs or events simultaneously
Strong organizational, analytical, and communication skills
Equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience will be considered

Nice To Haves

Experience coordinating student-facing programs, ideally in higher education
Experience working with high-performing students in selective or elite institutions
Proven success managing events/programs with multiple stakeholders, logistics, and timelines
Experience supervising student staff or peer leaders
Experience developing student engagement, transition, or mentorship programs
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including newsletters and social media
Experience managing program platforms or engagement tools (e.g., Mentor Collective), graphic design platforms (Canva) and Microsoft Office Suite
Demonstrated ability to manage sensitive situations with professionalism and sound judgment

Responsibilities

Coordinate and administer the LIFE Peer Mentoring Program, fostering sustained mentoring relationships between incoming and experienced students.
Manage program participation and engagement through the Mentor Collective platform, using data and feedback to enhance program effectiveness.
Design and facilitate regular in-person events to strengthen student connection and engagement.
Lead planning and execution of ASCEND, a fall transition program focused on academic integration and help-seeking behaviors.
Develop program schedules, coordinate logistics, and ensure seamless delivery of student programming.
Plan signature events including Welcome Tailgate, DukeLIFE Fall Retreat, and Parents & Family Weekend programming.
Support recruitment initiatives such as Blue Devil Days and other spring events.
Oversee student-led faculty engagement programs, providing guidance, structure, and alignment with goals.
Coordinate logistics across unit programs, including space reservations, catering, supplies, and travel.
Maintain the DukeLIFE Study Room in Perkins Library, ensuring a welcoming and functional student space.
Serve as the primary point of contact for students, providing guidance and resolving program-related issues.
Build strong relationships with students through one-on-one engagement, outreach, and advising.
Hire, train, and supervise the Programming & Communications Assistant, providing ongoing coaching and feedback.
Recruit, train, and support student leaders (Peer Mentors and ASCEND Coaches).
Guide student leaders in supporting peer transitions and coordinating engagement initiatives.
Recruit and onboard incoming students into DukeLIFE programs.
Identify student needs and connect them to appropriate campus resources.
Develop and deliver training for student leaders and partners to enhance student support.
Develop and distribute a monthly newsletter highlighting resources, events, and opportunities.
Manage DukeLIFE’s Instagram account to ensure consistent, engaging, and brand-aligned messaging.
Coordinate communications to ensure students receive accurate and timely program information.
Partner with campus stakeholders including New Student & Family Programs, Conference & Event Services, and Perkins Library.
Represent DukeLIFE on committees and working groups.
Contribute to collaborative initiatives that support first-generation and lower-income students.