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

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.

Senior Program Coordinator

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Senior Program Coordinator, you'll play 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, you'll help create transformational experiences that connect students with public-sector leaders, alumni, faculty, and practitioners while fostering the next generation of government leadership.

You will join a collaborative, mission-driven team committed to expanding pathways into public service and creating meaningful opportunities for Duke students to explore impactful careers.

Be Bold.

The Senior Program Coordinator serves as the primary administrator and student engagement coordinator for the Becker Government Leadership Initiative. Reporting to the Assistant Director of POLIS, this position manages day-to-day program operations and supports all aspects of the Becker Fellow experience, from recruitment and cohort selection through graduation and alumni engagement.

The Senior Program Coordinator works closely with the Director of POLIS, Assistant Director of POLIS, Duke Career Center staff, faculty, alumni, and visiting practitioners to deliver high-quality programming and a cohesive student experience. While this role collaborates closely with career advising staff, it does not provide career counseling or manage internship placement activities.

What You'll Do

Student Recruitment, Engagement, and Cohort Management (30%)

• 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.

Program Administration and Operations (20%)

• 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.

Practitioner-in-Residence and Guest Engagement (20%)

• 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.

Programming and Events (20%)

• 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.

Budget and Financial Administration (5%)

• 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.

Campus and External Partnerships (5%)

• 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.

Additional Responsibilities

• Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires analytical, communication, and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience

Work requires 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.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• 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.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll be part of a world-renowned institution committed to knowledge, leadership, service, and innovation. Through the Becker Government Leadership Initiative, you'll directly contribute to preparing future public-service leaders while building meaningful connections across Duke's campus and beyond.

Duke offers a collaborative and inclusive community where employees are encouraged to bring their authentic selves to work, pursue professional growth, and make a lasting impact.

Why You'll Love Working Here

• Support the development of future government and public-service leaders.
• Collaborate with distinguished faculty, alumni, practitioners, and campus partners.
• Help shape a growing and innovative leadership initiative.
• Work in a dynamic, student-centered environment.
• Contribute to Duke University's mission of education, research, and service.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us inspire, prepare, and connect the next generation of public service leaders through the Becker Government Leadership Initiative at Duke University.