Assistant Director, Major Events and Programs, QuadEx

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.

At Duke, we believe involvement is leadership-and every student's experience matters. As theAssistant Director, QuadEx & Student Programming, you will join a collaborative Student Involvement and Leadership team dedicated to creating meaningful, inclusive, and joy-filled co-curricular experiences. In this role, you'll advise and empower student leaders, support major campus traditions, and help cultivate a strong sense of belonging and well-being for all students.

You'll work closely with student leaders from Duke University Union (DUU), campus partners, and the broader Durham community to ensure Duke's programs reflect our shared values, celebrate diverse perspectives, and foster leadership growth.

Be Bold.

This role calls for a thoughtful leader who thrives in a fast-paced, student-centered environment and is excited to guide large-scale programs from idea to impact.

What You'll Do

Advise & Develop Student Leaders

• Provide strategic advising to large-scale student governing and coordinating bodies, including Duke University Union (DUU), supporting effective self-governance, organizational sustainability, and mission alignment.
• Mentor student leaders through the full event lifecycle-from concept development and budgeting to risk assessment, execution, and post-event evaluation.
• Design and deliver training on leadership development, programming procedures, facilities usage, contracts and negotiations, team building, publicity, and needs assessment.
• Guide students in navigating complex relationships and negotiations with university administrators, faculty, staff, and peers.
• Advise on university policies related to contracts, performers, vendors, risk management, safety planning, and compliance.

Lead Major Events & Signature Programming

• Plan, coordinate, and execute large-scale, university-wide events for students, prospective students, alumni, and external constituents.
• Develop and manage project plans, timelines, and logistics, including space reservations, technical needs, catering, staffing, and vendor contracts.
• Design programs that authentically showcase Duke's campus culture, leadership pathways, and involvement opportunities.
• Partner with Undergraduate Admissions, academic units, student organizations, and Student Affairs colleagues to deliver safe, engaging, and memorable experiences.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned major events, ensuring clear communication and shared expectations across stakeholders.
• Manage budgets and steward funds that support Duke's student traditions.

Supervise & Support Staff and Operations

• Provide day-to-day supervision, training, evaluation, and performance management for graduate assistants and student staff.
• Oversee budgets and expenditures in alignment with University and Student Involvement and Leadership policies.
• Support evening and weekend programs as part of a collaborative QuadEx team.
• Contribute to departmental decision-making and strategic planning through assessment data, student engagement trends, and frontline advising insights.

Strengthen University & Community Partnerships

• Collaborate with campus partners to support university-sponsored initiatives and signature events.
• Serve as the primary Student Affairs liaison to the Office of Undergraduate Admissions for yield programming.
• Foster reciprocal relationships with academic departments, administrative units, and Durham community partners.
• Represent the department in interdepartmental working groups focused on recruitment, engagement, and community connection.

Other Responsibilities

• Contribute to administrative projects, committees, and special initiatives as assigned.

Choose Duke.

Duke University offers a dynamic, mission-driven environment where innovation, collaboration, and student success are at the center of our work. Here, you'll have the opportunity to shape transformative student experiences, steward meaningful traditions, and grow as a leader within one of the nation's premier institutions.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• At least two years of experience in higher education, student programming, personnel administration, or a related field.

Strongly Preferred

• Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, or a related discipline.
• Experience advising student organizations, governance bodies, or leadership programs.

Preferred Skills & Experience

• Experience with large-scale event planning, admissions or recruitment programming, and project management.
• Knowledge of student development, social identity development, and student governance.
• Understanding of compliance frameworks in higher education.
• Strong communication skills with diverse stakeholders, including students, families, university leadership, and external vendors.
• Ability to balance year-round programming with peak event seasons.