Academic Assistant, Fuqua School of Business

Duke PA; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 39,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University’s Management Communication Center (MCC) at the Fuqua School of Business seeks a MCC Assistant (level 8) to provide high‑level administrative, instructional, event coordination, and financial support to MCC faculty. This role supports teaching, research, program management, and departmental activities that are often complex, confidential, and time‑sensitive.

The ideal candidate possesses exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible administrative, program coordination, or related professional experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills with faculty, students, administrators, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem-solving skills with attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines in a dynamic academic environment.
• Commitment to customer service and collaborative teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Edit, proofread, and format a wide variety of faculty materials.
• Create and maintain tables, charts, and presentations with accuracy.
• Coordinate faculty travel; schedule meetings via Zoom or Teams.
• Manage TA recruitment, assignments, and payroll processes.
• Administer memberships, subscriptions, mail, and office files.
• Reserve meeting spaces and coordinate logistics for meetings and projects.

Education

Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Adobe Acrobat

Database systems

Online collaboration tools

Learning management systems

SAP or similar financial systems

Job description

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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.

The Management Communication Center (MCC) Assistant (level 8) provides high-level administrative, instructional, event coordination, and financial support to Management Communication faculty at the Fuqua School of Business. This position supports a broad range of teaching, research, program management, and departmental activities that are often complex, confidential, and time-sensitive.

MCC faculty teach core communication courses throughout the academic year and lead the Business Communication & Culture (BCC) program, a summer program for international students who are required or strongly encouraged to attend as part of their preparation for admission to Fuqua's MBA programs. The MCC Assistant serves as a key resource for faculty, students, and external stakeholders, ensuring the smooth execution of academic programs, events, and operational processes.

Success in this role requires exceptional organizational skills, attention to detail, sound judgment, and the ability to effectively manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment. The ideal candidate works independently while also contributing as a collaborative member of a high-performing team. The MCC Assistant reports to the MCC Faculty Director.

Be Bold.

Instructional Support

• Manage and maintain faculty course sites in Canvas, ensuring accuracy of content, announcements, assignments, and course materials.
• Provide grading support for multiple faculty members, including assignment feedback, grade verification, maintenance of complex Excel grading spreadsheets, and submission of final grades through Duke Hub.
• Coordinate Social Styles assessments for MBA students in partnership with the MCC Director and TRACOM, including preparation of participant data and class rosters (20 separate classes).
• Support crisis simulation activities by coordinating with faculty, teaching assistants, Multimedia Services, and other stakeholders utilizing Virtual Team Space (VTS) classrooms.
• Collect and compile data supporting curriculum assessment and accreditation requirements.
• Prepare class and team rosters, student information sheets, and photo directories for faculty use.
• Coordinate classroom recording requests and logistics with Fuqua Multimedia Services.
• Respond to student inquiries and provide guidance, escalating issues to faculty as appropriate.
• Coordinate logistics for guest speakers, including travel arrangements, parking, accommodations and event support.
• Procure and organize classroom materials and supplies and provide in-class assistance as needed.
• Interface with students for all programs.

Research and Administrative Support

• Edit, proofread, and format a wide variety of faculty materials, including syllabi, instructional content, research documents, articles, book chapters, reports, and correspondence.
• Create and maintain tables, charts, presentations, and other documentation while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and adherence to publication or journal formatting requirements.
• Conduct online research and retrieve scholarly articles, industry publications, and news resources.
• Serve as a liaison with external stakeholders, university partners, alumni and campus visitors on behalf of faculty.
• Coordinate faculty travel arrangements, including flights, lodging, and conference registrations.
• Schedule and facilitate meetings using Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and other collaboration platforms.
• Manage Teaching Assistant (TA) recruitment, assignments, training coordination, and coverage throughout academic terms.
• Review and approve student employee timecards and support payroll-related processes.
• Administer faculty memberships, subscriptions, mail distribution, office files, and supply inventories.
• Reserve meeting spaces and coordinate logistics for faculty meetings and special projects.
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding student records, academic performance, and faculty information.
• Provide basic technology support and coordinate with IT resources to resolve equipment and printing issues.

Event Planning and Program Coordination

• Plan and coordinate faculty-hosted meetings, workshops, conferences, and special events.
• Manage venue reservations, audiovisual requirements, catering arrangements, hotel accommodations, and guest communications.
• Serve as a primary coordinator for the annual Business Communication & Culture (BCC) program.
• Beginning each spring, collaborate with Admissions, Program Deans, Registrars, and faculty to manage BCC program planning and student participation for incoming international MBA students.
• In coordination with Admissions, prepare and distribute weekly BCC enrollment and registration reports, including deposits, attendance projections, and participant updates.
• Coordinate evening social events, off‑site activities, restaurant reservations, and recreational outings for BCC participants.
• Procure, organize, and distribute BCC program materials, supplies, and student welcome items.
• Coordinate BCC registration logistics, including partnerships with Bon Appétit, Building Management Operations (BMO), faculty, and staff to facilitate large‑scale student check‑in events in a timely manner.
• Maintain and distribute master BCC rosters through Box and other approved systems, ensuring information remains current and accessible to key stakeholders (Admissions, Program Deans, Registrars, and BCC faculty).

Financial and Budget Administration

• Assist with budget development, forecasting, monitoring, and reconciliation for the Management Communication department and faculty accounts (FABs).
• Manage the BCC program budget.
• Process reimbursements, monitor expenditures, and ensure compliance with university policies and budget guidelines.
• Generate financial and expenditure reports using SAP and other university financial systems.
• Review and approve Teaching Assistant payroll submissions and timecards.
• Assist with preparation of staffing contracts and related documentation for BCC personnel.
• Participate in staff meetings, financial training sessions, and technology workshops to maintain compliance and operational effectiveness.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree strongly preferred.
• Minimum of three years of progressively responsible administrative, program coordination, or related professional experience.
• Demonstrated proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Acrobat, database systems, online collaboration tools, and learning management systems.
• Working knowledge of SAP or similar financial management systems preferred.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to interact professionally and effectively with faculty, students, administrators, and external stakeholders.
• Strong organizational, project management, and problem‑solving skills with exceptional attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and adapt to changing needs in a dynamic academic environment.
• Demonstrated commitment to customer service and collaborative teamwork.
• Advanced proofreading, editing, and document preparation skills.
• High degree of professionalism, discretion, initiative, resourcefulness, and sound judgment.
• Ability to manage confidential information with integrity and sensitivity.
• Project and Event Coordination
• Academic Program Administration
• Budget and Financial Management
• Relationship Management
• Communication and Editing Excellence
• Technology Proficiency
• Organizational Effectiveness
• Customer Service Orientation
• Initiative and Independent Judgment
• Confidentiality and Professionalism

Choose Duke.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.60 to USD $28.65. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. 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. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy‑related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: [e-mail]; phone: [phone]).

Nearest Major Market: Durham
Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo.