Event Parking Specialist

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 28,000 - 37,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC, seeks a Special Events Coordinator for Parking & Transportation Services to coordinate parking and traffic management for campus events, support ingress/egress plans, supervise staff, and communicate expectations through pre- and post-event debriefings, ensuring safe and welcoming experiences for guests and thousands of attendees.

This role requires independent judgment, operational excellence, and strong customer service.

Qualifications

• Strong customer service orientation for guest experiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate parking and traffic management before, during, and after events.
• Support ingress/egress traffic plans for safe guest access.
• Supervise event staff and contractors.
• Conduct pre- and post-event debriefings to share plans and lessons.
• Verify time records and maintain billing documentation.
• Make real-time operational decisions using policies and plans.
• Develop relationships with planners, departments, and partners.
• Distribute, track, and maintain event signage and materials.
• Maintain inventories and production records for signage.

Skills

Customer service

Verbal communication

Written communication

Problem solving

Independence

Organization

Multitasking

Microsoft Office

Tools

Excel

Word

Job description

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Date: Oct 21, 2026

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Special Events Coordinator (Parking & Transportation Services)

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Special Events Coordinator, you'll play an essential role in creating safe, efficient, and welcoming event experiences for thousands of guests, students, employees, and community members. You will work collaboratively across the university, partnering with event planners, campus stakeholders, and transportation professionals to support a wide range of special events and athletic competitions.

Your customer-focused approach, attention to detail, and ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced environment will help ensure successful event operations while contributing to Duke's commitment to exceptional service.

Be Bold.

As a member of Duke Parking and Transportation Services, you'll help coordinate and support traffic management, parking operations, event logistics, and customer service initiatives for special events across campus. This position requires adaptability, independent judgment, and a commitment to operational excellence.

What You'll Do:

• Coordinate parking and traffic management operations before, during, and after special events.
• Assist with the implementation of event ingress and egress traffic plans to support safe and efficient guest access.
• Supervise and provide direction to event staff and contracted personnel.
• Conduct pre-event briefings and post-event debriefings to communicate expectations, operational plans, and lessons learned.
• Verify contractor time records and maintain accurate documentation for billing purposes.
• Make real-time operational decisions utilizing departmental policies, event plans, prior experience, and professional judgment.
• Develop and maintain productive working relationships with event planners, university departments, community partners, and external stakeholders.
• Design, assemble, distribute, and track event signage packages for small, medium, and large-scale events.
• Maintain inventories of operational materials and equipment, including:
  • Traffic cones
  • Barricades
  • A-frame signs
  • Linear barriers
  • Adhesive vinyl
  • Coroplast signage materials
  • Event banners and directional signs
• Track inventory usage and maintain accurate production and cost records for signage and materials.
• Coordinate the distribution, retrieval, and maintenance of event equipment and signage.
• Clean, repair, and replace event-related equipment as needed to ensure readiness and safety.
• Complete accident, incident, and operational reports in accordance with departmental procedures.
• Participate in event planning meetings and contribute recommendations to enhance operational efficiency and customer experience.
• Provide on-site leadership and support for secondary events while assisting the Special Events Manager with event execution and oversight.
• Deliver exceptional customer service while assisting guests, visitors, and event participants.

What You'll Bring

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong customer service orientation with a commitment to creating positive guest experiences.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective listening, problem-solving, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently with limited supervision.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks in a dynamic event environment.
• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and operational documentation.
• Strong attention to detail and organizational skills.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Work requires a general educational background normally equivalent to a high school diploma or GED.

Must be able to obtain and maintain a valid North Carolina driver's license.

Experience

One year of experience supporting events, event operations, transportation services, facilities operations, hospitality, customer service, or a related environment.

Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll join a world-renowned institution committed to innovation, service, and excellence. You'll have the opportunity to support memorable campus experiences while working alongside dedicated professionals who value teamwork, respect, and continuous improvement.

Your work will directly contribute to the success of university events and help create a welcoming environment for everyone who visits our campus.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.00 to USD $27.20. 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.