Program Coordinator

Duke University; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 46,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC, seeks a Program Coordinator for the Office of Black Church Studies (OBCS) to coordinate lectures, workshops, student gatherings, webinars, and community engagement.

You will manage event logistics, travel, budgets, and communications, collaborating closely with OBCS leadership and cross-university teams to strengthen connections with students, alumni, pastors, and partners.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required in a related field.
• One year of experience in program administration or related activities.
• Equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience acceptable.

Responsibilities

• Plan and execute OBCS lectures, workshops, student gatherings, webinars, annual theme events, and community engagement activities.
• Coordinate all event logistics including scheduling, registration, hospitality, travel, lodging, venue preparation, and participant support.
• Provide on-site and virtual event support to ensure high-quality experiences for speakers, students, and attendees.
• Travel with students to conferences and OBCS-related events as needed.
• Foster a welcoming, hospitable, and inclusive environment for students and visitors.
• Engage with students, alumni, clergy, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Assist in developing annual themes, programming concepts, and strategic initiatives.
• Manage day-to-day administrative and financial operations for the office.

Skills

Organizational skills

Project management

Multitasking

Verbal communication

Written communication

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

Microsoft Word

Microsoft Excel

PowerPoint

Virtual event platforms

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.

At Duke, we believe that diverse experiences, perspectives, and identities strengthen our community. As theProgram Coordinator for the Office of Black Church Studies (OBCS), you'll help create meaningful opportunities for students, alumni, pastors, scholars, and community members to engage with the rich traditions and ongoing impact of Black Church Studies.

In this role, you'll join a collaborative and mission-driven team within Duke Divinity School, helping to foster a welcoming environment that supports learning, connection, spiritual growth, and community engagement. Your organizational expertise, relationship-building skills, and commitment to excellence will help bring transformational programs and events to life.

Be Bold.

The Program Coordinator serves as a key contributor to the success of the Office of Black Church Studies by coordinating programs, lectures, events, communications, and administrative operations. You will collaborate closely with OBCS leadership while helping to strengthen connections among students, faculty, alumni, pastors, and broader communities.

As a member of the HCI Shared Staffing Team, you'll also have opportunities to collaborate across Houses, Centers, and Initiatives, contributing to a culture of shared support, innovation, and service.

What You'll Do

Coordinate Impactful Programs & Events

• Plan and execute OBCS lectures, workshops, student gatherings, webinars, annual theme events, and community engagement activities.
• Coordinate all event logistics, including scheduling, registration, hospitality, travel, lodging, venue preparation, and participant support.
• Provide on-site and virtual event support, ensuring a high-quality experience for speakers, students, and attendees.
• Travel with students to conferences and OBCS-related events as needed.

Cultivate Community & Student Engagement

• Foster a welcoming, hospitable, and inclusive environment for students and visitors.
• Maintain a visible and supportive presence within the OBCS community.
• Engage with current students, alumni, clergy, faculty, staff, and community partners.
• Support the spiritual and communal life of the Office through relationship building and student engagement.

Partner in Program Development

• Collaborate with the OBCS Director and Associate Director to develop annual themes, programming concepts, and strategic initiatives.
• Research resources, speakers, and content that enhance program effectiveness and mission impact.
• Assist in evaluating programs and events to support continuous improvement.

Manage Administrative & Financial Operations

• Provide day-to-day administrative support for the Office of Black Church Studies.
• Assist with budgeting and financial administration for programs and events.
• Coordinate purchasing, reimbursements, honoraria, travel expenses, payments, and related financial processes.
• Maintain organized records and support operational efficiency across the office.
• Communicate the mission, impact, and opportunities of OBCS to a broad range of audiences.
• Partner with Duke Divinity School Communications to maintain website content and digital communications.
• Create and coordinate updates across social media and online platforms.
• Help increase awareness and engagement through effective outreach efforts.

Support the HCI Shared Staffing Team

• Collaborate with fellow Program Coordinators and Staff Assistants across Houses, Centers, and Initiatives.
• Participate in cross-training, team meetings, shared processes, and collaborative projects.
• Provide administrative, communications, programmatic, and event support to other HCIs as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education/Training

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

Experience

Work requires one year 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. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Theology, Religious Studies, Communications, Event Management, Higher Education Administration, or a related field.
• Experience coordinating programs, conferences, lectures, or community engagement initiatives.
• Strong organizational, project management, and multitasking abilities.
• Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to customer service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders and audiences.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and virtual event platforms.
• Demonstrated ability to work both independently and collaboratively.

Choose Duke.

At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a purpose-driven community committed to academic excellence, service, leadership, and impact.

As part of Duke Divinity School and the Office of Black Church Studies, you'll contribute to programs that support theological education, community engagement, leadership development, and the ongoing vitality of Black Church traditions. Your work will help create meaningful experiences that inspire learning, strengthen relationships, and foster belonging.

Here, your contributions matter. Your ideas are valued. Your growth is supported.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $45,661.00 to USD $73,140.00. 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.

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.