Public Education Program Director, Bolch Judicial Institute

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 62,766 - 97,798; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC is seeking a Public Education Program Director for the Bolch Judicial Institute. The role leads civic education initiatives, public engagement, and research to enhance public understanding of courts and the rule of law.

Under direction of institute leadership, you will develop programs, publications, events, and campaigns, coordinating with judges, lawyers, students, and external partners to advance the mission.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; strong writing and communication skills essential.
• Experience or familiarity with legal concepts, civics, and court processes preferred.
• Event planning experience is desirable.
• Ability to work independently with multiple stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement public education programs, publications, events, and research projects.
• Identify opportunities for civic education and public engagement around the judiciary.
• Develop partnerships with external organizations and coordinate outreach with stakeholders.
• Prepare grant applications and contracts; manage reporting and compliance.
• Supervise students, vendors, and contractors as assigned.
• Perform additional duties related to program operations.

Skills

Strong writing and communications

Familiarity with law and civics

Event planning experience

Independent work capability

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Juris Doctorate or equivalent legal experience

Job description

Work Arrangement: On-Site

Requisition Number: 273043

Regular or Temporary: Regular

Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date: Jul 30, 2026

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.

Public Education Program Director, Bolch Judicial Institute

Be You.

At Duke University, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that strengthen our community. As the Public Education Program Director, Bolch Judicial Institute, you will support the Institute's mission to better the human condition by studying, strengthening, and promoting the rule of law.

Under the direction of the Director and Deputy Director of the Bolch Judicial Institute, the Public Education Program Director will develop and implement programs, publications, events, and research projects designed to enhance public knowledge and understanding of courts, the judicial branch, and the rule of law and to support and strengthen the ability of courts, judges, lawyers, and others to engage in public outreach, conduct civic education, and deepen public engagement.

Be Bold.

This position provides leadership and coordination for initiatives that support civic education, public engagement, and understanding of the judiciary. The role works closely with judges, lawyers, students, faculty, civic education groups, court entities, and other external stakeholders to advance the mission of the Bolch Judicial Institute.

What You'll Do

Program Development and Administration

• Coordinate and participate in meetings with Institute staff and external constituents to determine objectives of public education programs, identify internal and external resources available to meet those objectives, and develop and implement program protocols, procedures, and operating policies.
• Coordinate arrangements for special programs and events such as speaker series, workshops, seminars, symposia, and conferences, including developing program agendas, inviting appropriate speakers or other participants, arranging schedules, and working with colleagues to appropriately manage program logistics, publicity, and budgets.

Research and Public Engagement

• Identify, analyze, and support or facilitate research, seminars, courses, and studies that explore public perceptions of courts and identify opportunities for courts and judges to thoughtfully and productively engage in civic and public education and interaction to enhance public understanding of the judiciary.
• In consultation with the communications team, propose, develop, and launch multimedia, social media, and other campaigns and prepare brochures, bulletins, and other publications to promote educational resources and messaging focused on courts, the judicial branch, and the rule of law and to share best practices for improving public understanding and opinion of the judiciary.

Partnership Development

• Liaise with external organizations, entities, and individuals to promote public education initiatives and develop partnerships that support broad efforts to improve public understanding and opinion of courts.
• Correspond with law students, undergraduate students, faculty, judges, lawyers, bar organizations, court entities, civic education groups, other universities, and others to provide information concerning program activities.

Grants, Reporting, and Compliance

• Prepare applications for grants and contracts, including development of budgets; administer grants and contracts in accordance with University policies and sponsors' requirements regarding records, reports, controls, and conditions governing expenditures of funds.
• Coordinate, compile, and prepare operational and financial reports and analyses setting forth progress, adverse trends, and appropriate recommendations or conclusions.

Supervision

• Supervise students, vendors, contractors, and others as assigned.

Additional Responsibilities

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

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

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

Experience

Work requires the ability to plan and administer programs and direct program activities within a specific functional area, generally acquired through four years of related experience.

OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE.

Preferred Education/Experience

• Juris Doctorate or experience in the legal profession.
• Demonstrated knowledge of legal concepts, American civics and history, and court processes preferred.

Skills

• Strong writing and communications skills required.
• Familiarity with social media marketing and media relations practices.
• Event planning experience.
• Familiarity with law and/or civics.
• Ability to work independently as well as with a wide variety of constituents.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you will join a collaborative community committed to advancing knowledge, fostering civic engagement, and strengthening institutions that serve the public good. Through the Bolch Judicial Institute, you’ll have the opportunity to contribute to programs and initiatives that promote understanding of the judiciary and the rule of law while working with leaders across the legal, academic, and civic communities.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $62,766.00 to USD $97,798.00. 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.

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.