Senior Program Coordinator

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 63,000 - 102,000; Full time

Job summary

Duke University in Durham, NC, invites applications for the Applied Ethics+ Senior Program Coordinator. You will shape the AE+ program, coordinate with MA leadership, faculty, and staff, and ensure alignment with university policies while advancing ethical and policy education.

The role emphasizes strategic partnerships, program evaluation, and staff supervision, with duties spanning sponsor development, budgeting, communications, and operational logistics.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in a relevant field.
• Deep substantive expertise at the intersection of ethics and innovation (e.g., health, AI, privacy, climate, cybersecurity).
• Minimum of three years of experience in program administration or related activities.

Responsibilities

• Make operational and programmatic decisions to meet AE+ objectives and establish procedures.
• Identify and cultivate partnerships with project sponsors; manage communications and deliverables.
• Monitor and evaluate program effectiveness; manage budgets, documentation, and compliance with Duke guidelines.
• Oversee administrative staff and training; supervise event logistics and service delivery.
• Lead strategic communications and development of resources for AE+ initiatives; coordinate internal/external stakeholder engagement.
• Perform additional program and administrative duties as assigned.

Skills

Program management

Communications

Administrative operations

Relationship management

Reporting

Organization

Written communication

Verbal communication

Project management

Interpersonal skills

Attention to detail

Stakeholder management

Independent judgment

Multi-priority management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy / AI & Technology / Health Policy / Science Policy

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 celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Applied Ethics+ Senior Program Coordinator, you'll play a vital role in shaping the next generation of ethical leaders, innovators, and policymakers.

Be Bold .

The Applied Ethics+ (AE+) Program is a transformative 10-week summer experience where Duke graduate and undergraduate students learn to tackle ethical and policy challenges through curriculum and experiential learning with government agencies, non-profit organizations, or companies outside of Duke.

What You’ll Do

35% — Program Strategy, Operational Leadership & Administration

• Make operational and programmatic decisions that directly impact the strategic objectives and success of the Applied Ethics Plus (AE+) program. Plan, coordinate, and administer overall AE+ activities in collaboration with MA program leadership, AE+ faculty, and department staff. Establish, refine, and enforce operational procedures, workflows, and timelines to ensure efficiency, program goal alignment, and strict adherence to university policies. Serve as an authority and advise program personnel regarding program policy and execution.

35% — Project Sponsor Development, Stakeholder Liaison & Issue Resolution

• Strategically identify, evaluate, and cultivate partnerships with potential project sponsors to align external projects with the academic and practical learning objectives of the MA in Applied Ethics & Policy program. Serve as the primary liaison and strategic partner for project sponsors: establish project scope, define key personnel requirements, manage communication cadences, and ensure completion of agreed-upon deliverables. Autonomously address, investigate, and resolve complex issues or conflicts arising with sponsors or external partners, ensuring sustained high-level stakeholder relationships.

10% — Program Evaluation, Data Analysis & Financial Oversight

• Monitor and evaluate overall program effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative research techniques, data collection systems, and participant feedback. Investigate emerging trends and present data-driven recommendations to leadership to drive continuous program improvement and strategic planning. Oversee program record-keeping, documentation, and database integrity. Monitor and manage program budgets, operational expenses, purchasing, and reimbursements in compliance with Duke financial guidelines.

10% — Supervision, Staff Training & Operational Logistics

• Directly oversee and guide administrative and support staff handling programmatic operations and event logistics, including facility arrangements, A/V, catering, and guest speaker itineraries. Train employees and support staff on established program methods, processes, and service standards to ensure high-quality execution and correctness of work.

10% — Communications, Resource Development & Engagement

• Lead the development and distribution of strategic communications, presentations, web content, training resources, and program guidelines to enhance program visibility and engagement. Design resources and collateral that support internal and external stakeholders in participating in AE+ initiatives.
• Perform additional program and administrative duties as assigned.

What You’ll Bring

Generally requires a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Public Policy, AI/Computer Science, Health Policy, Science Policy, or related discipline.

Deep substantive expertise in at least one area of the intersection of ethics and innovation (e.g. health, AI, privacy, climate, cybersecurity).

Demonstrated strengths in program/project management, communications, administrative operations, relationship management, and reporting. A minimum of three years of experience in program administration or academic, instructional, or related activities, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Strong skills in organization, written and verbal communication, project management, interpersonal skills, attention to detail, stakeholder management, independent judgment, and the ability to manage multiple priorities.

Choose Duke .

Support innovative programs that prepare students to address society’s most pressing ethical and policy challenges.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $62,932.00 to USD $102,490.00. 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.