STAFF SPECIALIST

Duke Careers; Durham (NC); On-site; USD 41,200 - 63,800; Full time

Job summary

Duke University is seeking an organized, detail‑oriented administrative professional to support the Center for Reconciliation (CFR). The role coordinates logistics, communications, and program activities, ensuring timely execution and aligned with Duke’s mission.

You will manage emails, meetings, and events; assist with budgets and procurement via Concur; and help maintain data systems and reports. Strong writing, collaboration, and problem‑solving are valued in this role.

Qualifications

• Knowledge typically acquired through two years of postsecondary education in a related field.
• Four years of administrative, clerical, or program support experience; office management, communications, or research support.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for some experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Manage and prioritize incoming communications, including screening and routing emails and responding or elevating items as appropriate.
• Coordinate schedules, meetings, and events; provide logistical and hospitality support for programs and gatherings.
• Support financial processes, including submitting procurement card expenses through Concur and assisting with budget tracking and reconciliation.
• Maintain strong working relationships across Duke departments and with external partners to support program activities and communications.
• Compile, track, and analyze program information; prepare reports that highlight progress, trends, and recommendations.
• Develop and maintain systems, databases, and documentation to support program operations and data management.
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate work to meet program goals and deadlines.
• Provide guidance or task coordination to team members as needed; ensure outputs are accurate and complete.
• Assist with budget planning, projections, and monitoring of departmental expenditures.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and complete post-travel documentation and reporting.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Effective communications

Multitasking

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

Education

Two years of postsecondary education

Bachelor's degree may substitute for some experience

Tools

Concur

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 University, we value purpose-driven work and the unique perspective each team member brings. As a key contributor supporting the Duke Center for Reconciliation (CFR), you will play an important role in fostering collaboration, organization, and mission-centered programming. This position is ideal for someone who is detail-oriented, service-minded, and passionate about supporting programs that bring people together.

Be Bold.

In this role, you’ll support the daily operations and programmatic activities of CFR by coordinating logistics, managing communications, and contributing to the successful execution of initiatives that advance the Center’s work.

What You’ll Do:

• Manage and prioritize incoming communications, including screening and routing emails and responding or elevating items as appropriate.
• Coordinate schedules, meetings, and events; provide logistical and hospitality support for programs and gatherings.
• Support financial processes, including submitting procurement card expenses through Concur and assisting with budget tracking and reconciliation.
• Maintain strong working relationships across Duke departments and with external partners to support program activities and communications.
• Compile, track, and analyze program information; prepare reports that highlight progress, trends, and recommendations.
• Develop and maintain systems, databases, and documentation to support program operations and data management.
• Plan, prioritize, and coordinate work to meet program goals and deadlines.
• Provide guidance or task coordination to team members as needed; ensure work outputs are accurate and complete.
• Assist with budget planning, projections, and monitoring of departmental expenditures.
• Manage departmental corporate cards and ensure proper reconciliation and compliance.
• Coordinate travel arrangements and complete post-travel documentation and reporting.
• Maintain organized office systems, including files, records, and supplies.
• Perform data entry and support ongoing updates to internal databases.
• Collaborate regularly with program coordinators on office operations and administrative needs.
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support the success of CFR programs.

What You’ll Bring:

Education & Experience:

• Knowledge typically acquired through two years of postsecondary education in a related field.
• Four years of relevant administrative, clerical, or program support experience, including office management, communications, or research support.
• A bachelor’s degree in a related field may substitute for some experience.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience working with faith-based or religiously affiliated nonprofit organizations.

Skills & Strengths:

• Strong organizational, communication, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities and work independently.
• Attention to detail and accuracy in data, reporting, and financial processes.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to professionalism.

Choose Duke.

Duke University is committed to excellence through diversity, collaboration, and innovation. We believe our strength lies in the exchange of ideas and the richness of our community. At Duke, every voice matters—and every team member helps shape an environment where all feel valued and supported.

Duke University is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunities without regard to age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Certain roles may include essential physical and/or mental job functions. Information regarding reasonable accommodations will be provided by the hiring department.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $19.80 to USD $30.63. 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.