Program and Communications Assistant, Hart Leadership Program

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.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Program and Communications Assistant, you'll be a vital part of the Hart Leadership Program (HLP), a nationally recognized initiative that prepares and inspires undergraduate students to practice the art of ethical leadership in public life. HLP's mission is rooted in community-based action, civicmission research, and collaborative leadership practices that build genuinely public goods. Through internships, fellowships, academic courses, and cocurricular leadership projects, HLP connects students with opportunities across Duke, Durham, North Carolina, and communities around the world. You'll help create transformational learning experiences and join a fastmoving, tightly coordinated team that values dependability, creativity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to equity and public purpose.

In this role, you will report to the Senior Program Coordinator and serve as both an operational anchor and a strategic communications storyteller. You will help drive recruitment for experiential learning programs, manage key workflows, coordinate events, and sustain the communications infrastructure that elevates student, alumni, and community partner voices.

- Update, distribute, collect, and track student forms and surveys for experiential learning programs.

- Maintain student and alumni records, shared spreadsheets, databases, and contact lists.

- Create assignment calendars for summer placements and track student deliverables.

- Support recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes.

- Prepare application packets and support interview and meeting scheduling.

- Coordinate travel and housing logistics for programs, including Laidlaw Scholars.

- Plan and facilitate alumni and participant engagement events.

- Support major program events including information sessions, retreats, orientations, and symposia.

- Provide limited course administration support.

- Support Davis Projects for Peace and other duties as assigned.

- Design and distribute print and digital assets.

- Manage social media content and editorial calendars.

- Write news stories, profiles, and program features.

- Maintain and update website content and images.

- Produce monthly newsletters and e-blasts.

- Represent HLP in communicator meetings.

- Coordinate media needs for events.

- Produce brochures, reports, and directories.

- Ensure adherence to Duke, Sanford, and HLP brand/style guidelines.

- A bachelor's degree or equivalent training.

- Two years of experience in program administration, communications, or a related field.

- Excellent writing and editing skills.

- Graphic design skills for print and digital content.

- Experience managing social media and website content.

- Exceptional attention to detail and strong organizational abilities.

- Professional communication skills, both written and verbal.

- Strong collaboration and teamwork skills.

- Ability to manage multiple projects, meet deadlines, and adapt to fast-paced environments.

- Commitment to HLP's mission and communitybased leadership development.

- Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canva, and WordPress.

Preferred Skills:

- Experience with logistics coordination and event support.

- Ability to meet deadlines, seize opportunities, and manage a steady workflow.

- Strong motivation and ability to work under pressure.

- Interest in ethical leadership, public purpose, and community-based research.

- Ability to coordinate multiple simultaneous projects efficiently.

- Eagerness to find solutions, collaborate with a team, and share both work and credit.

Choosing Duke means stepping into a community that thrives on curiosity, courage, and big ideas. The Hart Leadership Program is a national leader in experiential education - a launchpad where students tackle real problems, work alongside community partners, and discover what ethical leadership looks like in the world today. As the Program and Communications Assistant, you'll help fuel that momentum by elevating stories that matter and supporting programs that transform students' lives.

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.