Staff Assistant​/Administrative & Communications Assistant , Center Politics

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Work Arrangement:
Hybrid (On-Site and Remote mix)

Requisition Number: 269200

Regular or Temporary:
Regular

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date:
May 20, 2026

At Duke University, we celebrate individuality, curiosity, and the power of diverse perspectives. As the Staff Assistant / Administrative & Communications Assistant with Polis:
Center for Politics in the Sanford School of Public Policy, you’ll be a vital part of a mission‑driven academic center dedicated to political engagement and civil discourse. In this role, you’ll support students, faculty, visiting speakers, alumni, and donors—helping create meaningful experiences that foster thoughtful dialogue across differences while ensuring seamless day‑to‑day operations.

Programmatic Support & Event Management (Approx. 60%)

• Coordinate all aspects of Polis and Civil Discourse Project events, including panels, workshops, conferences, receptions, and dinners.
• Manage event logistics from planning through execution, including space reservations, travel, itineraries, briefing materials, invitations, and on‑site support.
• Handle logistics for guest speakers and visitors, including parking, honoraria, catering, room reservations, and vendor coordination.
• Contract and manage vendors for catering, equipment rentals, décor, and audiovisual services, including price negotiation.
• Support publicity, advertising, and public relations efforts, including drafting promotional content and coordinating multimedia advertising.
• Update and maintain Polis and Civil Discourse Project websites and social media channels.
• Create targeted itineraries for visiting guests and assist with reports and promotional materials.
• Administer post‑event surveys and manage follow‑up communications.

Administrative & Office Management (Approx. 40%)

• Build and maintain databases and mailing lists for students, alumni, donors, and event attendees.
• Serve as administrative support to the Director and Assistant Director, including calendar coordination, travel, and correspondence.
• Draft and distribute letters, reports, newsletters, and other materials.
• Process financial transactions including reimbursements, corporate card reconciliation, and fund tracking.
• Manage office inventory, filing systems, and supplies.
• Support hiring, onboarding, and training for student workers.
• Manage the Polis email inbox and respond to inquiries.
• Coordinate staff meetings, take notes, and support internal team activities.

Education:

• Four years of related secretarial/clerical experience or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Experience:

• Typically three years of related administrative, event coordination, or program support experience.

Skills:

• Strong organizational and communication skills; proficiency with Microsoft Office and familiarity with Word Press or Canva.

Preferred:

• Experience with event or project management software (e.g., Eventbrite, Asana).
• Experience with graphic design tools such as Canva.

Anticipated Pay Range: USD $19.80 to $30.63 per hour.

Duke University provides comprehensive medical, dental, retirement, and other benefits. For more details, see (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

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, (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.

Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination e.edu/eeo.

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: DAAS; phone: ).