Staff Assistant​/Administrative & Communications Assistant , Center Politics

Staff Assistant / Administrative & Communications Assistant , Center for Politics

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is one of America’s leading research universities, located in Durham, North Carolina, and the third largest private employer in the state.

As the Staff Assistant / Administrative & Communications Assistant with Polis:
Center for Politics in the Sanford School of Public Policy, you will support students, faculty, visiting speakers, alumni, and donors, helping to create meaningful experiences that foster thoughtful dialogue and ensure seamless day-to-day operations.

This position is ideal for someone who enjoys variety, thrives in a fast‑paced academic environment, and brings precision and creativity to administrative, communications, and event support.

• 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, decor, 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.

• 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.

Work generally requires four years of related secretarial/clerical experience, or an equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

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

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

Bachelor’s Degree.

Anticipated Pay Range: USD $19.80 to $30.63 per hour. Duke University considers factors such as scope, responsibilities, experience, education, internal equity, and market when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goes beyond the base salary. Duke provides comprehensive medical and dental care programs, retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

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, pregnancy or 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. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

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 accommodations can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS; phone: ).