Administrative Assistant

Administrative Assistant

Work Arrangement:
On-Site

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: 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. Be You. At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As an Administrative Assistant in the Department of Economics, you'll play an essential role in supporting faculty, staff, scholars, and students while helping advance the department's academic, research, and operational excellence.

In this highly collaborative role, you'll work across human resources, payroll, financial administration, and departmental operations to create an exceptional experience for members of our academic community. Your attention to detail, commitment to service, and ability to build strong relationships will help ensure the department runs smoothly and efficiently. Be Bold. As a trusted administrative professional, you'll take ownership of key business processes that support the success of faculty, staff, students, and visitors.

You'll have opportunities to improve workflows, contribute to strategic initiatives, and help foster a welcoming, inclusive environment.

What You'll Do

Human Resources & Payroll Support

Coordinate human resource and payroll transactions for faculty, staff, research personnel, postdoctoral scholars, and student employees. Support recruitment activities including job postings, applicant tracking, interview scheduling, onboarding, transfers, and employee separations. Maintain accurate personnel records and ensure compliance with university, school, and regulatory requirements. Process employment and payroll transactions, including new hires, transfers, funding updates, salary adjustments, supplements, and payroll corrections.

Serve as a resource on routine HR policies, procedures, and payroll processes. Assist with employee relations activities and support consistent policy application across the department. Coordinate visa sponsorship and immigration-related documentation for international employees, scholars, and visitors. Monitor visa timelines and ensure timely submission of required materials. Partner with faculty sponsors and university offices to support visitor onboarding and arrival logistics.

Track payroll activity, identify discrepancies, and collaborate with appropriate stakeholders to resolve issues. Generate reports and provide insights that support continuous improvement of HR and payroll operations.

Operations & Administrative Leadership

Supervise administrative support staff and student assistants serving the department's administrative suite. Help develop and implement standard operating procedures that enhance efficiency and service quality. Coordinate daily office coverage and ensure consistent administrative support during regular business hours. Provide backup support for administrative functions within the Chair's Office and Administrative Suite. Manage building and room access for students, visiting scholars, and affiliated faculty.

Coordinate departmental meetings, events, staff engagement activities, celebrations, and special projects. Partner with department leadership to support…