Assistant Director, Major Events and Programs, QuadEx

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.

Positional Summary

As a member of the Quad Ex team, the Assistant Director provides leadership for student programming and campus-wide major events. This role advises Duke University Union (DUU) on strategic planning, self-governance, leadership development, programming, financial management, risk mitigation, and contract execution. The role advances the vision of involvement as leadership, ensuring meaningful co-curricular experiences for all students. Responsibilities include coordinating large-scale university programs and collaborative events, overseeing programming budgets and endowment accounts, and supervising student staff and graduate assistants.

As a member of the Student Involvement and Leadership team, the Assistant Director supports initiatives that promote belonging, engagement, and student well-being.

Key Position Duties

Student Leadership Advising (40%)

• Provide strategic advising to large-scale student coordinating and governing bodies (e.g., Duke University Union [DUU]), supporting effective student self-governance, organizational sustainability, and mission alignment.
• Guide student leaders through the full event lifecycle, including concept development, budget planning, risk assessment, logistical coordination, implementation, and post-event evaluation.
• Attend regular meetings and events to guide student decision-making, problem-solving, and leadership development.
• Support the student leaders in navigating complex relationships and negotiations with University administrators, faculty, staff, and peers on current University issues and trends.
• Design and deliver student focused training on programming procedures, facility usage, contracting and negotiations, team building, publicity, needs assessment, and other related topics as needed.
• Provide oversight and guidance on financial management, including budget development, allocation tracking, revenue reconciliation, and responsible stewardship of institutional funds.
• Advise students on university policies and procedures related to contracts, performers, vendors, facility usage, risk management, safety planning, and compliance requirements.

Major Events Programming (30%)

• Lead the planning, coordination, and execution of university-wide events for students, prospective students, alumni, and external constituents, ensuring alignment with divisional and institutional priorities and student engagement goals.
• Develop and manage detailed project plans and timelines, coordinating logistics such as space reservations, vendor contracts, technical needs, catering, staffing, etc., for assigned events and programs.
• Design and implement programming that authentically showcases student involvement opportunities, campus culture, and leadership development pathways at Duke University
• Collaborate with Office of Undergraduate Admissions, academic departments, student organizations, and various student affairs departments to create joy-filled, rewarding, and safe student events.
• Train and supervise student volunteers and ambassadors participating in large-scale events
• Manage the budget for major events and programs that support Duke University student traditions
• Serve as the primary point of contact for assigned major events, facilitating cross-campus communication and ensuring clarity of roles, responsibilities, and expectations.

Departmental Supervision & Support (15%)

• Provide day-to-day supervision, direct training, and evaluation and performance management for assigned Graduate Assistant(s) and student staff, supporting both…