Program Coordinator Nicholas School

Program Coordinator Nicholas School

Work Arrangement:
Primarily on-site at the Nicholas School of the Environment (Durham and Beaufort, NC) with limited remote flexibility based on business needs.

Be You. At Duke University, we celebrate curiosity, innovation, and the unique perspectives that every member of our community brings. As the Program Coordinator, Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, you will play a central role in supporting transformative undergraduate research experiences that prepare future leaders in environmental science, climate research, marine science, and interdisciplinary scholarship. Based within the Nicholas School of the Environment, you'll help guide one of Duke's premier faculty-mentored undergraduate research initiatives, supporting approximately 100 students annually as they engage in rigorous research pathways that culminate in Graduation with Distinction.

Be Bold. The Program Coordinator serves as the operational and strategic leader for the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program, which includes:

• Marine Lab Scholars Program
• Rachel Carson Scholars
• Scholars in Marine Medicine
• Repass-Rodgers Scholars
• Climate Scholars Program
• Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program

Reporting to the Associate Dean of Experiential Education and Undergraduate Research, this position provides leadership, administration, and coordination across all aspects of program operations while fostering exceptional student experiences and supporting faculty excellence.

What You'll Do

• Undergraduate Research Scholars Program Coordination (70%)
• Provide strategic and operational leadership for all components of the Undergraduate Research Scholars Program across its five scholar themes.
• Serve as the central administrative authority for program planning, implementation, evaluation, and continuous improvement.
• Lead scholar recruitment, application review, selection processes, and faculty mentor matching in partnership with Faculty Directors.
• Oversee scholar funding allocations supporting undergraduate research, conference travel, and programmatic activities.
• Plan and execute high-impact programming, including:
• Scholar research presentations
• Professional development workshops
• Alumni engagement activities
• Marine Lab Scholars Alumni Weekend
• Direct administration of the Bonaventura Summer Research Fellows Program, including:
• Recruitment strategy
• Curriculum coordination
• Research primer delivery
• Mentoring oversight
• Program assessment and evaluation
• Provide functional supervision and guidance to student leaders, executive board members, student employees, and support staff as assigned.
• Support scholar success through intentional programming, mentorship coordination, and resource management.
• Administration (15%)
• Oversee financial reconciliation, procurement activities, contracts, and compliance processes.
• Track expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of program resources.
• Maintain complex calendars and schedules for program leadership.
• Coordinate operational activities across multiple campuses and stakeholders.
• Manage vendor relationships, logistics, and event operations to support seamless program delivery.
• Ensure adherence to university policies and administrative procedures.
• Development, External Relations & Institutional Engagement (10%)
• Contribute to grant proposal development and sponsored funding opportunities.
• Assist with preparation of program reports, foundation communications, and donor stewardship materials.
• Partner with Marketing and Communications teams to strengthen program visibility and brand recognition.
• Collaborate with Faculty Directors to expand the program's institutional reputation and national profile.
• Support strategic initiatives that advance experiential education and undergraduate research opportunities across Duke.
• Communications (5%)
• Serve as the primary point of contact for prospective and current scholars.
• Maintain and enhance program websites and digital communication platforms.
• Develop communications that promote engagement among students, faculty, alumni, and external partners.
• Highlight student achievements, research accomplishments, and program impact through strategic messaging and storytelling.

What…