Director for Graduate Student Success and Development

Director for Graduate Student Success and Development

Work Arrangement:
On-Site

Requisition Number: 274161

Regular or Temporary:
Regular

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Date:
Aug 28, 2026

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.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique experiences, perspectives, and aspirations that strengthen our academic community. As the Director for Graduate Student Success and Development, you will play a pivotal role in shaping the graduate student experience from recruitment through degree completion.

In this highly collaborative leadership role, you will partner with faculty, staff, students, and external organizations to create programs and services that support student success, foster belonging, and promote academic excellence. Your work will directly impact the recruitment, engagement, retention, and development of a diverse and thriving graduate student community.

If you are passionate about student success, relationship building, program innovation, and advancing graduate education, we encourage you to bring your talents to Duke.

As a strategic leader within Graduate Student Affairs, you will develop and implement innovative programs that enhance the graduate student experience while supporting institutional goals related to recruitment, retention, engagement, and student development.

• Develop and execute comprehensive graduate student recruitment strategies for master's and doctoral programs.
• Partner with Admissions, faculty, staff, and current students to build strong recruitment networks and pipelines.
• Represent Duke at recruitment fairs, workshops, campus visits, and outreach programs.
• Coordinate visitation opportunities, research experiences, and pre-application programs for prospective students.
• Expand partnerships through initiatives such as the EDGE Collaborative and other strategic recruitment alliances.
• Explore and support the development of innovative pathways, including inter-institutional 4+1 programs.

• Design, implement, assess, and continuously improve programs that support graduate student persistence and success.
• Foster meaningful connections across academic departments to promote best practices that enhance student outcomes.
• Create initiatives that strengthen belonging, engagement, and community among graduate students.
• Provide individualized guidance and connect students with resources that support their academic, personal, professional, financial, and social well-being.
• Collaborate with campus partners to provide training and resources related to cultural awareness, crisis response, and student support.

• Evaluate programs and peer institution practices to identify opportunities for innovation and improvement.
• Develop reports and recommendations that inform strategic decision-making and student success initiatives.
• Use research, assessment data, and emerging trends to enhance Graduate Student Affairs programs and services.

• Support signature Graduate Student Affairs…