Program and Communications Assistant, Hart Leadership Program

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.

 

 

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

 

Be You.

 

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Program and Communications Assistant, you will be part of the Hart Leadership Program (HLP), a nationally recognized initiative that prepares and inspires undergraduate students to practice ethical leadership in public life. HLP offers internships, fellowships, academic courses, and co-curricular leadership projects at Duke, in Durham, across North Carolina, and around the world.

 

In this role, you’ll support programs grounded in community-based action, civic‑mission research, and collaborative leadership, ensuring students have access to transformational learning experiences. You’ll be joining a fast‑moving, tightly coordinated team that values dependability, creativity, curiosity, and a deep commitment to equity and public purpose.

 

Be Bold.

 

The Program and Communications Assistant plays a pivotal role in both operational excellence and strategic storytelling across the Hart Leadership Program. Reporting to the Senior Program Coordinator, you will help maintain the infrastructure that supports experiential learning programs while elevating the voices of students, alumni, and community partners.

 

You’ll contribute bold ideas, manage key workflows, and shape communications that reflect HLP’s mission to foster ethical, community-centered leadership. You’ll thrive here if you are energetic, detail‑oriented, highly collaborative, and eager to be part of a team that works with purpose and momentum.

 

What You’ll Do.

 

Program Administrative Support (60%)

- Update, distribute, collect, and track student forms and surveys.

- Maintain student and alumni records, shared spreadsheets, databases, and contact lists.

- Create and monitor assignment calendars and track deliverables.

- Support recruitment, selection, and onboarding processes.

- Prepare application packets and assist with interview and meeting scheduling.

- Coordinate travel and housing logistics.

- Plan and facilitate engagement opportunities for alumni and current participants.

- Support major program events and campus engagement.

- Provide limited course administration support.

- Support Davis Projects for Peace and other duties.

 

Communications (40%)

- Design and distribute print and digital assets.

- Manage social media content and editorial calendars.

- Write news stories, profiles, and partner features.

- Maintain and update website content.

- Produce newsletters and e‑blasts.

- Represent HLP in communicator meetings.

- Coordinate media needs for events.

- Produce brochures, reports, and directories.

- Ensure brand/style alignment.

 

What You Bring to Duke.

 

- A bachelor’s degree or equivalent training.

- Two years of experience in program administration, communications, or a related field.

- Excellent writing and editing abilities.

- Graphic design skills.

- Experience managing social media and website content.

- Strong attention to detail.

- Excellent collaboration and communication skills.

- Initiative and adaptability.

- Commitment to HLP’s mission.

- Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Suite, Canva, and WordPress.

 

Choose Duke.

 

When you choose Duke, you’re choosing a community that believes in big ideas, bold leadership, and the power of education to change the world. The Hart Leadership Program is one of Duke’s most innovative and impactful spaces — where students explore purpose, develop their leadership voice, and engage directly with communities across North Carolina and around the globe.

 

In this role, you become part of that momentum. You’ll help shape experiences that spark curiosity, build confidence, and inspire students to pursue meaningful public work. You won’t just support programs — you’ll help sustain a legacy of ethical leadership that has