Project Planner I

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

The Project Planner for the Office of the Vice President/Vice Provost for Student Affairs will apply project management knowledge, technical and interpersonal skills, and project management tools and techniques to meet the project requirements of medium to large projects that are the coordinated activities of the Division of Student Affairs in Communications, Meetings and Events charged by the Office of the Vice Provost/Vice President of Student Affairs (VPSA). The incumbent will be responsible for the management of events, meetings, and communications for the Division of Student Affairs, which encompasses over 1,500 student and professional level employees across 34 departments and units, in support of executing the priorities of the VPSA. The role ensures that the needs and priorities of Student Affairs are executed with key university partners, supervisors, and colleagues with a dedication to excellence in collaboration.

 

Key Position Duties

Divisional Leadership- 30% of Effort

• Serve as a key representative of the Office of the Vice President for Student Affairs to the university community and engage with multiple constituent groups on behalf of the VPSA, as needed.
• Delegate tasks/projects, provide directives, and facilitate information gathering from student affairs staff and departments on behalf of the VPSA.
• Collaborate with senior Student Affairs Leadership (i.e., Asst./Assoc. Vice Presidents, Deans, and Directors) to develop and implement divisional and change management initiatives.
• Lead strategic initiatives through planning, tracking, and reporting on milestones and outcomes.
• Coordinate Student Affairs Leadership Council and SA Leadership Team events and meetings.

• Hire, manage, and evaluate assigned student staff employed by the Office of the VPSA, delegating level appropriate assignments to staff and reviewing for completeness.

 

Executive Communications- 30% of Effort

• Manage the Division of Student Affairs email accounts, triaging and resolving inquiries with diplomacy, discretion, and tact.
• Independently research and gather information regarding divisional priorities, development efforts, and institutional planning; draft reports, presentations, or memos for internal and external audiences with minimal oversight.
• Prepare outward-facing communications to various constituencies on behalf of the VPSA, demonstrating discernment and ensuring appropriate content, tone, and delivery.
• Draft pre-read materials, memos, and slide decks for meetings with university leaders on behalf of the VPSA, including clear and concise summaries for VPSA review.
• Prepare briefing memos on behalf of the Vice President/Vice Provost for Student Affairs, Chief of Staff, the Associate Vice President of Student Affairs for Resource Administration & Planning (e.g., briefing memos to the President/Provost regarding student organizations in advance of their engagement with student leaders).
• Record and maintain of meeting minutes and records, applying discernment in management of confidential information; review information to determine specific issues or items of note to elevate to the VPSA or other senior student affairs leaders.

 

Strategic Leadership- 20% of Effort

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