Administrative Assistant

School of Medicine Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,500 faculty physicians and researchers, more than 1,300 students, and more than 6,000 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, Duke University Health System and the Private Diagnostic Clinic (PDC) comprise Duke Health. a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

Position Summary

The Department Chair Assistant provides high-level administrative, operational, and financial support to the Neurobiology Department Chair, Chief Administrative Officer (CAO), and senior faculty, including the Vice Chair for Research. This position ensures the efficient management of the Chair’s schedule, communications, and academic leadership responsibilities. The role also supports the Director of Graduate Studies (DGS), primarily through calendar management and scheduling.

The Chair Assistant requires exceptional organizational skills, discretion, and the ability to work independently while managing complex and confidential matters in a dynamic academic environment. This individual serves as a key liaison among the Department Chair, faculty, administrative leadership, and institutional partners.

Responsibilities

Executive and Administrative Support (40%)

• Serve as the principal administrative partner to the Department Chair, CAO, and senior faculty, independently managing and strategically prioritizing highly complex and competing calendars to ensure leadership focus on critical departmental, academic, and operational priorities. Anticipate needs, exercise discretion in resolving conflicts, and coordinate high-visibility meetings, travel, and executive briefings.
• Direct and oversee daily operations of the Chair’s office, advancing administrative effectiveness by supporting departmental committees and senior faculty initiatives. Contribute to the development, implementation, and refinement of policies and procedures that enhance operational efficiency and institutional alignment.
• Represent and support the Department Chair in communications and stakeholder engagement, drafting and synthesizing complex correspondence, reports, and presentations requiring analysis, policy interpretation, and sound judgment. Serve as a trusted point of contact for internal and external constituents.
• Interpret and apply University policies and procedures in support of recruitment, faculty affairs, awards administration, and departmental initiatives. Independently resolve issues within scope of authority and escalate matters of institutional risk or strategic significance as appropriate.
• Develop executive-level analyses and briefing materials by collecting, synthesizing, and presenting data to inform leadership strategy, faculty affairs decisions, and programmatic planning.
• Lead the planning and execution of high-profile departmental programs and events, including faculty recruitment visits (managing interview schedules, meeting logistics, and candidate itineraries), distinguished guest visits, departmental retreats, seminar series, and award ceremonies. Oversee logistics, vendor coordination, financial stewardship, and stakeholder communications to ensure seamless execution and strong institutional representation.
• Oversee the management of confidential and sensitive records, including proprietary and personnel-related materials, ensuring strict confidentiality, regulatory compliance, and adherence to institutional documentation standards.

Department Seminars and Events (30%)

• Partner with Vice Chair for Research, department faculty and graduate students to plan and oversee the department’s weekly seminar series, ensuring alignment with academic priorities and strategic goals.
• Coordinate all aspects of external speaker visits, including job candidates, managing travel arrangements, developing itineraries, and serving as primary point of contact.
• Oversee seminar logistics, including venue coordination, audiovisual recording, catering, and reconciliation of related expenses in compliance with University financial policies.
• Support graduate program engagement related to seminars, including graduate recruit