About the role#
The Director of Student Development and External Partnerships serves as a key member of The Graduate School's Graduate Student Affairs team. This position focuses on building professional pathways for Ph.D. students by connecting academic training with careers outside of academia. You will work with faculty, alumni, and industry leaders to expand experiential learning opportunities and career readiness for doctoral students.
What you'll do#
- Design and implement a portfolio of professional development programs for Ph.D. students, including career events, industry panels, and internships.
- Serve as the primary liaison for employers, foundations, and nonprofit organizations to secure partnerships and project sponsorships.
- Establish program goals, priorities, and metrics to track student outcomes.
- Plan and execute high-impact events such as industry showcases and student recognition ceremonies.
- Develop evaluation strategies to assess program effectiveness, student skill development, and long-term employment outcomes.
- Manage program staff and instructors while collaborating with campus stakeholders across the university.
What you'll need#
- A Bachelor's degree is required, though an advanced degree such as an MBA, JD, or MS is preferred.
- At least five years of experience working at the intersection of university and corporate partnerships.
- Experience negotiating agreements and grants.
- A minimum of three years of professional experience in program development, administration, or employer relations.
- Experience managing external partnerships and supervising staff or project teams.
Location & details#
- This is a full-time, on-site position based in Durham, North Carolina.
- This role is open for rolling applications.
About Duke University
Duke University is an educational institution based in Durham, North Carolina. Founded in 1924, it provides undergraduate and graduate programs across many disciplines. The university maintains a focus on research initiatives and interdisciplinary studies. It employs over 10,001 people.
How to get in at Duke University
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