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, the university operates as a large organization with over 10,000 employees. It focuses on scholarship and academic research across various disciplines. The campus serves as a center for higher education.
How to get in at Duke University
Applying to Duke University early is a significant advantage because recruiters often review the first wave of candidates before the applicant pool becomes unmanageable. Intern Insider sends an instant alert the moment a role matching your target is published, helping you apply among the first. This timing ensures your materials are seen before the pile grows. You can also improve your response rates by reaching out to the hiring team directly. Intern Insider surfaces the recruiters behind the company's roles, allowing you to ask relevant questions or request a referral. This direct approach often yields better results than submitting an application into a general queue.
