Assistant Director, Arts Annex

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.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality, creativity, and the power of artistic expression to transform communities. As theAssistant Director, Arts Annex, you will play a key role in creating a welcoming, inclusive, and vibrant environment where students can explore their passions, develop leadership skills, and engage in meaningful creative experiences.

You will join a collaborative team within Venue and Production Management that supports student engagement through the arts while fostering innovation, belonging, and personal growth. Your leadership will help ensure the Arts Annex remains a dynamic hub where students from all backgrounds can create, connect, and thrive.

Be Bold.

The Assistant Director provides strategic leadership and operational oversight for the Arts Annex, supporting student arts engagement, facility management, program development, and student leadership initiatives. This role serves as a champion for creativity, interdisciplinary collaboration, and student success while strengthening partnerships across Duke and supporting the connection between the Arts Annex and the Rubenstein Arts Center.

What You'll Do

Lead Arts Annex Operations

• Oversee the daily operations of the Arts Annex and its specialized creative spaces, including ceramics, screen-printing, visual arts, and dance studios.
• Manage facility schedules, resources, and space utilization to ensure an exceptional experience for students and campus partners.
• Guide operational planning, facility improvements, maintenance efforts, and long-range space enhancement initiatives.
• Maintain inventory systems and oversee the tracking, maintenance, and safe use of equipment and resources.
• Provide a visible and supportive presence during daytime, evening, and weekend operations.
• Ensure compliance with university, safety, risk management, and operational policies.

Develop and Lead Student Staff

• Recruit, hire, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate undergraduate and graduate student employees.
• Foster a student-centered culture that encourages creativity, ownership, leadership development, and collaboration.
• Manage student staffing budgets, payroll processes, and workforce planning.
• Support assessment initiatives by gathering feedback and implementing continuous improvement strategies.
• Prepare reports, recommendations, and planning materials that support departmental and divisional goals.

Support Student Success and Leadership Development

• Mentor and coach student leaders while promoting innovation and engagement through the arts.
• Cultivate an environment where students feel empowered to explore creative opportunities and build community.
• Represent the Arts Annex in divisional initiatives that advance student belonging, engagement, and wellbeing.
• Promote accessibility and inclusive practices that ensure all students can meaningfully participate in programs and experiences.

Advance Marketing and Community Engagement

• Manage social media platforms and digital communication strategies for the Arts Annex.
• Create engaging content that highlights programs, workshops, facilities, and opportunities for involvement.
• Support marketing efforts designed to increase awareness, participation, and community connection.
• Oversee reservation and registration systems to enhance user experience and operational efficiency.
• Maintain strong communication with students, campus partners, and stakeholders.

Build Campus Partnerships Through the Arts

• Develop collaborative relationships with faculty, departments, student organizations, and community partners.
• Strengthen connections between the Arts Annex and the Rubenstein Arts Center.
• Support interdisciplinary programming and innovative arts experiences.
• Identify opportunities to expand student participation and create impactful engagement initiatives.
• Contribute to special projects that advance and enrich the student experience.

Contribute to the Duke Community

• Participate on committees, working groups, and professional development opportunities.
• Serve as a collaborative partner across the university.
• Perform other duties that support departmental, divisional, and university goals.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

Work requires analytical, communications and organizational skills generally acquired through completion of a bachelor's degree program.

Experience

Work generally requires two years experience in personnel, college or university administration, or a related field to acquire skills necessary to provide program management, advising and general administrative support. OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications

Education

Master's degree in Higher Education, Student Affairs, Arts Management, Media Production, or a related discipline.

Experience

• Three or more years of experience supporting student activities, student organizations, arts programming, media production, or campus engagement initiatives.
• Experience supervising student employees and supporting student leadership development.
• Experience managing budgets, operational resources, and assessment processes.
• Experience planning, implementing, and evaluating programs and events.
• Experience working in arts, performance, creative, or student-centered environments.

Why Duke?

At Duke, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a community driven by purpose, creativity, and collaboration. Through innovative programs, world-class resources, and a commitment to student success, Duke empowers team members to make a meaningful impact every day.

We are committed to fostering an environment where every individual feels valued, respected, and supported. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds and experiences to bring their unique perspectives and talents to our community.

Choose Duke.

Join a team that inspires creativity, cultivates belonging, and empowers students to explore their passions through the arts. Your leadership will help shape transformative experiences that enrich campus life and strengthen Duke's creative community.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help create opportunities for students to imagine boldly, express themselves authentically, and build lasting connections through the arts.