Senior Program Coordinator, MIDS Quantitative Finance Concentration

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, Be Bold, Choose Duke

MIDS Quantitative Finance Concentration (QFC) Senior Program Coordinator

The Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) program is a partnership between the Social Science Research Institute (SSRI) and the Rhodes Information Initiative at Duke (iiD). It trains students in rigorous academy studies in Data Science and prepares students for impactful careers in industry, government, and academia. Enrolling 90-100 students across two cohorts annually, Duke MIDS combines rigorous computational and technical training with field knowledge and repeated practice in critical thinking, teamwork, communication, and collaborative leadership to produce data scientists who can add value to any field. Students complete coursework, a required summer internship, and a year-long capstone project.

Quantitative Finance Concentration (QFC) is a track within MIDS for students who are interested in a career in finance. QFC offers a set of well-defined electives, experiential learning and career advising.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the MIDSQFC Senior Program Coordinator, you will be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports students from diverse backgrounds as they pursue careers in data science. This position reports to the Administrative Coordinator of MIDS.

The MIDS (QFC) Senior Program Coordinator is responsible for planning, coordination, and administration of activities for the Master in Interdisciplinary Data Science (MIDS) Program at Duke University, with a particular focus on the QFC. The work will be both individual and team based. This position requires some evening and weekend availability. This position reports to the MIDS Administrative Coordinator. While remote work is possible during semester breaks and occasionally as needed, during much of the academic year, it is expected that the candidate will be on-campus a substantial portion of the work week. The overall administrative team additionally includes one MIDS Administrative Coordinator, one other Senior Program Coordinator, and additional support from the SSRI administrative team (for HR, program marketing & communications, and finance).

Program Administration & Operations (30%)

• Plan, coordinate, and administer select MIDS program activities, courses, and events, in particular for the QFC. Work with faculty, staff, students and other team members on guest speaker arrangements, course materials, A/V, and other needs.
• Manage logistics and communications for events and activities related to QFC program.
• Maintain liaison with other programs, offices, and departments at Duke to coordinate MIDS/QFC program business and to accomplish program objectives.
• Plan, coordinate and administer activities of assigned programs to include developing and implementing procedures, processes, services, and systems; train employees or student workers in proper methods and procedures and ensure correctness of work.
• Provide staff leadership, particularly for temporary employees and student workers. Recommend personnel actions including, but not limited to, performance appraisal and work scheduling.
• Develop, coordinate, and advise staff and faculty regarding QFC program resources, procedures, and policy.
• Plan and coordinate QFC teaching assistant hiring and administration, as needed.
• Support scheduling processes for MIDS courses and events; liaising with faculty and cross-listing departments and programs to develop marketing and materials.
• Oversee development and monitoring of the QFC annual budget. Prepare budgets; Monitor, verify and reconcile expenditure of budgeted funds as appropriate.

Event Planning (20%)

• Budget for, and coordinate, public events and other related programs; develop and coordinate new ideas and concepts for program themes, materials and resources to supplement, expand or replace existing program components.
• Plan and coordinate travel, logistics, and operations for QFC faculty, guest speakers and events.
• Support event planning logistics for MIDS Capstone symposium, MIDS graduation, online summer review, pre-coursework boot-camp, social events, career development events, technical workshops, and guest speakers. This includes but is not limited to: room reservations, catering, placing orders for event supplies including promotional materials, room setup, distribution of materials, creating attendance sheets and name tags, generating parking passes, meeting special guests, and cleanup.
• Monitor and evaluate event planning process for large and small events, including administering assessment surveys for co-curricular student activities. Recommend and implement modifications as needed.

• Serve as the primary contact and advisor for QFC student groups. Assist QFC groups to organize, coordinate, and resource their activities and events. Supervise students during student-led events when needed.
• Process expense reports, check requests, and reimbursement requests for QFC students, staff, and faculty.

QFC Program Development (10%)

• Contribute to the development and coordination of new ideas and concepts for program growth. Develop materials, and resources to supplement, expand or replace existing program components.
• Collaborate with faculty to make operational and programmatic decisions that have a significant impact on the successful achievement of program strategies and objectives; develop, coordinate, and advise staff regarding program policy.

• Coordinate QFC public relations and outreach. Develop plans and schedules for the release of publicity materials.
• Plan, coordinate and administer activities of assigned programs to include developing and implementing procedures, processes, services, and systems; train and supervise student workers and employees in proper methods and procedures and ensure correctness of work.

Student Development & Support (10%)

• Cultivate relationships across campus to support career and professional development of QFC students.
• Advise QFC students on university resources, policy issues, act as student advocate, initiate referrals to appropriate student and/or academic services, and resolve problems as needed.
• Assist students in recognizing and achieving their educational and professional development goals as related to meeting their QFC requirements.
• Design and implement QFC student services and activities that help students navigate the integration of the different facets of academic life into a fulfilling and coherent academic and career plan.
• Monitor student progress towards concentration requirements for QFC. Coordinate with the DGSA (Director of Graduate Studies Assistant) to ensure QFC students meet all the requirements for MIDS.
• Track student progress towards program requirements and provide timely reports to DGSA and faculty.
• Assist DGSA with student communications and records regarding scholarships, academic progress, and other needs.
• Develop and execute processes to assess academic and career needs of QFC students.
• Coordinate and manage career development events.
• Recommend activities, events, programs, and speakers that will enhance the student academic experience.
• Monitor student communication channels to ensure communications are appropriately disseminated and various learning opportunities are publicized.
• Connect international students to Duke Visa Services or Duke International Student Center as appropriate for questions, advising, and specialized resources (e.g. CPT or OPT information); provide programmatic documentation (as requested/appropriate) for alumni.

• Implement other student support activities as needed.

Admissions, Recruitment & Enrollment (10%)

• Support MIDS leadership to devise and execute recruitment strategies for the QFC applicant pool.
• Work closely with the admissions team to select, admit, and matriculate a qualified and diverse QFC cohort of students. Assist with other admissions/enrollment tasks as needed.
• Provide data to inform a yearly report on Admissions Recruitment and Enrollment strategy.
• Assist the admissions team with cultivating applicants and outreach with prospective students (e.g. campus tours, info sessions/fairs/webinars, FAQs, communications with incoming students, etc.).
• Make recommendations on criteria, parameters, and processes for selection and scholarship distribution to MIDS faculty director; update and issue and track receipt of scholarship letters and acceptances annually.

General Administration (10%)

• Maintain liaison with other programs, offices, and departments at Duke to coordinate program business and to accomplish program objectives.
• Support the Faculty Director and DGSA in ensuring the accurate and timely implementation of Graduate School policies and procedures.
• Direct inquiries to appropriate resources, respond to departmental communications, and ensure timely resolution of issues.
• Order program supplies, recruitment materials, and necessary equipment; maintain and update inventory.
• Provide ad hoc administrative support for MIDS program staff and faculty.
• Attend selected MIDS meetings, take and distribute meeting notes as needed.
• Assist with exam process, including proctoring exams, administering early or late exams.
• Work with program staff and SSRI Evaluation Team to administer and collect assessment surveys for all program activities, including course evaluations, program evaluations, and alumni surveys.

Other Duties (10%)

• Cultivate partnerships with University academic departments, administrative units, and community organizations to ensure the consistent delivery of high-quality services to students and key constituents.
• Contribute to strategic planning, assessment, and continuous improvement efforts.
• Other duties as assigned.

Choose Duke.

Duke is a place where innovation meets purpose. Here, your work will directly impact the next generation of data scientists and leaders. You'll join a university that values collaboration, inclusion, and bold thinking.

Education/Training

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

Experience

Work requires three years of experience in program administration or involving academic, instructional or counseling activities to acquire skills necessary to plan, coordinate and implement a variety of program activities and events.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Preferred Qualifications:

Strong communication, organizational, and project management skills.

Experience with student advising, event planning, and data systems (e.g., Stellic, DukeHub, Slate) preferred.

Knowledge or prior experience in working for a business school or financial company is a plus.

While remote work is possible during semester breaks and occasionally as needed, during much of the academic year, it is expected that the candidate will be on-campus a substantial portion of the work week.

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