Public Policy Assistant Jobs in Raleigh, NC (NOW HIRING)

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.

Job Title: Deep Tech Research, Partnerships & Program Manager

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Deep Tech Research, Partnerships & Program Manager, you will play a vital role in advancing Duke University's leadership in emerging technologies and public policy. Working across disciplines, you will collaborate with faculty, students, industry leaders, government agencies, and research partners to support groundbreaking work in artificial intelligence, quantum technologies, semiconductors, renewable energy, cybersecurity, and technology policy.

You will join a collaborative and mission-driven environment where innovative thinking, intellectual curiosity, and public impact are highly valued.

Be Bold.

The Deep Tech Research, Partnerships & Program Manager serves as a central coordinator and strategic driver for deep technology research, education, and policy engagement activities within the Sanford School of Public Policy. This position advances interdisciplinary initiatives by building strategic partnerships, managing research programs, supporting executive education, coordinating public events, producing thought leadership, and strengthening the visibility of Duke's deep technology initiatives.

The role operates at the intersection of academia, industry, and government, helping shape meaningful collaborations and advancing research that addresses national and global technology challenges.

What You'll Do

Strategic Partnerships and External Engagement (10%)

• Develop and manage strategic relationships with industry partners, federal agencies, foundations, and academic institutions.
• Coordinate and oversee partnership activities, including the OpenAI partnership and related extension projects.
• Meet regularly with university stakeholders to identify collaborative opportunities and align initiatives with institutional priorities.
• Support efforts to expand sponsored research opportunities and external visibility.

Executive Education Program Support (15%)

• Develop content and materials for executive education programs focused on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and emerging technologies.
• Coordinate program logistics and participant engagement activities.
• Support faculty and external partners in the delivery of executive learning experiences and simulations.
• Assist with curriculum development and program enhancement initiatives.

Event Planning and Management (15%)

• Plan, develop, and execute technology policy events, conferences, workshops, and seminars.
• Coordinate logistics, event communications, invitations, registration processes, and on-site execution.
• Collaborate with faculty, staff, and external stakeholders to ensure successful event outcomes.
• Support public programming initiatives that advance the school's leadership in technology policy discussions.

NSF State-Federal Summit Coordination (10%)

• Provide project management support for the NSF State-Federal Summit and related initiatives.
• Schedule meetings, track action items, and coordinate stakeholder communications.
• Conduct research related to state science and technology plans.
• Manage event logistics and planning activities for federal and state engagement efforts.

Website, Communications, and Marketing (10%)

• Develop and maintain website content highlighting faculty, student, and research accomplishments.
• Create and distribute communications materials, blogs, newsletters, and social media content.
• Manage mailing lists and audience engagement activities.
• Support efforts to expand the visibility and impact of deep technology initiatives.

Student Research Management and Advising (20%)

• Support and advise students participating in research projects, capstone experiences, and independent studies.
• Meet with students to develop and refine project objectives and deliverables.
• Monitor research progress and provide guidance throughout project execution.
• Review, edit, and finalize project deliverables for publication and dissemination.
• Communicate with prospective and current students regarding program opportunities and activities.

Research and Thought Leadership (15%)

• Conduct research related to emerging technologies, technology policy, and innovation ecosystems.
• Produce reports, policy briefs, blogs, and other written materials.
• Contribute to publications on topics such as AI infrastructure, data center sustainability, quantum technologies, cybersecurity, and related areas.
• Monitor technological, regulatory, and policy developments affecting deep technology sectors.
• Support faculty-led research initiatives and interdisciplinary collaborations.

Administrative and Financial Operations (5%)

• Monitor and manage financial transactions associated with designated fund codes.
• Prepare expense reports, payment requests, and related financial documentation.
• Coordinate travel, lodging, and logistical arrangements for guest speakers and external partners.
• Perform other administrative duties in support of program operations.

What you Bring

Education/Training

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

Experience

Work requires two years of experience in continuing education, curriculum design, marketing, administrative management, business operations, research program management, or related fields necessary to plan, develop, coordinate, and evaluate seminars, conferences, workshops, research initiatives, and educational programs; or an equivalent combination of education and relevant experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Strong project and program management skills.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication abilities.
• Experience coordinating complex initiatives involving multiple stakeholders.
• Event planning and logistical coordination expertise.
• Research, analytical, and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of emerging technologies and technology policy issues.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively across organizational boundaries.
• Financial and administrative management skills.
• Relationship-building and partnership development experience.
• Creativity, adaptability, and problem-solving abilities.
• Proficiency with web content management systems, communications platforms, and social media tools.

Working Conditions

• Typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.
• Flexible work arrangements may be available based on business needs.
• Position requires significant interaction with faculty, students, external partners, and government stakeholders.
• Occasional evening and travel commitments may be required to support events and partnership activities.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll have the opportunity to help shape the future of technology policy and innovation while working alongside world-renowned faculty, researchers, and industry leaders. Your work will contribute directly to impactful research, transformative educational experiences, and policy conversations that influence the future of science and technology.

Whether supporting groundbreaking AI research, fostering strategic partnerships, mentoring students, or leading high-profile technology initiatives, you'll help strengthen Duke's leadership in emerging technologies and public impact.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.