Professional Education Coordinator

Position Details

BACKGROUND

Duke Farms is a living lab where model strategies for nature restoration, wildlife conservation and clean energy transition are developed. Located on 2,700 acres in Hillsborough, New Jersey, the campus serves as a gathering place for global decision-makers and local neighbors to ignite change.

As a center of the Doris Duke Foundation (DDF), Duke Farms advances the foundation’s mission to build a more creative, equitable and sustainable future. We work across three areas: arts & culture, nature, and health & well-being. In addition to Duke Farms, DDF operates five national programs as well as Shangri La, a global center for transformation located in Honolulu, Hawai‘i. DDF’s activities are guided by the will of Doris Duke, who endowed the foundation with financial assets that currently total over $2 billion. (To learn more about the foundation, visit dorisduke.org.)

POSITION

The Professional Education Coordinator supports the Center for Conservation by designing, coordinating, implementing and evaluating professional education and training programs. This role partners across the Science & Conservation department to ensure smooth program operations, logistics, communications and participant support so that all educational programs run efficiently and reflect Duke Farms’ high standards. 

By coordinating educational initiatives and a school partnership program, this position plays a key role in advancing Duke Farms’ mission to inspire people to become informed stewards of the land. Additionally, the role curates and publishes conservation and sustainability content for the Duke Farms website, helping make research and applied science accessible to broader audiences. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

Design and Coordinate Professional Education and Training 

• Partner with Science & Conservation staff to design and deliver curriculum for professional programs, conferences, symposia and training initiatives.
• Support the development and coordination of program content, timelines and materials to ensure accuracy and alignment with Duke Farms’ mission and standards.
• Coordinate logistics, scheduling and communications for seminars, workshops, retreats and training programs developed by the Science & Conservation department.
• Serve as primary contact for participants, ensuring clear communication and a welcoming experience before, during and after programs. 
• Manage registration, materials, vendor coordination and event-day execution. 
• Support ongoing evaluation, recordkeeping and reporting to measure the reach, quality and impact of all professional education initiatives. 

Execute School Partnerships and Digital Engagement 

• Develop and implement curriculum for direct instruction of school programs, including lesson plans, presentations and resources, for the revamped school partnership programs, advancing conservation and sustainability education. 

• Manage logistics for other school visits, including registration, orientation and coordination with partner staff to ensure a smooth experience. 
• Build and sustain collaborative relationships with educators, students and other stakeholders, to ensure program access and provide key information and resources. 
• Curate and publish science and sustainability content on the Duke Farms website and social media, ensuring accuracy and accessibility. 

Collaborate on the Execution of Convenings and Events

• Provide programmatic and logistical support for convenings hosted at Duke Farms, incorporating educational elements in partnership with the Science & Conservation team.
• Collaborate with Duke Farms’ Operations & Events staff to align on event logistics and services. 

Perform other work, including special projects, as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience in environmental science, education, ecology or related field. 
• Demonstrated experience in coordinating education, training or community programs, especially in conservation or sustainability contexts.
• Familiarity with conservation science or sustainability. 
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines simultaneously. 
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to engage effectively with diversity of audiences and stakeholders.
• Experience managing registration systems, scheduling or CRM platforms to streamline stakeholder communications and program delivery.
• Proficient in using technology, including generative AI tools to drive efficiency.
• Ability to navigate the 2,700-plus-acre Duke Farms property and travel to other locations, both indoors and outdoors, in various weather conditions.
• Ability to lift and carry up to 20 pounds.
• Ability to work in various outdoor conditions including but not limited to heat, cold, sun exposure and wet weather with potential exposure to environmental factors such as poison ivy, ticks and mosquitoes.
• Available to work flexible hours, including weekends, evenings and holidays.
• A valid driver's license.

WHAT WE OFFER

• Anticipated starting hourly rate is $20.77 to $25.96, and the final offer will depend on experience. 
• Industry-leading benefits, including a 15% employer contribution to your 401(k), comprehensive health insurance, four weeks of paid vacation with additional paid time off, and matching gift benefits of up to $20,000 per year—all designed to support employees’ well-being, productivity and engagement. 
• A values-driven culture rooted in integrity, excellence, collaboration, openness and imagination, and diversity, equity and inclusion. 

The Doris Duke Foundation is committed to inclusive hiring and equal employment opportunity. We strongly encourage candidates of all identities, experiences, orientations and communities to apply. Our recruiting and employment practices adhere to all applicable federal, state and local laws, including the Americans with Disabilities Act. We provide reasonable accommodations for persons with disabilities. If a reasonable accommodation in the job application process is needed, please contact us here.