Event and Client Relations Coordinator

Duke University, located in Durham, North Carolina, is a leading research university with over 40,000 employees and international programs in more than 150 countries. As an Event and Client Relations Coordinator, you will create exceptional experiences for students, faculty, staff, artists, patrons, and community members through Duke’s vibrant arts and event programming.

About the role

Join the Venue and Production Management (VPM) team to support performances, screenings, artists-in-residence, master classes, academic events, and interdisciplinary initiatives. This highly visible role focuses on delivering outstanding ticketing and event experiences while fostering strong client and campus partnerships in a collaborative environment.

Responsibilities

• Deliver Outstanding Ticketing & Event Experiences (50%)
  • Provide exceptional customer service through in-person, telephone, email, and written communications.
  • Support day-to-day Box Office operations, including ticket sales, patron assistance, seat selection, and group sales transactions.
  • Serve as a primary point of contact for patrons and guests, resolving inquiries and ensuring a positive experience.
  • Manage cash handling processes and payment reconciliation activities with accuracy.
  • Support performances and special events as a ticketing supervisor, house manager, or front-of-house leadership role.
  • Work a flexible schedule, including evenings and weekends, to support events and performances.
• Support Operational Excellence (25%)
  • Maintain efficient office workflows that promote accuracy, consistency, and customer satisfaction.
  • Organize and maintain records, manuals, reports, and operational documentation.
  • Communicate updates regarding departmental policies, procedures, and operational changes.
  • Support volunteer program initiatives, training activities, web content management, accessibility programs, and correspondence.
  • Maintain event calendars and ticketing system information to ensure accuracy.
  • Generate and distribute reports, business intelligence exports, and ticketing analytics for internal and external stakeholders.
• Foster Communication & Collaboration (10%)
  • Promote transparent and timely communication among team members, campus partners, and leadership.
  • Share relevant updates, operational information, and event-related communications with stakeholders.
  • Escalate concerns appropriately and identify opportunities for continuous improvement.
  • Contribute to a positive team culture by recognizing accomplishments and supporting team success.
• Build Strong Client & Campus Partnerships (10%)
  • Serve as the primary liaison for campus partners utilizing Duke’s ticketing platform.
  • Develop and maintain strong relationships with university departments and community organizations.
  • Identify opportunities for group sales, partnership development, and audience engagement.
  • Conduct regular meetings, site visits, and outreach activities to strengthen client relationships.
• Support Departmental Success (5%)
  • Perform additional duties as assigned in support of departmental, divisional, and university objectives.
  • Contribute to special projects and initiatives that advance the mission of Venue and Production Management.

Requirements

• Education: Work requires knowledge of basic mathematical, research, and communication principles typically acquired through two years of postsecondary education.
• Experience: Three years of clerical, administrative, customer service, event support, or project coordination experience. A bachelor's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of the required experience. An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience will also be considered.

Skills

• Experience with ticketing platforms; AudienceView Unlimited preferred.
• Familiarity with digital media tools such as Photoshop, Illustrator, and social media platforms.
• Strong customer service orientation and commitment to creating exceptional guest experiences.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Knowledge of arts administration, event management, ticketing operations, or customer relationship management systems.
• Strong organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to communicate complex processes clearly and effectively.
• Experience training, guiding, or coordinating the work of others.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Professional presence and ability to work effectively in a higher education environment.
• Commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and customer-centered service.

Working Conditions

• Regular exposure to event environments, including frequent stair use, elevated noise levels, and low-light settings.
• Evening, weekend, and extended-hour work is regularly required to support events and performances.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Ability to navigate stairs frequently.
• Ability to carry, push, or pull items weighing up to 50 pounds.
• Valid North Carolina driver's license required.
• Must maintain eligibility to operate Duke vehicles, including compliance with Duke vehicle safety requirements and training.

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs.
• Generous retirement benefits.
• A wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs for eligible team members.

Pay

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $20.60 to USD $28.65 per hour. Factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, and market considerations are considered when extending an offer.