Nara Strickland
Director
Mebane,NC
Summary
Experienced program coordination professional prepared for this role. Strong focus on team collaboration and achieving results. Highly adaptable with skills in project management, stakeholder communication, and resource allocation. Valued for reliability and ability to meet changing needs.
Overview
14
14
years of professional experience
Work History
Program Coordinator, Logistics – Duke Pre-College
Duke University
06.2021 - Current
- Manage five academic Pre-College programs (Duke East & West Campus, JSOC, Community Day, Duke Marine Lab), supporting 1,700+ students (grades 6–11).
- Recruit, train, and supervise a seasonal staff of 70; oversee both physical and digital program infrastructure.
- Develop and deliver communications for students and parents; manage data collection systems and perform regular analysis; address program and staff matters; collect and evaluate staff feedback; conduct annual program assessments.
- Lead program recruitment initiatives across multiple states; support social media and email marketing efforts.
- Oversee all logistics, including communication, course scheduling, materials updates, facilities reservations, and coordination with Duke partners for housing/dining.
- Develop staff orientation materials; coordinate with event presenters; support marketing and application processes; provide comprehensive logistical oversight.
- Analyze stakeholder data to foster collaborations and improve inclusiveness, accessibility, and audience diversity.
- Provide onsite support for registration, transportation, and events; maintain resources for accurate billing and budgeting.
Official
NCAA & NCHSAA
08.2011 - Current
- Current NCAA football and wrestling official.
- Current NCHSAA basketball, football, soccer, and wrestling official.
Staff Specialist – School of Medicine
Duke University
08.2019 - 06.2021
- Managed four major Medical School courses, including first-, second-, and fourth-year programs.
- Oversaw student communications: course requirements, presentations, scheduling, grade tracking, and weekly reports.
- Coordinated all aspects of course evaluation, including enrollments and content updates.
- Scheduled 400+ events/year; handled event setup and breakdown logistics.
- Performed data analysis on student surveys to identify and implement improvements.
- Collaborated with faculty and staff to disseminate session updates and book lectures featuring diverse perspectives.
- Managed catering logistics for events, including after-hours and weekends.
- Implemented safety protocols enabling in-person learning during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- Participated in campus sustainability and communications committees, contributing to the Campus Climate Action Plan.
Coordinator of Special Events
Duke University
06.2017 - 08.2019
- Managed parking and transportation for 50,000+ employees, students, and external partners during special events.
- Oversaw customer communications: event planning, presentations, pass distribution, event tabling, and reporting.
- Led special events department; managed budgeting, program development, reporting, and purchasing.
- Supervised a team of three, managing 1,900+ annual events, incentives, and promotions.
- Performed data analysis to optimize parking resource use and prevent misuse.
- Collaborated campus-wide to expand event parking services, including pilot bicycle storage projects.
- Handled contract development, negotiation, and management for event services.
- Created detailed parking maps (ArcGIS); maintained internal communications and social media updates.
Intern, Resource Acquisition & Game Day Operations
Duke University
05.2015 - 01.2017
- Supported daily operations for Club Blue Devils and alumni tailgating at football/basketball games.
- Coordinated reservations, catering, and logistics for alumni/donor events.
- Facilitated event planning for parent, employee, and military appreciation weekends.
- Served as primary contact for alumni communications and event logistics.
- Assisted with marketing efforts and on-field operations for Duke Athletics.
Program Manager, Intramural Sports
Duke University
05.2015 - 01.2017
- Developed and managed intramural sports programming and marketing for students and staff.
- Recruited, supervised, and trained up to 60 part-time staff and one intern.
- Coordinated schedules and facility reservations using IM Leagues software.
- Managed inventory, equipment, and staff discipline; led strategic planning, training, and annual evaluations.
- Oversaw and developed training for officials, scorekeepers, and supervisors; managed activities for 3,000+ participants yearly.
Competitive Sports Program Specialist
North Carolina State University
08.2011 - 04.2015
- Developed new sports programs and professional services for the NC State community.
- Recruited, trained, and evaluated 250+ student staff annually across three departments.
- Produced marketing materials and wrote participant testimonials.
- Supported event logistics and implemented customer survey programs, increasing participation by 8%.
- Created and managed competitive sports programs, including intramurals, clubs, and special events.
- Drafted and revised departmental and risk management policies.
Education
MS - Sports Business Administration (Business/Marketing Management)
Liberty University
01.2018
BS - Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (Recreational Programs)
North Carolina State University
01.2015
Skills
- Former 4-year College Wrestler (NC State): Developed advanced time management and hosted recruits
- Project Management
- Outstanding Customer Service: Planning, Prioritizing, Multitasking
- Public Speaking, Collaboration
- Microsoft Office Suite – Advanced proficiency
- Attention to Detail, Self-management, Flexibility
Timeline
Program Coordinator, Logistics – Duke Pre-College
Duke University
06.2021 - Current
Staff Specialist – School of Medicine
Duke University
08.2019 - 06.2021
Coordinator of Special Events
Duke University
06.2017 - 08.2019
Intern, Resource Acquisition & Game Day Operations
Duke University
05.2015 - 01.2017
Program Manager, Intramural Sports
Duke University
05.2015 - 01.2017
Official
NCAA & NCHSAA
08.2011 - Current
Competitive Sports Program Specialist
North Carolina State University
08.2011 - 04.2015
BS - Parks, Recreation, and Tourism Management (Recreational Programs)
North Carolina State University
MS - Sports Business Administration (Business/Marketing Management)
Liberty University
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