Research Project Manager

Title: Research Project Manager, Sanford School of Public Policy

Location: Durham United States

Work Arrangement:  Hybrid (On-Site and Remote mix)

Requisition Number:  270411

Regular or Temporary:  Regular

Location:  

Durham, NC, US, 27710

Personnel Area:  UNIVERSITY

Job Description:

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.

Be You.

At Duke University, we value the individuality, expertise, and perspectives that each member of our community brings. The Research Project Manager (Head of Research) plays a vital role in advancing the research mission of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy within the Sanford School of Public Policy. The Center provides media studies and journalism‑related programs through faculty research, undergraduate teaching, professional training for journalists, and active engagement in the field.

This role is responsible for building and managing the Center's research enterprise through the development and oversight of a diverse portfolio of research and policy projects. The position works closely with faculty, collaborators, stakeholders, research staff, and students to address key challenges facing media and democracy.

Be Bold.

The Research Project Manager provides leadership, subject‑matter expertise, and operational oversight for complex research initiatives that shape national conversations about journalism, disinformation, and democratic institutions.

What You'll Do

Research Management (10%)

Plan and execute the Center's research portfolio, including responsibility for project timelines, budgets, financial management, contractual obligations, and staffing plans.

Track and manage progress toward milestones and deliverables through collaboration with internal colleagues, subcontractors, vendors, and external stakeholders.

Recruit, manage, and directly supervise research and project staff, including hiring, professional development, performance evaluations, and promotions.

Propose and lead interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate student research teams (e.g., Bass Connections).

Funding Identification and Grant Development (20%)

Identify and secure research funding by engaging funding communities, researching opportunities, and developing and submitting grant proposals.

Work directly with foundations and other funders to support the Center's research agenda.

Conduct Research (35%)

Provide research for the News Measures Research Project (NMRP) and other projects focused on local journalism, disinformation, digital platforms, and related policy areas.

Lead study design, primary data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing and editing.

Construct, manage, and analyze large databases.

Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, including large‑scale textual analysis of government documents, court decisions, and news reports.

Monitor developments in relevant content areas and identify opportunities for collaboration within the Center and with external partners.

Write, Disseminate, and Present Research Findings (35%)

Author publications and collaborate with faculty on disseminating research through journals and other media outlets.

Develop and oversee research‑related convening events such as expert roundtables, workshops, conference panels, seminars, and public events.

Represent the DeWitt Wallace Center at conferences and events, serving as a spokesperson and developing recognition as an expert in the research portfolio.

Partner with internal and external communications and events teams on dissemination strategies.

What You Bring

Education

Bachelor's Degree Required

Preferred Master's degree or higher in a field related to the position (e.g., public policy, journalism, mass communication, or a directly related discipline).

Qualifications

Strong research design, data analysis, and writing skills.

Experience with database design, data modeling, and data visualization.

Ability to modernize and integrate fragmented or legacy data sources.

Demonstrated knowledge of local news and information ecosystems.

Experience

Four years of progressive experience in policy, research, or data analysis.

Experience directing research programs and managing complex research portfolios.

Preferred experience working directly with foundations and external funders.

Experience supervising staff and leading interdisciplinary research teams.

Choose Duke.

Duke University offers a collaborative and mission‑driven environment where research informs real‑world impact. This is a full‑time position based in Durham, North Carolina. The role is primarily in‑person (at least four days per week) with one remote day during the academic year (September-May). The position reports to the Director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help advance research that strengthens journalism, democracy, and public understanding.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $76,811.00 to USD $130,576.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goesbeyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender,gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built oncollaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions:

Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).

Nearest Major Market: Durham

Nearest Secondary Market: Raleigh