HR DEPARTMENTAL MANAGER

About the role

As the HR Departmental Manager for Duke Community Affairs (DCA), you will play a critical leadership role in shaping an inclusive, high-performing workplace culture while supporting a division dedicated to advancing community engagement, research, and impact. You will serve as a trusted advisor to senior leadership, providing strategic guidance on workforce planning, employee relations, talent management, and organizational effectiveness to foster an environment where employees can thrive, innovate, and contribute meaningfully to Duke's mission.

You will lead the full spectrum of human resources operations for DCA, driving strategic initiatives that strengthen organizational effectiveness, employee engagement, and workforce excellence. As a key member of the leadership team, you will influence decision-making, guide transformative change, and develop innovative HR solutions that support both people and organizational success.

Responsibilities

• Strategic HR Leadership & Workforce Planning (35%)
  • Develop and implement human resources strategies that align with DCA's operational, research, and advancement priorities.
  • Partner with senior leaders to plan workforce needs, organizational design, position management, succession planning, and resource allocation.
  • Advise leadership on complex organizational, personnel, and workforce matters while ensuring compliance with university policies and standards.
  • Identify workforce trends, challenges, and opportunities, recommending proactive solutions that support organizational goals.
  • Manage HR-related external agreements and partnerships, including advisor and fellowship agreements.
  • Design and establish a centralized HR infrastructure that promotes consistency and operational excellence across DCA.
  • Lead initiatives that enhance employee engagement, professional development, and organizational effectiveness.
  • Guide change management efforts related to new programs, systems, processes, and organizational transitions.
  • Represent DCA in university-wide HR initiatives, including employee engagement efforts, inclusive excellence programs, and workforce transformation projects.
• Employee Relations & Organizational Effectiveness (25%)
  • Provide expert consultation and leadership on employee relations matters, including performance management, workplace investigations, conflict resolution, and corrective actions.
  • Ensure equitable and consistent interpretation and application of HR policies and practices.
  • Identify systemic workplace concerns and implement strategies that strengthen culture, engagement, retention, and employee success.
  • Coach and develop leaders to enhance management effectiveness, accountability, and team performance.
• Talent Acquisition & Workforce Management (20%)
  • Oversee recruitment, staffing, and talent acquisition activities to attract and retain exceptional talent.
  • Review and approve workforce transactions, including hiring actions, reclassifications, and compensation changes.
  • Partner with hiring managers to develop effective talent strategies and workforce planning solutions.
  • Maintain oversight of position management, organizational structures, and workforce data integrity.
• HR Operations, Compliance & Systems Oversight (15%)
  • Ensure accurate and compliant administration of HR operations, including personnel transactions, payroll coordination, position reconciliation, and reporting.
  • Monitor compliance with university policies, wage and hour regulations, and audit requirements.
  • Collaborate with university HR partners, including Compensation, Talent Development, Employee & Labor Relations, and HR Information Systems teams.
  • Establish, enhance, and monitor internal controls, workflows, and documentation standards.
• Data, Reporting & Decision Support (5%)
  • Develop and present workforce reports, metrics, and insights to support strategic decision-making.
  • Utilize data analytics to identify trends and improve organizational performance.
  • Monitor and report workforce data, payroll information, and position-related metrics.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of departmental goals.

This role may supervise administrative personnel and student employees, provide division-wide leadership and guidance on human resources matters, and serve as the primary liaison between Duke Community Affairs and central Duke Human Resources offices.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Three years of business, administrative, or human resources experience with demonstrated exposure to HR functions such as employee relations, talent management, workforce planning, compliance, or organizational development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Demonstrated success leading employee relations, workforce planning, and HR operations initiatives.
• Experience advising senior leaders on complex organizational and workforce matters.
• Previous supervisory, team leadership, or HR management experience.
• Experience supporting organizational change initiatives and employee engagement programs.
• Strong knowledge of workforce analytics and data-driven decision-making.

Skills

• Strategic leadership and organizational effectiveness
• Employee relations and workplace consulting
• Workforce planning and talent management
• HR compliance and policy interpretation
• Change management and program implementation
• Data analysis and reporting
• Communication, collaboration, and stakeholder engagement
• Sound judgment and problem-solving

Pay

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $63,948.00 to USD $109,786.00. Duke 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.

Benefits

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.