Project Manager, Office of Human Resources

Position Description (Essential Duties)

• Lead complex, non-routine projects on behalf of the VPHR, exercising judgment in setting priorities, sequencing work, and managing competing demands.
• Translate VP strategic direction into defined project plans, milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators; independently manage execution through completion.
• Cook up cross-functional stakeholders, guiding collaborative work without direct authority while ensuring accountability to targeted outcomes and timelines.
• Identify project risks, interdependencies, and barriers; develop mitigation strategies and escalate issues requiring executive decision.
• Analyze qualitative and quantitative information to evaluate progress, assess impacts, and recommend alternative courses of action.
• Prepare executive-level briefing materials that synthesize complex information into clear options, implications, and recommendations.
• Facilitate project and working sessions focused on decision-making and execution; ensure conclusions are documented and actions advanced.
• Serve as a primary coordination point for VP-sponsored initiatives, maintaining confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
• Perform limited, project-driven coordination activities (e.g., meeting scheduling tied to initiatives, preparation of materials) only as necessary to support delivery of project outcomes.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred)
• 5+ years of experience leading or managing complex projects, initiatives, or programs requiring independent judgment, cross-functional coordination, and accountability for outcomes, preferably in an HR setting.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting executive leadership or VP-level initiatives
• Experience in Human Resources, organizational strategy, or enterprise operations

Other Requirements

• Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and judgment in managing complex work.
• Strong analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to synthesize information and present recommendations to senior leadership.
• Knowledge of business and management principles related to strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and resource coordination.
• Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive information at the executive level.

Benefits

• Duke offers a competitive benefits package including comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs.
• Learn more about Duke's benefits at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/

Pay Range

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $0.00 to USD $0.00. 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.

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.

Essential Physical Job Functions

Not specified.

Nearest Major Market

Durham

Nearest Secondary Market

Raleigh