Managing Director, Samuel DuBois Cook Center

Duke University was created in 1924 through an indenture of trust by James Buchanan Duke. Today, Duke is one of America’s leading research universities. Located in Durham, North Carolina, it is positioned in the heart of the Research Triangle, ranked annually as one of the best places in the country to work and live. With more than 15,000 students, 10 graduate & professional schools, and about 40,000 employees, Duke is the third largest private employer in North Carolina and has international programs in more than 150 countries.

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Managing Director – Samuel DuBois Cook Center on Social Equity

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives each member of our community brings. The Managing Director serves as the Center’s senior administrative leader and strategic partner to the Faculty Director, relaunching and strengthening a university-wide center dedicated to advancing rigorous research, transformative education, and public engagement focused on the systems that shape opportunity, mobility, and well‑being. This role works closely with faculty, staff, students, and campus partners across Duke to translate scholarly vision into effective programs, strong operations, and meaningful impact.

What You’ll Do

Program Development & Systems Management (30%)

• Guide program development across seed grants, research working groups, colloquia, workshops, and thematic initiatives
• Oversee academic and research programs aligned with Center priorities
• Manage curricular and program logistics to support faculty and students
• Ensure access to data, analytic support, and research infrastructure
• Track research outputs, activities, and program impact

Strategic Planning & Implementation (25%)

• Partner with the Faculty Director to develop and execute an organizational roadmap
• Integrate research, programming, and academic initiatives into a cohesive strategy
• Build systems that support coordinated planning and assessment

Partnerships & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Coordinate partnerships across Duke and with external collaborators
• Support co-sponsored events, joint research projects, and community-engaged initiatives
• Foster cross‑school collaboration and manage stakeholder communications

Staff Leadership & Internal Coordination (15%)

• Facilitate communication and workflow across leadership and advisory groupsRecruit, onboard, supervise, and mentor staff and student employees
• Fulfill essential Program Coordinator duties until the role is filled
• Strengthen internal processes and information flow

Operations, Evaluation & Finance (10%)

• Oversee daily operations, budget monitoring, and administrative systems
• Lead evaluation frameworks, reporting, and continuous improvement efforts
• Support communications planning and fundraising readiness

What You Bring

Education

• Master’s degree in a relevant field such as public policy, social sciences, education, public health, business, or a related area — or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

Experience

• Minimum of 7 years of progressively responsible professional experience in academic program management, organizational leadership, or research administration
• Experience supporting faculty‑led research initiatives and interdisciplinary programs
• Demonstrated success managing complex projects, timelines, and multiple stakeholders in a dynamic academic or research environment

Preferred Skills & Qualifications

• Proven ability to develop and execute strategic plans aligned with organizational goals
• Experience supervising and mentoring professional staff, students, and interns
• Background working in interdisciplinary research centers or higher‑education environments
• Experience with community‑engaged scholarship or faculty research support
• Experience with program assessment, evaluation, and data‑informed decision‑making
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated intercultural competence
• Clear commitment to advancing equity‑driven research and education

Duke Supports Its Leaders With

• Competitive executive‑level compensation and comprehensive benefits
• Robust healthcare and wellness programs
• Retirement plans with generous employer contributions
• Substantial paid time off and university holiday schedules
• Tuition benefits for employees and eligible dependents
• Access to a global academic network and professional growth opportunities

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply through the Duke University Careers portal and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Anticipated 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 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: The total compensation goes beyond 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

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 (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

We aspire to create a community built on collaboration, 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: ; phone: 919‑668‑1267).

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