Program Director

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.

The Duke Quantum Center (DQC) is seeking a dynamic Program Director who will lead the administrative, financial, and operational functions of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research center advancing quantum science and engineering. The Program Director will manage the center’s finance, budget, personnel, grant administration, facilities, and information technology needs while ensuring compliance with University and sponsor policies. This position requires a proactive leader dedicated to operational excellence, strategic efficiency, and fostering an inclusive and innovative environment.

The role requires strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills, along with the ability to plan, manage, and oversee programs and activities within a specific functional area. These skills and experience are typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree and approximately four years of related professional experience.

• Oversee DQC finances by managing budgets, monitoring multiple funding sources, reconciling payroll, verifying personnel and payroll actions, and preparing financial reports with progress, trends, and recommendations for leadership and the University.
• Support DQC grants and contracts administration, ensuring compliance with sponsor and University requirements, and assisting with applications for programs such as the Research Experience for Undergraduates and Pratt Fellows.
• Develop and implement center-wide protocols and policies, serve as liaison with partner Schools and Departments on administrative and research functions, maintain communication with HR, leadership, and staff to resolve issues, provide backup support as needed, and represent the DQC Director in meetings and administrative matters.
• Supervise DQC administrative staff and ensure effective performance across programmatic, financial, and compliance functions, including facilitating cross‑functional training, supporting recruitment processes, and coordinating annual evaluations and trial period documentation.
• Manage HR and payroll functions, including personnel actions, data tracking, reporting, and collaboration with Duke Visa Services to ensure timely and compliant processing of visa applications, while proactively resolving HR and payroll issues.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

• Demonstrating the ability to lead and collaborate with cross‑functional teams while showing initiative and adaptability in responding to changing priorities and operational needs.
• Demonstrating the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks while applying strong analytical and problem‑solving skills to interpret data and develop actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrating the ability to use and quickly learn technologies related to administrative and grant management.

For best consideration, apply by November 25, 2025. (

Note:

Search committee will screen applications as they come in and will continue screening until specified date. Applications after the specified date will be considered a 2nd pool and cannot be reviewed until all applications before that date are deemed unqualified/unsuccessful.)

Join the Duke Quantum Center (DQC) and be part of a collaborative environment that brings together top researchers in quantum information science and…