Administrative Manager

Administrative Manager

Work Arrangement:
On-Site

Location:

Durham, NC, US, 27710 Personnel Area: 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. At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique experiences, perspectives, and talents that each member of our community brings. As the Administrative Manager for the Duke Lemur Center, you will play a critical role in supporting one of the world's leading centers for lemur research, conservation, education, and animal care.

In this highly collaborative leadership and supervisory position, you will partner with the Executive Director, department heads, faculty, researchers, and administrative professionals to help advance the Center's mission while ensuring operational excellence. Your expertise in financial management, grants administration, human resources, and strategic planning will help create an environment where groundbreaking research and conservation efforts can thrive. Be Bold. As the Administrative Manager, you will serve as a key operational leader for the Duke Lemur Center, providing strategic oversight and support across finance, grants administration, human resources, compliance, and business operations.

What You'll Do

• Lead Financial Operations and Strategic Planning
• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with the strategic priorities of the Duke Lemur Center and Duke University.
• Analyze financial performance, revenue projections, and expenditures, providing recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Oversee preparation of financial reports, budget forecasts, variance analyses, and administrative reporting for leadership and University stakeholders.
• Provide oversight and guidance for month-end financial processes, account reconciliations, and compliance monitoring.
• Manage endowed funds, investment activities, and capital expenditures while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Design and enhance financial systems, processes, and internal controls that promote operational efficiency and compliance.
• Support international business initiatives, including financial operations related to conservation programs and global partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with University financial policies and applicable regulatory requirements, including PCI DSS standards.
• Advise departmental leaders on budgeting, financial planning, and resource management strategies.
• Drive Grant and Sponsored Research Administration
• Partner with investigators and department leaders to develop and review grant budgets prior to proposal submission.
• Serve as a primary liaison with Duke's pre-award and post-award offices throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Monitor sponsored project activity to ensure financial accuracy, compliance with sponsor requirements, and timely reporting.
• Support award setup, financial management, closeout activities, and preparation of interim and final sponsor reports.
• Track critical deadlines and deliverables related to reporting, approvals, effort certification, and award management.
• Coordinate communications among sponsors, Duke administrative offices, and Duke Lemur Center leadership.
• Support Human Resources and Payroll Operations
• Coordinate personnel actions, including recruitment requests, position changes, salary updates, appointment renewals, leaves, and separations.
• Partner with University Human Resources to facilitate annual performance and compensation review processes.
• Maintain confidential personnel records and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to staff and managers regarding HR processes, payroll administration, and employee documentation requirements.
• Oversee student payroll processes and ensure timely review and approval of timekeeping activities.
• Foster Operational Excellence
• Interpret and communicate University policies, procedures, and administrative requirements.
• Collaborate with leadership and staff to identify…