Director of Grant Operations

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.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Director of Grant Operations, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing innovative grant-funded initiatives that strengthen Christian institutions that support congregations. Working within a collaborative team at the Forum for Congregational Life at Duke Divinity School, you'll help steward meaningful programs, build process and information systems to support the programs, and ensure resources are effectively managed to maximize impact.

You will join a mission-driven environment where your expertise in administration, project management, finance, and relationship-building contributes directly to programs that strengthen leadership and foster community transformation.

This position reports to the Executive Director for Grants and Services and provides strategic administrative leadership and operational management for a complex portfolio of grant-funded programs. The role oversees project implementation, contractor engagement, financial administration, reporting, communications coordination, and database operations.

This position is fully funded by a sponsored program currently supported through December 31, 2028, as part of a Lilly Endowment-funded intermediary organization within Duke Divinity School.

As an Director of Grant Operations, you will help shape and strengthen grant initiatives through thoughtful leadership, operational excellence, and effective collaboration.

• Manage the administration of multiple grant programs and pilot initiatives from launch through completion.
• Design, implement, and improve database information structure and other operational processes that support successful grant program delivery.
• Ensure compliance with Duke University policies and sponsor requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate financial, operational, and programmatic reports for sponsors and stakeholders.

• Analyze grant requests for proposals (RFPs) and applications for alignment with program goals and organizational policy.
• Coordinate review and adjudication processes.
• Develop recommendations regarding grant funding decisions.
• Monitor grant activities and support continuous program improvement.

• Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise contractors who support events, proposal reviews, and program evaluations.
• Ensure appropriate conflict-of-interest management practices are maintained.
• Evaluate contractor performance and recommend future engagement opportunities.
• Build collaborative relationships with peer organizations and external partners.

• Analyze application and program data to identify trends, opportunities, and emerging needs.
• Compare findings against available research and best practices.
• Develop reports and recommendations that inform strategic decision-making.

• Develop budgets, financial projections, and fiscal plans.
• Monitor…