Research Project Manager, Sanford School of Public Policy

Research Project Manager (Head of Research)

The Research Project Manager leads the research enterprise of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy within the Sanford School of Public Policy. The role shapes national conversations about journalism, disinformation, and democratic institutions by managing a diverse portfolio of research and policy projects.

• Plan and execute the Center’s research portfolio, including project timelines, budgets, financial management, contractual obligations, and staffing plans.
• Track and manage progress toward milestones and deliverables with internal colleagues, subcontractors, vendors, and external stakeholders.
• Recruit, manage, and directly supervise research and project staff, including hiring, professional development, performance evaluations, and promotions.
• Propose and lead interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate student research teams (e.g., Bass Connections).

• Identify and secure research funding by engaging funding communities, researching opportunities, and developing and submitting grant proposals.
• Work directly with foundations and other funders to support the Center’s research agenda.

• Provide research for the News Measures Research Project (NMRP) and other projects focused on local journalism, disinformation, digital platforms, and related policy areas.
• Lead study design, primary data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing and editing.
• Construct, manage, and analyze large databases; conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, including large‑scale textual analysis of government documents, court decisions, and news reports.
• Monitor developments in relevant content areas and identify opportunities for collaboration within the Center and with external partners.

• Author publications and collaborate with faculty on disseminating research through journals and other media outlets.
• Develop and oversee research‑related convening events such as expert round tables, workshops, conference panels, seminars, and public events.
• Represent the DeWitt Wallace Center at conferences and events, serving as a spokesperson and developing recognition as an expert in the research portfolio.
• Partner with internal and external communications and events teams on dissemination strategies.

• Bachelor’s Degree Required.
• Preferred Master’s degree or higher in public policy, journalism, mass communication, or a directly related discipline.

• Strong research design, data analysis, and writing skills.
• Experience with database design, data modeling, and data visualization.
• Ability to modernize and integrate fragmented or legacy data sources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of local news and information ecosystems.

• Four years of progressive experience in policy, research, or data analysis.
• Experience directing research programs and managing complex research portfolios.
• Experience supervising staff and leading interdisciplinary research teams.
• Preferred:
  Experience working directly with foundations and external funders.

Full‑time position based in Durham, North Carolina. The role is primarily in‑person (at least four days per week) with one remote day during the academic year (September–May). The position reports to the Director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy.

Annual base salary range: USD $76,811.00 to USD $. Duke offers comprehensive medical and dental plans, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family‑friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members.

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.

Certain jobs at Duke University may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodations can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services.