Research Project Manager, Sanford School of Public Policy

Duke University

Duke University is a leading research university located in Durham, North Carolina. The DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy (DWCM &

D) within the Sanford School of Public Policy seeks a Research Project Manager (Head of Research) to advance its research mission.

• Research Management: Plan and execute the Center’s research portfolio, including project timelines, budgets, financial management, contractual obligations, and staffing plans. Track progress toward milestones with internal colleagues, subcontractors, vendors, and external stakeholders. Recruit, manage, and supervise research and project staff, including hiring, professional development, performance evaluations, and promotions. Propose and lead interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate student research teams.
• Funding Identification and Grant Development: 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.
• Conduct Research: 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.
• Write, Disseminate, and Present Research Findings: 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 building recognition as an expert in the research portfolio.
  
  Partner with internal and external communications and events teams on dissemination strategies.

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree required. Preferred Master’s degree or higher in public policy, journalism, mass communication, or a directly related discipline.
• Qualifications: 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.
• Experience: Four years of progressive experience in policy, research, or data analysis. Experience directing research programs and managing complex research portfolios. Preferred experience working directly with foundations and external funders. Experience supervising staff and leading interdisciplinary research teams.

Location:

Durham, North Carolina. The position is full‑time and requires on‑site presence at least four days per week with one remote day during the academic year (September–May). Reports to the Director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy.

Anticipated Pay Range: USD $76,811.00 to USD $ per year. Compensation takes into account scope and responsibilities, experience, education, and market considerations.

Duke University offers comprehensive 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 (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)./

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.

Some positions 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 (email: DAAS; phone: ).