Duke 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. Be Bold. Choose Duke.
Operations Project Manager
Department: Library Finance & Operations
Be You
At Duke University Libraries, you will serve as a strategic operational partner within the Finance & Operations Division, supporting cross-functional initiatives, operational planning, and divisional project management while collaborating with leaders across Human Resources, Finance, Technology Operations, Facilities & Security, and the Library Service Center.
Be Bold
Advance strategic priorities, strengthen organizational effectiveness, and help drive informed decision-making through project management, business process improvement, workforce and resource planning, operational analysis, and executive support.
What You'll Do
- Lead complex projects and strategic initiatives spanning multiple operational units.
- Develop project plans, timelines, deliverables, communication strategies, and budget projections.
- Monitor project progress, identify risks, and facilitate timely resolution of barriers.
- Coordinate implementation of divisional priorities and operational improvements.
- Prepare executive project updates and recommendations for divisional leadership.
- Evaluate business processes and lead continuous improvement initiatives across Finance & Operations.
- Develop and maintain divisional standard operating procedures and operational documentation.
- Coordinate divisional planning activities and monitor progress on leadership priorities.
- Facilitate collaboration among operational departments and campus administrative partners.
- Serve as liaison between Library staff and campus administrative units.
- Research and recommend best practices to improve operational effectiveness and performance.
- Oversee lifecycle of contracts, MOUs, and interdepartmental agreements.
- Coordinate workforce planning and position management activities.
- Monitor staffing metrics, recruitment progress, vacancies, and personnel funding.
- Develop workforce and financial dashboards for planning and forecasting.
- Analyze trends and provide recommendations supporting resource allocation.
- Support budget planning, reporting, and operational analysis.
- Prepare executive briefings, presentations, and decision-support materials.
- Coordinate cross-functional activities on behalf of divisional leadership.
What You'll Bring
- Bachelor's degree in related field.
- Two years of progressively responsible experience in project management, business operations, organizational effectiveness, higher education administration, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience leading cross-functional initiatives.
- Advanced project management, organizational planning, analytical, communication, and collaboration skills.
- Experience preparing reports, dashboards, and executive-level presentations.
- Advanced Microsoft Excel and Microsoft 365 skills.
- Preferred: Master's degree, higher education experience, or PMP/Lean Six Sigma/Prosci certification.
Choose Duke
Duke offers a collaborative environment where operational excellence, innovation, and service come together to support the University's mission.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Join Duke University Libraries and help advance strategic initiatives that strengthen operations, collaboration, and organizational effectiveness.
Job Code: 00002821 PROJECT PLANNER I
Job Level: 70
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $75,000.00 to USD $90,000.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.
Your total compensation goes beyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive 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: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
Equal Opportunity Employer: 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.
Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our communityhave a responsibility to uphold these values.
Essential Physical Job Functions: