Research Project Manager, Sanford School of Public Policy

Research Project Manager, Sanford School of Public Policy Work Arrangement: Hybrid (On-Site and Remote mix) Requisition Number: 270411 Regular or Temporary: Regular Location: Durham, NC, US, 27710 Role Overview The Research Project Manager (Head of Research) leads the research enterprise of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy within the Sanford School of Public Policy. The position builds and manages a diverse portfolio of research and policy projects addressing challenges in journalism, disinformation, and democratic institutions. What You’ll Do Research Management (10%) 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 through collaboration 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). Funding Identification and Grant Development (20%) 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 (35%) 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 and 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. Write, Disseminate, and Present Research Findings (35%) 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 roundtables, 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. What You Bring Education Bachelor's Degree Required. Preferred Master’s degree or higher in a field related to the position (e.g., 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. Benefits Anticipated Pay Range: USD $76,811.00 to USD $130,576.00. Duke University considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills 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 . 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. Essential Physical Job Functions Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System 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: View email address on click.appcast.io; phone: View phone number on click.appcast.io). Nearest Major Market Durham Nearest Secondary Market Raleigh Read more about Duke’s commitment to affirmative action and nondiscrimination at hr.duke.edu/eeo . #J-18808-Ljbffr Duke PF