Associate Director, Academic Management Center

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.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Associate Director, Academic Management Center, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative team that supports academic units and drives financial excellence across the Provost Area Management Center.

The Associate Director provides strategic financial leadership and operational oversight for select units under the Provost. You'll partner with senior academic and administrative leaders to ensure compliance, optimize resources, and deliver actionable insights that shape the future of Duke.

You will perform complex accounting and financial operations activities as the primary contact for assigned units. The associate director will prepare financial modeling activities for new and existing programs, grant activities (both sponsored and non-sponsored), international programming, auxiliary services, and academic support.

Budget & Finance - Unit Oversight (25%)

• Lead complex financial analysis and guide unit leadership through annual budgets, multi-year projections, and capital planning.
• Monitor performance against plans and provide proactive recommendations to address variances.
• Collaborate with senior academic and administrative officers to prepare and present budget materials for leadership meetings.
• Train unit staff on compliance with Duke and Provost financial policies and ensure adherence to accounting standards.

Financial Management and Control (25%)

• Oversee all financial transactions for assigned units, ensuring compliance with university guidelines, donor intent, and sound stewardship of funds.
• Manage endowments, gifts, grants, and operating funds, and ensure timely transfers and reconciliations.
• Support annual close processes, review entries, and finalize year-end documentation.
• Identify areas of financial risk and implement monitoring processes and fiscal controls to strengthen compliance frameworks.

Financial Reporting and Analysis (25%)

• Develop and maintain robust reporting tools using SAP BW Analysis and other platforms to deliver monthly, quarterly, and annual reports.
• Create standardized templates for variance explanations and key performance metrics.
• Meet regularly with unit leadership to review financial performance, provide insights, and recommend strategies for resource optimization.
• Prepare financial models for new programs, grants, international initiatives, and academic support services.

Unit-Specific Financial Oversight and Contracts (25%)

• Provide tailored financial consultation for program evaluations and operational improvements.
• Review and advise on contracts for domestic and international programs, ensuring compliance with legal and financial standards.
• Recommend enhancements to administrative processes such as procurement, payment workflows, and internal controls.
• Serve as a trusted advisor for units on complex financial structures and reporting requirements.

Education/Training:

- Bachelor's degree in Accounting, Finance, Economics, Business Administration, or a related field required.

- CPA and/or MBA preferred.

Experience:

- Minimum of six years of experience in financial management, including financial analysis, reporting, budgeting, and modeling.

- Equivalent combination of relevant education and experience may be considered.

Skills:

- Strong analytical and modeling skills; ability to manage complex budgets and commitments.

- Familiarity with Duke systems and policies preferred.

- Expertise in international financial operations and higher education finance.

- Proficiency in Microsoft tools and integrated systems such as Advanced Excel and SAP.

- Ability to interpret large volumes of data and present concise insights to senior leadership.

- Excellent communication, organizational, and interpersonal skills.

- Ability to work effectively with diverse groups and balance high-volume workloads while meeting deadlines.

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $74,251.00 to USD $139,220.00. 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/

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 provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.

Join a world-class institution where your expertise in financial management will empower academic innovation and operational excellence. At Duke, your work will make a lasting impact on students, faculty, and the global community.

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.