Project Planner II, Center for Child and Family Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy

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 Project Planner II, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team committed to strengthening the lives of children and families.

You will contribute directly to the mission of the Center for Child & Family Policy, which is dedicated to improving the well being of children and families through research, education, and engagement. The Center studies factors that influence child outcomes, develops and tests promising interventions, and advances evidence based practices and policies that unlock opportunity for all children and their families.

In this role, you become part of a community that values curiosity, compassion, innovation, and the belief that research can shape better futures.

As the Project Planner II, you will lead and coordinate key research and administrative activities for complex evaluation and implementation projects within the Center for Child & Family Policy. You will oversee day to day operations, including supervision of data technicians, management of participant contact processes, tracking of survey completion rates, and conducting qualitative interviews.

You will support essential financial and administrative tasks such as purchasing, tracking participant payments, and maintaining accurate accounting processes. You will also serve as a critical liaison between research staff and project leadership to ensure timelines are met, protocols are adhered to, and project goals are successfully executed.

Your work will contribute to the development of procedures manuals, technical reports, and the ongoing collection of administrative data - helping to ensure that research insights translate into meaningful, real world impact for children and families.

Project Planning & Coordination - 20%

• Collaborate with research staff and community partners to plan and implement research and evaluation activities.
• Coordinate across multiple sites and support stakeholder relationship management.

Data Management & Oversight - 15%

• Manage, review, and clean project data; identify issues and implement corrective actions.
• Oversee database development and usage (e.g., RedCap).

Training & Supervision - 15%

• Hire, train, and supervise data technicians and student staff.
• Train community-based partners to ensure alignment with research protocols.

Research Protocol & Tools Development - 10%

• Draft research protocols, codebooks, and measurement tools.

Data Analysis & Reporting - 10%

• Collaborate on analysis plans, interpret data, and prepare reports and presentations.

IRB & Regulatory Compliance - 10%

• Prepare and manage IRB submissions and amendments.

Fiscal & Grant Management - 10%

• Support budget management, contracting, and scope revisions.

Dissemination & Manuscript Development - 5%

• Conduct literature reviews and contribute to manuscripts for publication.

Grant Development Support - 5%

• Assist in identifying funding opportunities and preparing proposals.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support additional tasks aligned with the mission of the Center for Child & Family Policy.

Bachelor's degree required.

Project Management coursework or certification preferred.

Master's degree in social sciences or a related field preferred.

Experience

Four years of progressive project management experience in complex, multi stakeholder environments.

Experience with research or community based evaluation, including data collection, management, and analysis.

Experience in medical education/publishing, clinical research, or medical product development is desirable.

Skills & Attributes

Strong interpersonal and relationship building skills.

Independent judgment and decision making strengths.

Excellent time management, organizational, and prioritization abilities.

Database development and data management experience.

Strong written communication skills.

Ability to collaborate effectively across multiple teams and projects.

At Duke, you're not just taking a job - you're joining a nationally recognized community of thinkers, doers, and innovators shaping the future. Here, your work contributes to real world impact, empowering families, strengthening communities, and advancing research that truly matters.

You'll collaborate with exceptional colleagues, gain access to world class resources, and be part of an institution that invests deeply in your growth, your ideas, and your career. Duke's culture is rooted in belonging, curiosity, and bold imagination - a place where your expertise makes a meaningful difference and your voice is valued.

If you're seeking purpose, partnership, and the opportunity to elevate your career while driving meaningful change, Duke is where you belong.

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