Research Project Manager, 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.

 

Be You. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

 

Be You.

 

At Duke University, we value the individuality, expertise, and perspectives that each member of our community brings. The Research Project Manager (Head of Research) plays a vital role in advancing the research mission of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy within the Sanford School of Public Policy. The Center provides media studies and journalism‑related programs through faculty research, undergraduate teaching, professional training for journalists, and active engagement in the field.

This role is responsible for building and managing the Center’s research enterprise through the development and oversight of a diverse portfolio of research and policy projects. The position works closely with faculty, collaborators, stakeholders, research staff, and students to address key challenges facing media and democracy.

 

Be Bold.

 

The Research Project Manager provides leadership, subject‑matter expertise, and operational oversight for complex research initiatives that shape national conversations about journalism, disinformation, and democratic institutions.

 

What You’ll Do

Research Management (10%)

 

Plan and execute the Center’s research portfolio, including responsibility for 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.

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.

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