Administrative Manager

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.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique experiences, perspectives, and talents that each member of our community brings. As the Administrative Manager for the Duke Lemur Center, you will play a critical role in supporting one of the world's leading centers for lemur research, conservation, education, and animal care.

In this highly collaborative leadership and supervisory position, you will partner with the Executive Director, department heads, faculty, researchers, and administrative professionals to help advance the Center's mission while ensuring operational excellence. Your expertise in financial management, grants administration, human resources, and strategic planning will help create an environment where groundbreaking research and conservation efforts can thrive.

Be Bold.

As the Administrative Manager, you will serve as a key operational leader for the Duke Lemur Center, providing strategic oversight and support across finance, grants administration, human resources, compliance, and business operations.

What You'll Do

Lead Financial Operations and Strategic Planning

• Develop and manage the annual operating budget, ensuring alignment with the strategic priorities of the Duke Lemur Center and Duke University.
• Analyze financial performance, revenue projections, and expenditures, providing recommendations that support informed decision-making.
• Oversee preparation of financial reports, budget forecasts, variance analyses, and administrative reporting for leadership and University stakeholders.
• Provide oversight and guidance for month-end financial processes, account reconciliations, and compliance monitoring.
• Manage endowed funds, investment activities, and capital expenditures while ensuring responsible stewardship of resources.
• Design and enhance financial systems, processes, and internal controls that promote operational efficiency and compliance.
• Support international business initiatives, including financial operations related to conservation programs and global partnerships.
• Ensure compliance with University financial policies and applicable regulatory requirements, including PCI DSS standards.
• Advise departmental leaders on budgeting, financial planning, and resource management strategies.

Drive Grant and Sponsored Research Administration

• Partner with investigators and department leaders to develop and review grant budgets prior to proposal submission.
• Serve as a primary liaison with Duke's pre-award and post-award offices throughout the grant lifecycle.
• Monitor sponsored project activity to ensure financial accuracy, compliance with sponsor requirements, and timely reporting.
• Support award setup, financial management, closeout activities, and preparation of interim and final sponsor reports.
• Track critical deadlines and deliverables related to reporting, approvals, effort certification, and award management.
• Coordinate communications among sponsors, Duke administrative offices, and Duke Lemur Center leadership.

Support Human Resources and Payroll Operations

• Coordinate personnel actions, including recruitment requests, position changes, salary updates, appointment renewals, leaves, and separations.
• Partner with University Human Resources to facilitate annual performance and compensation review processes.
• Maintain confidential personnel records and ensure compliance with University policies and procedures.
• Provide guidance to staff and managers regarding HR processes, payroll administration, and employee documentation requirements.
• Oversee student payroll processes and ensure timely review and approval of timekeeping activities.

Foster Operational Excellence

• Interpret and communicate University policies, procedures, and administrative requirements.
• Collaborate with leadership and staff to identify opportunities for continuous improvement and enhanced operational effectiveness.
• Contribute to special projects and other strategic initiatives that support the ongoing success of the Duke Lemur Center.

Responsible for other related duties as assigned to support team goals.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Business Administration, Finance, Management, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Four years of progressively responsible business, financial, or administrative management experience.
• Master's degree in a business-related field may substitute for two years of required experience.  Or any other equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master of Business Administration (MBA).
• Experience supporting higher education, research, non-profit, academic or zoological environments
• Experience with sponsored research administration and grant management.

Preferred Skills

• Strong knowledge of accounting principles, budgeting, financial planning, and compliance.
• Experience interpreting and applying institutional, financial, and sponsor policies.
• Understanding of human resources, payroll, and personnel management processes.
• Advanced analytical, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage confidential information with professionalism and discretion.
• Ability to build strong relationships and collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholders in a fast-paced environment.

Work Environment

This is a full-time, exempt position based at the Duke Lemur Center. The successful candidate is expected to maintain an on-campus presence.  The pay range for this position is $63,948.00 to $90,000.

Choose Duke.

At Duke University, you'll find more than a job. You'll discover a community driven by purpose, innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to making a meaningful impact.

As part of the Duke Lemur Center, you will contribute to world-renowned conservation, research, education, and animal care initiatives while helping support operations that make this important work possible.

At Duke, you'll benefit from:

• A collaborative and mission-driven culture.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Access to world-class academic and research resources.
• Comprehensive employee benefits and wellness programs.
• A commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.
• The opportunity to make a lasting impact on conservation efforts around the world.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help support the operations, people, and resources that enable the Duke Lemur Center to advance scientific discovery, conservation, and education while building a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.