Associate Director, Strategy And Operations

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.

Position Summary

The Graduate School is seeking an Associate Director for Strategy and Operations. This role will serve a critical function in implementing and managing the university’s obligations under the collective bargaining agreement (CBA) with the Duke Graduate Student Union.

The Associate Director will develop and manage key institutional processes, oversee communications, coordinate cross-departmental workflows, and act as a primary liaison between the union, academic units, and central administration. As this is a new position, the effort of key responsibilities may be redistributed based on developing business needs.

Key Responsibilities

CBA Implementation and Oversight - 35%

• Lead operational strategy to support implementation of the collective bargaining agreement for eligible Ph.D. students.
• Establish and manage centralized hiring, data collection, and workflow systems required under the agreement.

Union Relations and Liaison Work - 15%

• Serve as The Graduate School’s primary point of contact for the Duke Graduate Student Union.
• Coordinate ongoing communications and collaboration between the union, the Labor Management Committee, Duke Human Resources, and academic departments.

Process and Workflow Development - 15%

• In partnership with Duke technology offices, design, develop, and oversee the implementation of scalable administrative workflows to fulfill the University’s obligations under the CBA.
• In collaboration with other Duke departments, identify and address gaps in current systems related to graduate student employment and union compliance.
• Assist units within TGS in managing student support resources (e.g. child care, medical assistance).
• This role may expand to include the oversight of a dedicated team of Ph.D. union payroll staff.

Data Management and Reporting - 15%

• Oversee the collection, analysis, and reporting of data required to support compliance and respond to union information requests.
• Review related data for accuracy, privacy (FERPA), and timely dissemination across relevant stakeholders.

Grievance and Dispute Resolution Support - 10%

• Partner closely with the Staff and Labor Relations team in Duke HR to coordinate department responses during grievance processes.
• In partnership with Staff and Labor Relations, track grievance-related activity and support policy interpretation and response consistency.

Cross-Departmental Collaboration and Leadership - 10%

• Partner with departmental administrators and faculty, advising on compliance and operational best practices.
• Provide training and guidance to graduate programs to ensure understanding and alignment with the terms of the agreement.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $68,970.00 to USD $127,008.00.  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 pay check.  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/

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

Preferred Experience

Minimum 7 years of experience with at least 2 years’ experience in operations, labor relations, academic administration, or a related area.

Experience working in a unionized environment or with collective bargaining agreements, preferably in higher education.

Proven ability to design and implement complex administrative systems.

Exceptional communication, negotiation, and stakeholder management skills.

Demonstrated ability to lead cross-functional initiatives and manage change effectively.

Experience developing institutional policies or procedures in response to regulatory or contractual requirements.

Strong analytical and project management skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's Degree required.  Work requires strong communications,analytical, organizational and business skills normally acquired through completion of an advanced degree in a related field. Masters or J.D.preferred.

Experience

Work requires a minimum of seven years of demonstrated experience in a combination of administrative management, financial and strategic planning ,and knowledge of educational principles, curriculum development and instructional design

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.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends onthe robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

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