Departmental Business Manager II

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.

The Duke University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) is seeking a resourceful Departmental Business Manager II to join our administrative team. In this pivotal role, you will oversee financial operations, human resources, and departmental administration to ensure faculty, staff, and students are fully supported. You will provide leadership in managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, preparing financial analyses, and supporting departmental operations in alignment with University policies.

You will provide expert HR support, including advising on personnel matters, coordinating hiring and onboarding, and fostering a collaborative, high-performing administrative team. In partnership with department leadership, you will drive operational efficiency, streamline communication, and lead strategic initiatives that support the mission and goals of CEE.

Minimum Requirements:

The role requires knowledge of business and administrative practices, including personnel management, budgeting, and general administrative coordination. These skills and experience are typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree in Business Administration, Human Resource Management, or a related field, along with at least three years of related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrating advanced knowledge of budget development, financial reporting, and year-end reconciliation processes.
• Demonstrating proficiency in HR practices including recruitment, employee relations, and performance management.
• Demonstrating experience supervising and developing administrative staff within a collaborative, team-oriented environment.

This position offers a hybrid work arrangement that includes both on-site and remote work and requires residing in a Duke University-approved state.

Be Bold.

Position Description:

• Oversee day-to-day financial operations in accordance with University policies, including budgeting, monitoring and reconciling expenditures across multiple funding sources, and supervising accounts payable, journal entries, corporate card administration, and purchase requisitions. Prepare financial reports and analyses to inform leadership, advise on budgetary matters, plan and develop operational budgets, and perform year-end closing activities using University systems such as SAP/R3, Buy@Duke, and iForms.
• Assist in the preparation of grant proposals and applications to include compilation of data and preparation of budget expenditures; monitor and verify expenditures; ensure compliance with University and sponsoring agency policies and procedures; prepare administrative reports for submission to sponsoring agency.
• Collaborate with the CEE Chair to optimize the department’s administrative structure, streamline communication through regular staff meetings, and supervise administrative staff to ensure effective operations, manage personnel activities, and advise faculty on employment, compensation, and HR-related matters.
• Oversee HR operations by coordinating hiring, onboarding, and personnel actions in compliance with University and federal guidelines; liaise with HR and Duke Visa Services to manage visa and employment processes; and advise departmental leadership on policies, compensation, performance, and employee development.
• Oversee daily departmental operations, ensuring adequate staffing, space, and facilities while coordinating purchasing, maintenance, and property management activities. Lead regular staff meetings, promote cross-training for operational consistency, and interpret and implement departmental policies to resolve issues and support effective decision-making.

Choose Duke.

Join the Duke University Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering (CEE) and be part of an inclusive culture that values excellence, innovation, and discovery. The department is committed to “Serving a Global Society,” working through purposeful partnerships around the world to solve complex societal challenges. With undergraduate and graduate programs ranked #9 in U.S. News for environmental engineering, CEE emphasizes turning “innovation into impact.”

We have exciting opportunities for forward-thinking leaders to join our team, examine current operations, and develop innovative solutions that enhance departmental effectiveness and drive meaningful impact across research, education, and global initiatives.

For best consideration, apply by November 19, 2025. (Note: Search committee will screen applications as they come in and will continue screening until specified date. Applications after the specified date will be considered a 2nd pool and cannot be reviewed until all applications before that date are deemed unqualified/unsuccessful.)

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $59,829.00 to USD $86,700.00. 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/

Job Code: 00001606 DEPARTMENTAL BUSINESS MGR II
Job Level: 12

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 on the 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.