Executive Director of Operations and Strategic Priorities, Fuqua School of Business

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, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the Executive Director of Operations and Strategic Priorities (Level 16), you will serve as an essential leader in the Fuqua School of Business—guiding complex initiatives, shaping operational strategy, and supporting academic excellence across the institution. In this role, you will build connections across diverse teams, promote integrated decision‑making, and elevate the experience of our faculty, staff, and students.

Be Bold.

The Executive Director of Operations and Strategic Priorities plays a pivotal role in advancing Fuqua’s enterprise‑level objectives. You will partner closely with the Dean and Senior Associate Deans to translate institutional goals into coordinated execution, ensuring that academic operations, strategic initiatives, and cross‑functional systems work in harmony.

What You’ll Do:

Strategic Leadership & Executive Advising

• Drive execution of the Dean’s strategic priorities through advanced data analysis, financial modeling, and institutional coordination.
• Prepare executive‑level communications, briefings, and strategic documents to support senior leadership.
• Advise on policy, compliance, organizational risk, and long‑term planning.

Academic Resource Strategy & Faculty Operations

• Lead development of Fuqua’s school‑wide teaching schedule, ensuring alignment between academic needs, faculty capacity, and program goals.
• Oversee the onboarding, evaluation, and management of non‑regular rank (NRR) faculty.
• Support academic leadership in synthesizing data for accreditation, assessment, and rankings.

Program Excellence, Policy Optimization & Operational Governance

• Strengthen consistency and operational rigor across academic programs by collaborating with the Senior Associate Dean of Programs.
• Investigate policy challenges and develop institutionally aligned procedures that enhance student experience and schoolwide operations.
• Create scalable processes that improve efficiency, transparency, and decision‑making.

Innovation Leadership, New Initiative Launch & Cross‑Functional Integration

• Partner with the Senior Associate Dean of Innovation to implement curricular redesigns, AI‑enabled enhancements, and new academic programs.
• Align teaching‑focused centers (HSM, COLE, CASE, EDGE) and curricular initiatives (FCCP, MCC) with Fuqua’s academic mission and market needs.
• Integrate innovation efforts with operational readiness and long‑term sustainability.

Data, HR, Performance Systems & Organizational Accountability

• Partner with Finance and Administration to maintain systems for HR documentation, performance metrics, and operational data.
• Provide leadership for cross‑functional committees including CRM strategy, admissions analytics, and demographic reporting.
• Implement evidence‑based interventions to improve organizational effectiveness and culture.

Institutional Representation & University‑Wide Leadership

• Represent Fuqua in university‑level discussions regarding student services, registrar functions, and policy alignment.
• Advocate for Fuqua’s strategic priorities across Duke’s academic and operational systems.
• Build strong partnerships that ensure cohesive service delivery and institutional alignment.

What You Bring

As an accomplished strategic leader, you bring the experience, judgment, and executive presence necessary to influence decision‑making at the highest levels. You understand how to navigate complex academic environments, build trusted relationships, and translate vision into operational excellence.

Education & Credentials

• Master’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Policy, or a related field; PhD preferred.
• Expertise in academic operations, higher education structures, or institutional governance.

Leadership Experience

• Eight or more years of progressive leadership experience in academic operations, strategic programs, faculty affairs, or institutional management.
• Proven success advising senior executives and shaping enterprise‑level strategies.
• Experience leading complex, cross‑functional initiatives in a matrixed environment.

Strategic & Analytical Expertise

• Advanced analytical capabilities with experience in financial modeling, behavioral data, or institutional metrics.
• Ability to design systems and processes that improve operational efficiency and organizational performance.

Operational Excellence

• Deep familiarity with faculty lifecycle processes, academic program structures, and student‑facing operations.
• Ability to assess risk, interpret policy, and ensure operational alignment across diverse units.

Executive Communication & Relationship Building

• Exceptional presentation and writing skills with the ability to produce executive‑ready briefs and strategic documents.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven track record of building trust across faculty, staff, and senior leadership.

People Leadership & Organizational Judgment

• Demonstrated discretion and sound judgment when managing sensitive HR or institutional data.
• Leadership style defined by empathy, accountability, clarity, and collaboration.

Innovation Mindset

• Experience supporting program innovation, AI‑enabled enhancements, or transformative academic initiatives.
• Ability to implement sustainable change and help teams adopt new approaches.

Choose Duke.

Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business is more than an academic institution—it is a global community of bold thinkers, industry innovators, and purpose‑driven leaders. Joining Duke as a Level 16 Executive Director means stepping into a role where your leadership will shape systems, influence strategic direction, and create lasting institutional impact.

Here, you won’t just manage operations—you will help architect the future of a top‑ranked business school during a dynamic period of innovation and growth. You will work alongside internationally recognized faculty, visionary academic leaders, and a collaborative network of partners across Duke who share a commitment to excellence, innovation, and global relevance.

At Duke, your expertise is valued, your perspective is sought out, and your leadership can transform programs, elevate the student experience, and strengthen the school’s global reputation. This is an opportunity to lead with purpose, drive strategic change, and contribute to a mission that shapes the next generation of business leaders.

Ready to Make a Difference?

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