Program Director

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 Quantum Center (DQC) is seeking a dynamic Program Director who will lead the administrative, financial, and operational functions of a collaborative, multidisciplinary research center advancing quantum science and engineering. The Program Director will manage the center’s finance, budget, personnel, grant administration, facilities, and information technology needs while ensuring compliance with University and sponsor policies. This position requires a proactive leader dedicated to operational excellence, strategic efficiency, and fostering an inclusive and innovative environment

Minimum Requirements:

The role requires strong communication, analytical, and organizational skills, along with the ability to plan, manage, and oversee programs and activities within a specific functional area. These skills and experience are typically acquired through a bachelor’s degree and approximately four years of related professional experience.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Demonstrating the ability to lead and collaborate with cross-functional teams while showing initiative and adaptability in responding to changing priorities and operational needs.
• Demonstrating the ability to manage and prioritize multiple projects and tasks while applying strong analytical and problem-solving skills to interpret data and develop actionable recommendations.
• Demonstrating the ability to use and quickly learn technologies related to administrative and grant management.

Be Bold.

Position Description:

• Oversee DQC finances by managing budgets, monitoring multiple funding sources, reconciling payroll, verifying personnel and payroll actions, and preparing financial reports with progress, trends, and recommendations for leadership and the University.

• Support DQC grants and contracts administration, ensuring compliance with sponsor and University requirements, and assisting with applications for programs such as the Research Experience for Undergraduates and Pratt Fellows.

• Develop and implement center-wide protocols and policies, serve as liaison with partner Schools and Departments on administrative and research functions, maintain communication with HR, leadership, and staff to resolve issues, provide backup support as needed, and represent the DQC Director in meetings and administrative matters.

• Supervise DQC administrative staff and ensure effective performance across programmatic, financial, and compliance functions, including facilitating cross-functional training, supporting recruitment processes, and coordinating annual evaluations and trial period documentation.

• Manage HR and payroll functions, including personnel actions, data tracking, reporting, and collaboration with Duke Visa Services to ensure timely and compliant processing of visa applications, while proactively resolving HR and payroll issues.

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Choose Duke.

For best consideration, apply by November 25, 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.)

Join the Duke Quantum Center (DQC) and be part of a collaborative environment that brings together top researchers in quantum information science and engineering. Our state-of-the-art quantum computing facility supports groundbreaking research and the practical application of quantum technologies. This position offers a unique opportunity to join our team, engage with interdisciplinary faculty, students, and engineers, and contribute to innovative solutions that advance the center’s mission and impact.

Anticipated Pay Range:

Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $61,535.00 to USD $95,880.00. 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: 00001435 PROGRAM DIR
Job Level: 13

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.