Project Planner I

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, intellectual curiosity, and the unique experiences each team member brings to our community. As a Project Planner I, you will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team advancing research, policy, and programs that improve outcomes for children and families.

About the Position

The Center for Child and Family Policy (CCFP) at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy is seeking a project manager/research analyst to support a portfolio of program, research, and policy activities focused on economic and cash support for families in North Carolina and across the United States during the prenatal through early childhood period.

The position will work across two complementary areas: initiatives connected to the North Carolina Maternal and Early Childhood Health Initiative, co-led by Drs. Rushina Cholera, Lisa Gennetian, and Sarahn Wheeler; and research and policy projects related to cash support and the U.S. safety net for families led by Dr. Lisa Gennetian.

This is a substantive project management and research role. The Project Planner I will help move complex projects from planning and coordination through research and policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, writing, and dissemination. The successful candidate will manage multiple workstreams and deadlines while also contributing directly to research and policy products.

Who You’ll Work With

You will be a member of a multi- and interdisciplinary collaborative team spanning the North Carolina Maternal and Early Childhood Health Initiative, CCFP at Duke Sanford, and the Duke-Margolis Institute. You will work closely with faculty leaders, research staff, funders, government partners, philanthropic and community organizations, and state and local collaborators across North Carolina. The role offers direct exposure to research and policy work focused on strengthening family economic security and improving outcomes for young children and their families.

Be Bold.

This role is designed for an early-career professional who wants to build experience managing complex policy and research projects while strengthening skills in analysis, writing, stakeholder engagement, and research dissemination. It is an opportunity to work at the intersection of research, policy, and program implementation and to contribute to work with practical implications for families and communities.

What You'll Do

Research, Policy Analysis & Data — 40%

• Conduct background research and literature reviews on economic, cash assistance, income support, and related policies affecting children and families.
• Compile, organize, clean, and analyze quantitative and/or qualitative data to support ongoing research and policy projects.
• Gather and synthesize detailed information on access to, availability of, and implementation of safety-net and related economic benefits for eligible families in North Carolina, including avenues through Medicaid.
• Contribute to the interpretation and synthesis of research and policy findings for project activities and products.

Project Management & Coordination — 30%

• Coordinate and support projects across the Maternal and Early Childhood Initiative and related research and policy portfolio.
• Manage project timelines, activities, materials, meetings, follow-up items, and communications.
• Coordinate activities among faculty, research staff, funders, and external collaborators.
• Provide research, project coordination, and related administrative support across the portfolio as needed.

Stakeholder & Partner Engagement — 20%

• Build and maintain productive relationships with research, policy, government, philanthropic, and community partners.
• Coordinate engagement with state and local collaborators in North Carolina.
• Incorporate partner and stakeholder input into project planning and activities.
• Support communication and collaboration across interdisciplinary teams and external partners.

Writing, Grants & Dissemination — 10%

• Assist with the preparation and coordination of grant-related materials and funder deliverables.
• Contribute to research reports, policy products, presentations, and other written materials.
• Support dissemination of research and policy findings to appropriate audiences.
• Help synthesize complex research and policy information for different audiences.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree.
• Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience conducting research, policy analysis, program evaluation, or related work.
• Experience working with quantitative and/or qualitative data.
• Ability to synthesize complex information and communicate findings effectively to varied audiences.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Demonstrated interest in policies and programs affecting children and families.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Policy, Public Administration, Economics, Sociology, Social Work, Public Health, Education Policy, Social Policy, or a related field.
• Additional training or certification in Project Management.
• Familiarity with the U.S. safety net, cash assistance programs, family economic security policies, and early childhood policy.
• Experience using statistical or data-analysis software such as R, Stata, or similar platforms.
• Experience developing research reports, policy briefs, publications, or other written products.
• Experience coordinating cross-functional projects involving multiple organizations and stakeholders.
• Experience supporting grant-funded research or policy initiatives.

Additional Information

This position is intended for early-career professionals seeking experience at the intersection of research, policy, and implementation. It is not designed as a pre-doctoral training position.

Why Duke?

At Duke University, you'll find more than a job. You'll find a purpose-driven community committed to improving lives through education, research, and service. You'll work alongside nationally recognized scholars and practitioners while contributing to initiatives that impact families and communities at the local, state, and national levels.

Whether you're analyzing data, coordinating projects, engaging stakeholders, or helping communicate new insights, your contributions will help shape evidence-based policy and practice.

Choose Duke.

• Join a world-renowned research institution.
• Collaborate with leading experts in public policy, child and family well-being, and health.
• Build valuable experience across research, policy, implementation, and stakeholder engagement.
• Contribute to work that improves outcomes for children and families.
• Grow your career in an environment that values innovation, collaboration, and inclusion.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help advance research and policy solutions that strengthen families, improve early childhood outcomes, and create healthier communities across North Carolina and beyond.