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 Department of Civil & Environmental Engineering (CEE) is seeking a Departmental Business Manager II to lead the financial, administrative, human resources, and operational functions that keep our innovative academic community running at the highest level. In this pivotal role, you will directly shape the department's effectiveness by overseeing budgeting, human resources, payroll, personnel management, grant administration, space/facilities planning, and operational policies.

Every day, you will be the connective force ensuring smooth operations across finance, HR, research administration, and facilities. You'll collaborate closely with the Department Chair, faculty, and staff to support the department's academic mission while enhancing its administrative processes and culture. If you enjoy solving complex problems, leading teams, and building efficient systems, this role offers the chance to have a meaningful, lasting impact.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in business, management, finance, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant business or administrative experience, including work with financial management, budgeting, personnel practices, and coordination of multiple administrative functions.
• Or an equivalent combination of relevant education and/or experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in a university or research environment.
• Demonstrated ability to manage budgets, reconcile accounts, and oversee financial compliance.
• Experience supervising staff and leading cross-functional administrative teams.
• Knowledge of grant proposal preparation, postaward management, and sponsor compliance.
• Familiarity with HR practices including hiring, onboarding, performance management, and staff development.
• Experience with SAP/R3, iForms, Buy@Duke, and related systems.
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to interpret policy and guide faculty and staff on administrative matters.

Other Requirements

• This position is onsite, within the Civil & Environmental Engineering department. After the 90 day review process, there is a possibility for a hybrid schedule.
• May require occasional evening or weekend work during peak cycles (budget closing, grant deadlines, etc.).

Be Bold.

In this role, you will:

Financial Leadership

• Manage daytoday financial operations and ensure compliance with university policies and procedures.
• Oversee expenditure monitoring, reconciliation, and reporting for departmental funds, including endowments, startup accounts, and master's program revenue.
• Prepare financial analyses, identify trends, and advise the Chair on budgetary matters.
• Develop annual operating budgets by analyzing historical and projected expenses and revenues.
• Lead yearend closing activities, ensuring accuracy and timely submission.
• Supervise accounts payable, reimbursements, journal entries, corporate card processes, and purchase requisitions.

Grant & Research Administration

• Assist faculty with proposal budgeting and submission requirements.
• Monitor postaward spending to ensure compliance with university and sponsor regulations.
• Prepare administrative reports for sponsoring agencies as needed.

Human Resources & Personnel Management

• Partner with the Chair to design and maintain an effective administrative structure supporting faculty, staff, and students.
• Lead biweekly staff meetings and coordinate departmental communication channels.
• Support immigration and visa processes by collaborating with Duke Visa Services.
• Advise leadership on HR policies, compensation, performance management, and staff development needs.
• Coordinate hiring and onboarding using SAP iForms and SuccessFactors for regular and temporary staff.
• Supervise the Fiscal Specialist, Grants Manager, and Program Coordinator, ensuring highquality performance and professional growth.

Operations, Facilities & Policy

• Oversee space planning, facilities management, renovations, and property accountability.
• Ensure smooth coordination of daytoday operational needs, including workflow, staffing, and resources.
• Interpret and implement departmental policies, making decisions on operational matters in alignment with departmental objectives.
• Promote crosstraining and collaboration across the administrative team to ensure consistency and continuity.
• Perform other duties necessary to support the mission and operations of the department.

Choose Duke.

Join a vibrant academic community at a worldrenowned university consistently ranked among the top research institutions globally. In the CEE department, you'll be part of a collaborative environment committed to excellence, innovation, and making a positive societal impact through research and education.

You will work alongside faculty engaged in groundbreaking discovery, staff dedicated to supporting student success, and colleagues who value teamwork, inclusion, and continuous improvement. The department encourages creative problem-solving and welcomes fresh ideas to strengthen our administrative operations.

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.