Project Manager, Office of Human Resources

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

About The Position

Serve as the dedicated Project Manager to the Vice President for Human Resources (VPHR), accountable for leading and executing complex, VP‑sponsored initiatives that advance organizational strategy and operational effectiveness. The role exercises independent judgment, manages work of significant scope, Chief of Staff like duties, and partners with senior leaders to translate strategic direction into actionable project plans and results.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree (advanced degree preferred)
5+ years of experience leading or managing complex projects, initiatives, or programs requiring independent judgment, cross‑functional coordination, and accountability for outcomes, preferably in an HR setting.
Demonstrated ability to exercise discretion and judgment in managing complex work.
Strong analytical, organizational, and problem‑solving skills.
Ability to synthesize information and present recommendations to senior leadership.
Knowledge of business and management principles related to strategic planning, organizational effectiveness, and resource coordination.
Proven ability to manage confidential and sensitive information at the executive level.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting executive leadership or VP‑level initiatives
Experience in Human Resources, organizational strategy, or enterprise operations

Responsibilities

Lead complex, non‑routine projects on behalf of the VPHR, exercising judgment in setting priorities, sequencing work, and managing competing demands.
Translate VP strategic direction into defined project plans, milestones, deliverables, and performance indicators; independently manage execution through completion.
Coordinate cross‑functional stakeholders, guiding collaborative work without direct authority while ensuring accountability to targeted outcomes and timelines.
Identify project risks, interdependencies, and barriers; develop mitigation strategies and escalate issues requiring executive decision.
Analyze qualitative and quantitative information to evaluate progress, assess impacts, and recommend alternative courses of action.
Prepare executive‑level briefing materials that synthesize complex information into clear options, implications, and recommendations.
Facilitate project and working sessions focused on decision‑making and execution; ensure conclusions are documented and actions advanced.
Support design and implementation of improvements to HR programs, processes, or operating practices through structured project work.
Serve as a primary coordination point for VP‑sponsored initiatives, maintaining confidentiality and discretion in handling sensitive matters.
Perform limited, project‑driven coordination activities (e.g., meeting scheduling tied to initiatives, preparation of materials) only as necessary to support delivery of project outcomes.