Research Project Manager, Sanford School of Public Policy

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

1d•$76,811 - $130,576•Hybrid

About The Position

The Research Project Manager (Head of Research) plays a vital role in advancing the research mission of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media & Democracy within the Sanford School of Public Policy. The Center provides media studies and journalism‑related programs through faculty research, undergraduate teaching, professional training for journalists, and active engagement in the field. This role is responsible for building and managing the Center’s research enterprise through the development and oversight of a diverse portfolio of research and policy projects. The position works closely with faculty, collaborators, stakeholders, research staff, and students to address key challenges facing media and democracy. The Research Project Manager provides leadership, subject‑matter expertise, and operational oversight for complex research initiatives that shape national conversations about journalism, disinformation, and democratic institutions.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree Required
Strong research design, data analysis, and writing skills.
Experience with database design, data modeling, and data visualization.
Ability to modernize and integrate fragmented or legacy data sources.
Demonstrated knowledge of local news and information ecosystems.
Four years of progressive experience in policy, research, or data analysis.
Experience directing research programs and managing complex research portfolios.
Experience supervising staff and leading interdisciplinary research teams.

Nice To Haves

Preferred Master’s degree or higher in a field related to the position (e.g., public policy, journalism, mass communication, or a directly related discipline).
Preferred experience working directly with foundations and external funders.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute the Center’s research portfolio, including responsibility for project timelines, budgets, financial management, contractual obligations, and staffing plans.
Track and manage progress toward milestones and deliverables through collaboration with internal colleagues, subcontractors, vendors, and external stakeholders.
Recruit, manage, and directly supervise research and project staff, including hiring, professional development, performance evaluations, and promotions.
Propose and lead interdisciplinary undergraduate and graduate student research teams (e.g., Bass Connections).
Identify and secure research funding by engaging funding communities, researching opportunities, and developing and submitting grant proposals.
Work directly with foundations and other funders to support the Center’s research agenda.
Provide research for the News Measures Research Project (NMRP) and other projects focused on local journalism, disinformation, digital platforms, and related policy areas.
Lead study design, primary data collection, statistical analysis, and report writing and editing.
Construct, manage, and analyze large databases.
Conduct qualitative and quantitative analyses, including large‑scale textual analysis of government documents, court decisions, and news reports.
Monitor developments in relevant content areas and identify opportunities for collaboration within the Center and with external partners.
Author publications and collaborate with faculty on disseminating research through journals and other media outlets.
Develop and oversee research‑related convening events such as expert roundtables, workshops, conference panels, seminars, and public events.
Represent the DeWitt Wallace Center at conferences and events, serving as a spokesperson and developing recognition as an expert in the research portfolio.
Partner with internal and external communications and events teams on dissemination strategies.