Senior Portfolio Manager, Campus Grants Management Team, Remote

Duke Careers•Durham, NC

2d•$75,771 - $151,540•Remote

About The Position

Duke University is seeking a Senior Portfolio Manager to join the Campus Grants Management Team (CGMT) within the Office for Research and Innovation. CGMT provides comprehensive grant management services to departments across the Provost area, partnering with faculty and researchers to manage the full lifecycle of sponsored research administration. This role is for a dynamic and growing unit that supports faculty in crafting competitive proposals and managing awards in accordance with sponsor and university guidelines. The Senior Portfolio Manager will be a subject-matter expert and trusted partner, thriving in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities, and applying strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail. This position is a remote role, requiring the employee to reside in one of the specified states or districts.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 5 years of relevant grants and contracts experience.
Strong knowledge of pre-award and post-award administration.
Deep understanding of federal regulations and sponsor compliance requirements.
Experience with multiple sponsor systems and submission portals.
Advanced skills in budgeting, financial reporting, and data analysis.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, with strong emphasis on Excel.
Exceptional analytical, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Strong attention to detail and ability to make sound independent decisions.
Excellent communication skills, including ability to train and present to groups.
Ability to quickly build trusted relationships with faculty and stakeholders.
Demonstrated commitment to innovation, continuous improvement, and professional development.
Ability to complete and maintain Duke-required training programs (RAA, AGM, RAI) within established timelines.

Nice To Haves

Research administration certifications preferred (e.g., Certified Research Administrator (CRA)).
Preferred: 10+ years of full lifecycle research administration experience, including work with multiple federal sponsors.

Responsibilities

Manage a highly complex portfolio of grants and contracts, including assigned and transitional portfolios.
Serve as a leader in training and operational excellence across CGMT.
Lead development, preparation, and submission of research proposals.
Ensure all applications meet agency and university guidelines, timelines, and compliance requirements.
Assist faculty with budget development, budget justifications, and administrative documentation.
Ensure proposals are accurately entered, routed, and submitted through internal and sponsor systems.
Work across a wide variety of sponsors and submission portals, demonstrating adaptability and technical expertise.
Manage financial and administrative oversight of assigned grants and contracts.
Conduct detailed budget reconciliation and expense validation (AAR review).
Prepare complex financial reports and budget analyses.
Process adjustments, corrections, and financial updates.
Provide faculty with regular updates, guidance, and recommendations regarding project financial status.
Ensure timely and compliant closeout of sponsored projects.
Lead and coordinate internal CGMT training initiatives and monthly sessions.
Develop training materials and collaborate with leadership and peer offices.
Serve as a subject-matter expert (SME), providing guidance across the team.
Identify and support continuous learning opportunities.
Support onboarding and knowledge transfer for new team members.
Provide temporary portfolio support during transitions, including rapidly building relationships with faculty.
Review and correct project management issues and ensure successful portfolio handoffs.
Participate in committees, system implementations, and process improvements.
Contribute to innovation efforts, including testing and implementing new tools and technologies.