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PROJECT MANAGER, VP HR
Job Title: PROJECT MANAGER, VP HR
Job Code: 2352
FLSA: E
Job Level: 00
Revised Date: 05/01/2026
Job Family: JF 28
Occupational Summary
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, and partners with senior leaders to translate strategic direction into actionable project plans and results.
Work Performed
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.
Required Qualifications at this Level
Education/Training
Work requires Bachelor's degree; advanced education preferred.
Experience
Work requires five 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.
Skills
The intent of this job description is to provide a representative and level of the types of duties and responsibilities that will be required of positions given this title and shall not be construed as a declaration of the total of the specific duties and responsibilities of any particular position. Employees may be directed to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.
Duke University 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, (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.
