Research Program Manager
US$63,000 – US$102,500 / yr base salary
Posted 13 Oct 2026
BranchFactor Summary
The original posting with the fluff stripped out
- Expected experience
- 2+ yrs
- Management level
- Individual contributor
| Base salary | US$63,000 – US$102,500 / yr |
|---|
Study levelBachelor's
Field of studyEconomics, Education Policy, Public Administration, Public Health, Public Policy, Social Policy, Social Work, Sociology (or related)
Study levelMaster's
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.
At Duke, we celebrate individuality, intellectual curiosity, and the unique experiences each team member brings to our community. As a Project Planner I, you will join a collaborative, multidisciplinary team advancing research, policy, and programs that improve outcomes for children and families.
About the Position
The Center for Child and Family Policy (CCFP) at Duke University’s Sanford School of Public Policy is seeking a project manager/research analyst to support a portfolio of program, research, and policy activities focused on economic and cash support for families in North Carolina and across the United States during the prenatal through early childhood period.
The position will work across two complementary areas: initiatives connected to the North Carolina Maternal and Early Childhood Health Initiative, co-led by Drs. Rushina Cholera, Lisa Gennetian, and Sarahn Wheeler; and research and policy projects related to cash support and the U.S. safety net for families led by Dr. Lisa Gennetian.
This is a substantive project management and research role. The Project Planner I will help move complex projects from planning and coordination through research and policy analysis, stakeholder engagement, writing, and dissemination. The successful candidate will manage multiple workstreams and deadlines while also contributing directly to research and policy products.
Who You’ll Work With
You will be a member of a multi- and interdisciplinary collaborative team spanning the North Carolina Maternal and Early Childhood Health Initiative, CCFP at Duke Sanford, and the Duke-Margolis Institute. You will work closely with faculty leaders, research staff, funders, government partners, philanthropic and community organizations, and state and local collaborators across North Carolina. The role offers direct exposure to research and policy work focused on strengthening family economic security and improving outcomes for young children and their families.
Be Bold.
This role is designed for an early-career professional who wants to build experience managing complex policy and research projects while strengthening skills in analysis, writing, stakeholder engagement, and research dissemination. It is an opportunity to work at the intersection of research, policy, and program implementation and to contribute to work with practical implications for families and communities.