HR Departmental Manager

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.

The Divinity School is seeking a thoughtful, highly organized Human Resources Departmental Manager to join our leadership team. In this role, you will be the central point of coordination for all HR operations within the School-ensuring our faculty, staff, and students experience a professional, accurate, and responsive HR environment that supports both individual success and institutional excellence.

You will work closely with school leadership, department administrators, Duke Human Resources, and university partners to oversee personnel processes from position planning and recruitment to payroll, records management, and employee relations. Your ability to balance precision with empathy, anticipate needs, and solve problems proactively will be essential as you help guide the people-related work that sustains our academic mission.

If you enjoy building trust, bringing clarity to complex processes, and serving as a steady resource for leaders and employees alike, this role offers an opportunity to make a meaningful impact every day.

Minimum Requirements

* Bachelor's degree in a related field (such as business, human resources, or personnel administration), or an equivalent combination of education and experience

* Three years of business and/or administrative experience, with exposure to human resources activities

* Demonstrated ability to apply HR policies and procedures in a department or divisional setting

Preferred Qualifications

* Experience supporting HR operations in higher education or a complex organization

* Strong organizational skills with exceptional attention to detail and accuracy

* Demonstrated emotional intelligence and ability to navigate sensitive employee matters

* Proven ability to communicate clearly, professionally, and diplomatically with diverse stakeholders

* Experience collaborating with central HR, payroll, or labor relations offices

Other Requirements

* Ability to maintain confidential information and exercise sound judgment

* Proficiency with HR systems and databases (or ability to quickly learn Duke systems)

* This position is on‑site, with work performed at a designated Duke University location

Be Bold.

You will play a lead role in shaping and supporting the Divinity School's HR operations, with responsibilities that include:

* Position Management, Recruitment, and Hiring

* Guide departments through new position requests, reclassifications, and organizational proposals, advising leadership on structure and alignment

* Partner with Duke Human Resources to process position and classification actions

* Lead recruitment efforts, including job description development, Vacancy Management, Success Factors, and iForms

* Ensure all hiring activities comply with EEO and applicable regulations

* Advise managers and staff on compensation, classification, performance evaluation, and professional development

* Employee Relations and Policy Support

* Serve as a primary liaison to Duke Human Resources, Staff and Labor Relations, and other university offices

* Support leadership, faculty, and staff in navigating employee relations matters, including recognition, coaching, and corrective actions

* Communicate, implement, and continuously improve HR policies and procedures in alignment with university standards

* Coordinate the annual performance evaluation and goal‑setting process

* Participate in professional development, HR manager meetings, and internal working groups

* Payroll Administration

* Serve as the primary administrator for compensatory and non‑compensatory…