Director of Grant Operations

As the Director of Grant Operations, you'll play a pivotal role in advancing innovative grant-funded initiatives that strengthen Christian institutions that support congregations. Working within a collaborative team at the Forum for Congregational Life at Duke Divinity School, you'll help steward meaningful programs, build process and information systems to support the programs, and ensure resources are effectively managed to maximize impact.

You will join a mission-driven environment where your expertise in administration, project management, finance, and relationship-building contributes directly to programs that strengthen leadership and foster community transformation.

About the Opportunity

This position reports to the Executive Director for Grants and Services and provides strategic administrative leadership and operational management for a complex portfolio of grant-funded programs. The role oversees project implementation, contractor engagement, financial administration, reporting, communications coordination, and database operations.

This position is fully funded by a sponsored program currently supported through December 31, 2028, as part of a Lilly Endowment-funded intermediary organization within Duke Divinity School.

What You'll Do

Lead Grant Program Operations

• Manage the administration of multiple grant programs and pilot initiatives from launch through completion.
• Design, implement, and improve database information structure and other operational processes that support successful grant program delivery.
• Ensure compliance with Duke University policies and sponsor requirements.
• Prepare and coordinate financial, operational, and programmatic reports for sponsors and stakeholders.

Support Grant Review and Funding Processes

• Analyze grant requests for proposals (RFPs) and applications for alignment with program goals and organizational policy.
• Coordinate review and adjudication processes.
• Develop recommendations regarding grant funding decisions.
• Monitor grant activities and support continuous program improvement.

Manage Contractor and Stakeholder Relationships

• Recruit, onboard, train, and supervise contractors who support events, proposal reviews, and program evaluations.
• Ensure appropriate conflict-of-interest management practices are maintained.
• Evaluate contractor performance and recommend future engagement opportunities.
• Build collaborative relationships with peer organizations and external partners.

Leverage Data for Decision-Making

• Analyze application and program data to identify trends, opportunities, and emerging needs.
• Compare findings against available research and best practices.
• Develop reports and recommendations that inform strategic decision-making.

Oversee Financial and Budget Administration

• Develop budgets, financial projections, and fiscal plans.
• Monitor expenditures and ensure responsible stewardship of program resources.
• Prepare financial reports and support compliance with university and sponsor requirements.
• Assist with grant proposal development, budget preparation, and financial monitoring.

Provide Leadership and Team Support

• Coordinate and supervise assigned staff and contractors.
• Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing work environment.
• Support departmental goals related to employee development, training, and operational excellence.
• Assist with personnel administration and employment-related processes.

Advance Communications and Outreach

• Collaborate with communications leadership to promote grant-funded programs and initiatives.
• Support marketing and engagement strategies that advance program objectives.
• Represent Duke through relationships with peer organizations, foundations, and community partners.

What You'll Bring

Required Qualifications

Education

Work requires a general business background, generally equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a business-related field.

Experience

Work requires 4 years of related business or administrative experience to acquire competence in applying general personnel practices, accounting and budgeting principles and coordination of major administrative functions.

A master's degree in a business-related field may be substituted for 2 years of experience.

Strong preference for applicants with experience with lay or clergy leadership in congregations.

Strong preference for applicants with supervision of staff and contractors. OR ANY OTHER EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Skills and Competencies

• Project and program management
• Financial management and budget administration
• Data analysis and reporting
• Operational decision making
• Grant administration and compliance
• Strategic planning and implementation
• Relationship building and partnership development
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Leadership, coaching, and team development
• Change management and continuous improvement

Technical Skills

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook)
• Database management systems, including Airtable
• SAP or comparable enterprise resource planning systems
• Data tracking and reporting tools

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $63,948.00 to USD $109,786.00. Duke University considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position; candidate's work experience, education/training, and key skills; internal peer equity; as well as market and organizational considerations when extending an offer.

Your total compensation goesbeyond the dollars on your paycheck. Duke provides comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs, generous retirement benefits, and a wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members. Learn more at: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/