Note: The job is a remote job and is open to candidates in USA. Duke University is one of America’s leading research universities, known for its commitment to innovation and excellence. The Senior Portfolio Manager will play a critical role in the Campus Grants Management Team by managing a complex portfolio of grants and contracts, ensuring compliance and providing leadership in training and operational excellence.

Responsibilities

• 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

Skills

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

Benefits

• Comprehensive and competitive medical and dental care programs
• Generous retirement benefits
• A wide array of family-friendly and cultural programs to eligible team members

Company Overview

Company H1B Sponsorship