Project Planner II, Center for Child and Family Policy, Sanford School of Public Policy

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. Be Bold. Choose Duke.

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives each member of our community brings. This role is designed for an experienced public health professional with deep expertise in maternal, child, and family health, crosssector systems change, humancentered design, and datainformed strategy. As the Project Planner II, you'll be a vital contributor to a collaborative, interdisciplinary team advancing a multiyear maternal and child health initiative designed to strengthen outcomes for North Carolina's perinatal to three population. Your experience and voice will help shape meaningful, community driven solutions grounded in research, partnership, and equity.

Be Bold.

The Project Planner II leads complex, cross sector research, planning, and implementation efforts that translate evidence into practice and policy. Working closely with Duke faculty, state agency partners, community organizations, and internal teams, you will move critical work forward by applying human centered design, data informed strategy, and rigorous project management.

What You'll Do

Research & Project Coordination - 30%

- Manage and coordinate multiple research and implementation workstreams across maternal and early childhood health initiatives.

- Develop and maintain detailed project plans, timelines, and resource maps.

- Identify risks, remove barriers, and ensure deliverables are completed successfully.

- Prepare reports for funders, compliance, and internal review.

Data Analysis & Visualization - 20%

- Compile, analyze, and interpret quantitative and qualitative data.

- Lead multi agency data coordination to support strategic decision making.

- Create accessible data visualizations, dashboards, and infographics.

- Produce written analytical summaries and evidence based recommendations.

Human Centered Design & Stakeholder Engagement - 25%

- Apply human centered design methodologies to guide collaborative solution development.

- Facilitate inclusive workshops, listening sessions, and cross sector convenings.

- Integrate diverse community insights into research and implementation strategies.

- Represent Duke at external meetings and cultivate partnership opportunities.

Communication & Dissemination - 10%

- Create reports, presentations, and communications that translate findings for varied audiences.

- Collaborate with communications teams to shape accessible, impactful messaging.

Training, Supervision & Capacity Building - 10%

- Mentor and support staff, interns, and project partners.

- Lead recurring trainings and capacity building sessions.

Operational Support - 5%

- Develop research tools, documentation, and standard operating procedures.

- Maintain thorough project records and stakeholder relationships.

What You Bring

Education & Training

- Bachelor's degree in public health, health policy, social sciences, maternal and child health, or a related field.

- Additional training or certification in Project Management preferred.

Experience

- Four years of progressively responsible project management experience, including work with complex, multidisciplinary teams.

- Experience with medical education/publishing, clinical research, or medical product development (preferred).

Skills & Strengths

- Strong organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple complex workstreams.

- Advanced quantitative and qualitative analysis skills, including data visualization.

- Demonstrated ability to translate data and research into clear written and visual products.

- Expertise in stakeholder engagement, facilitation, and cross sector collaboration.

- Knowledge of maternal and child health systems, Medicaid populations, integrated care models, and equity centered approaches.

- Strong communication skills with the ability to adapt messaging across audiences.

- Experience mentoring or supporting junior staff (preferred).

Choose Duke.

Step into a place where your expertise doesn't just contribute to projects - it shapes the future of families and communities across North Carolina. At Duke, you'll join a nationally recognized institution known for innovation, collaborative culture, and a deep commitment to equity.

Here, you're surrounded by thought leaders, problem solvers, and partners who believe in big ideas and bold action. You'll have access to world class resources, supportive leadership, and a network that empowers you to design solutions with real, lasting impact.

Choosing Duke means choosing a community that invests in your growth, values your voice, and celebrates your contributions. It's a place where you can do your best work - and where your work truly matters.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Step into a role where your talents create real impact - for families, communities, and the future of maternal and child health in North Carolina. If you're inspired by meaningful work, energized by collaboration, and ready to grow your career at a world class institution, there's no better place to do it than Duke.

Apply now and join us in building a stronger, smarter, and more connected future - starting today.