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HR Representative, Sanford School of Public Policy

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the HR Representative, you'll be a vital part of a collaborative, interdisciplinary team that supports faculty, staff, students, and visitors across the Sanford School of Public Policy. You will help shape employee experience, strengthen operations, and ensure that the School continues to thrive as a world-class academic community.

In this role, you will lead and support HR operations across the employee lifecycleonboarding, payroll, records management, visas, faculty appointments, and schoolwide culture initiatives. Your work will have an impact on every person who joins, grows, and contributes to the Sanford community.

HR Generalist Duties 35%

Serve as the Onboarding Coordinator for all positions, ensuring smooth pre-employment completion (background checks, I-9s, etc.).

Coordinate faculty and staff hiring processes, ensuring compliance in SuccessFactors and AJO.

Coordinate Duke and Sanford New Employee Orientation programs.

Oversee the FMLA process including documentation, tracking, and education.

Develop spreadsheets, dashboards, and HR reports.

Maintain confidential electronic personnel files and support institutional records requests.

Process personnel transactions (reclassifications, cost distributions, salary updates).

Deliver HR policy training and guidance.

Advise supervisors on pay issues, classification, and performance matters.

Interpret Duke HR policies and ensure consistent application.

Draft offer letters.

Manage postdoc and term-limited appointments.

Track and collect 90-day evaluations.

Serve as backup to the HR Representative.

Payroll Coordinator 35%

Serve as payroll and iForms expert, advising faculty and staff on processes and requirements.

Manage biweekly timecards, off-cycle checks, leaves of absence, and exception reporting.

Audit payroll for accuracy and policy compliance.

Process HR transactions for faculty, exempt, non-exempt, and students.

Monitor electronic timecards and resolve issues with Corporate Payroll.

Identify and resolve payroll discrepancies proactively.

Run and analyze payroll reports; initiate corrections as needed.

Manage student hiring through JobX.

Coordinate with Duke Temps, Aerotek, and Corporate HR.

Resolve compensation issues and support special payroll projects.

Distribute paychecks per Duke guidelines.

Visa & dFac Coordinator 15%

Serve as Visa Coordinator, preparing and tracking paperwork for foreign nationals (H-1B, J-1, OPT, PR, etc.).

Liaise with Visa Services to ensure compliance and advise on visa-related impacts to hiring and retention.

Serve as dFac administrator for faculty appointments (tenure-track, regular rank, non-regular rank).

Other Duties 15%

Manage guest accounts, website updates, library access, and mailing lists.

Coordinate HR culture initiatives (recognition programs, onboarding events, Live for Life, etc.).

Maintain the HR shared drive with current templates, tools, and resources.

Support HR presentations and communication materials.

Maintain HR project management and SharePoint sites; ensure usability and accuracy.

Use Qualtrics and Duke Box to support HR operations.

What You'll Bring (What Will Help You Be Successful)

Education & Experience

A bachelor's degree demonstrating strong analytical, organizational, and communication skills.

At least two years of business, administrative, and/or HR-related experience with exposure to HR practices.

A master's degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience.

Core Strengths & Competencies

A passion for supporting people and creating an exceptional employee experience.

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Proven ability to handle confidential information with discretion and professionalism.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills; ability to build trust and collaborate at all levels.

Sound judgment, problem-solving skills, and the ability to navigate complex HR issues.

High attention to detail and accuracy, especially in HR, payroll, and compliance work.

Ability to influence and partner effectively with departments, centers, and faculty leaders.

A commitment to equity, inclusion, respect, and Duke's institutional values.

Technical Skills & Preferred Knowledge

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.

Experience with HR systems such as SAP, iForms, SuccessFactors, or JobX.

Comfort tracking data, preparing reports, and maintaining documentation.

Familiarity with payroll operations, onboarding processes, or visa coordination is a plus.

Choose Duke.

When you choose Duke, you're choosing more than a job you're choosing a launchpad for your career. You're joining a globally recognized institution where your work fuels innovation, supports world-class scholarship, and strengthens a community built on impact, collaboration, and purpose. At the Sanford School of Public Policy, you'll step into a role where your expertise isn't just valued it's celebrated. You'll work in an environment that champions bold ideas, encourages continuous learning, and invests deeply in the people who make our mission possible. Here, you'll be supported by leaders who want you to thrive, surrounded by colleagues who inspire you, and empowered with resources that help you grow. From professional development to a culture rooted in belonging, Duke gives you the tools to build a career you're proud of. If you're looking for meaningful work, a team that appreciates your strengths, and a place where you can make a difference every single day Duke is where you belong.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply now and help us build a stronger, smarter, and more connected future.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $59,829.00 to USD $86,700.00. 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 goes beyond 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:

Equal Opportunity Employer: Duke is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, (including pregnancy and pregnancy related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideasan exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of our community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essential job functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and reasonable accommodation(s) can be requested with Duke Access and Accommodations Services (email: DAAS@duke.edu; phone: 919-668-1267).