HR Representative, Sanford School of Public policy

Duke Careers • Durham, NC

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About The Position

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 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.
Be Bold.
In this role, you will lead and support HR operations across the employee lifecycle—onboarding, 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.
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.

Requirements

• 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 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.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Comfort tracking data, preparing reports, and maintaining documentation.

Nice To Haves

• A master’s degree in a related field may substitute for two years of experience.
• Experience with HR systems such as SAP, iForms, SuccessFactors, or JobX.
• Familiarity with payroll operations, onboarding processes, or visa coordination is a plus.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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).
• 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.

Benefits

• 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level