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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.

Project Planner I (Data Science Partner Engagement Specialist)

Department: Transdisciplinary Environments Group, Duke University
Reports To: Research Manager, Transdisciplinary Environments Group
Term Appointment: One-Year Term (September 1, 2026 - July 31, 2027) with possibility of renewal based on performance and funding availability
Work Arrangement: Fully Remote Eligible with frequent travel to the Western Great Lakes Region

Be You.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives each member of our community brings. As the Project Planner I (Data Science Partner Engagement Specialist), you'll play a critical role in supporting the STRONG Manoomin Collective, an interdisciplinary research collaborative dedicated to strengthening community resilience, advancing environmental stewardship, and supporting Indigenous-led innovation.

You will serve as a trusted bridge between Tribal governments, community organizations, educational institutions, and academic researchers while helping develop solutions that strengthen disaster preparedness, environmental sustainability, and community-driven science. Through your work, you'll help advance projects focused on environmental sensing, data science, cyberinfrastructure, education, and workforce development while supporting the sustainability of Manoomin (wild rice), a culturally significant keystone species throughout the Great Lakes region.

You'll join a collaborative team within Duke University's Transdisciplinary Environments Group that values community partnership, innovation, cultural respect, and impactful scholarship.

Be Bold.

The Project Planner I supports collaborative research, partner engagement, educational programming, and scientific implementation efforts across multiple interdisciplinary projects. This role helps strengthen long-term partnerships while ensuring project activities align with Tribal priorities and community goals.

What You'll Do

Lead Community-Driven Science & Program Implementation (55%)

• Partner with Tribal governments, educational institutions, community organizations, researchers, and project collaborators to co-develop and implement community-driven science initiatives.
• Coordinate interdisciplinary activities that integrate environmental science, education, workforce development, data science, and community engagement.
• Support the development and implementation of curricula, educational resources, workforce development programs, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Facilitate collaborative planning processes that connect Tribal priorities to research activities, educational programs, and project outcomes.
• Support the synthesis, interpretation, and integration of ecological, environmental, and multidisciplinary data to inform decision-making and environmental management efforts.
• Foster partnerships that expand community capacity, increase participation in research, and support sustainable long-term collaboration.
• Prepare reports, presentations, educational materials, and project deliverables that communicate activities, progress, and outcomes.

Build Partnerships & Coordinate Project Activities (40%)

• Develop and maintain collaborative relationships with Tribal governments, community organizations, academic institutions, funding partners, and research collaborators.
• Serve as a liaison among project partners to support communication, planning, coordination, and implementation efforts.
• Coordinate partner participation in community-engaged research activities and ensure partner priorities are incorporated throughout project planning and execution.
• Support culturally responsive engagement practices that reflect Indigenous knowledge systems, Indigenous data governance principles, and community priorities.
• Organize meetings, workshops, trainings, project communications, documentation, and reporting activities.
• Provide mentorship and guidance to students, interns, trainees, and other project participants.
• Contribute to continuous improvement efforts and support successful project implementation across multiple initiatives.

Additional Responsibilities (5%)

• Perform other related duties necessary to support project goals and operational success.

What You'll Bring

Minimum Qualifications

Education

Bachelor's degree required.

Additional project management training, ecological sciences coursework, computer sciences coursework, or related professional development is preferred.

Experience

Two years of project management experience with increasing responsibility and independence.

OR

An equivalent combination of relevant education and experience.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Environmental Science, Education, Data Science, Public Policy, Native American and Indigenous Studies, or a related discipline.
• Experience supporting community-engaged, collaborative, or participatory research initiatives.
• Experience coordinating complex, multi-partner projects.
• Experience developing or facilitating educational programs, workshops, or trainings.
• Experience working across interdisciplinary teams.
• Experience partnering with Indigenous communities and organizations.
• Experience with workforce development initiatives and curriculum development.
• Familiarity with artificial intelligence, environmental sensing, cyberinfrastructure, or data science initiatives.

Preferred Skills

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong project planning, organization, and coordination abilities.
• Ability to cultivate and maintain collaborative relationships across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications.
• Ability to balance multiple priorities while working independently.
• Understanding of data governance, data sovereignty, and ethical research practices.
• Familiarity with learning management systems, educational technologies, and curriculum development tools.

Why Duke?

At Duke University, you'll be part of a world-renowned institution committed to advancing knowledge, improving communities, and developing innovative solutions to society's most pressing challenges.

In this role, you'll have the opportunity to:

• Support impactful Indigenous-led research and community partnerships.
• Contribute to environmental sustainability and resilience initiatives.
• Collaborate with experts across multiple disciplines.
• Help develop future workforce pathways in AI, environmental science, and data science.
• Work remotely while engaging directly with communities throughout the Western Great Lakes region.
• Build meaningful relationships that create long-term community impact.

Preferred residence location: Upper Peninsula of Michigan or Wisconsin.

Frequent travel throughout the Western Great Lakes region is required.

Choose Duke.

Join a team where collaboration, innovation, respect, and community partnership drive meaningful change.

Ready to Make a Difference?

Apply today and help advance community-driven science, environmental stewardship, Indigenous data sovereignty, and workforce development through the STRONG Manoomin Collective.

Please submit your resume and cover letter, and include three references.