Remote Senior Program Manager Jobs in Raleigh, NC

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. As the Senior Portfolio Manager (CGMT), you will play a critical role within the Campus Grants Management Team (CGMT) in the Office for Research and Innovation.
CGMT is a dynamic and growing unit that provides cradle-to-grave grant management services to departments across the Provost area. Our team partners with faculty and researchers to deliver high-quality, compliant, full lifecycle sponsored research administration-from proposal development through award closeout.
Lifecycle research administrators in CGMT are more than transaction processors-they are subject-matter experts and trusted partners who support faculty in crafting competitive proposals and managing awards in accordance with sponsor and university guidelines.
You will thrive in a fast-paced environment, managing multiple priorities while applying strong analytical skills, sound judgment, and attention to detail.
Remote Work Requirement: Duke University remote workers must reside in one of the following states or districts:
Alabama, Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, Montana, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Virginia, Washington (State), Washington, D.C., and Wisconsin.
Be Bold.
As a Senior Portfolio Manager, you will manage a highly complex portfolio of grants and contracts, including assigned and transitional portfolios, while also serving as a leader in training and operational excellence across CGMT.
This role requires a confident subject-matter expert (SME) with extensive experience in lifecycle research administration, the ability to navigate multiple sponsor systems, and the capacity to independently investigate issues and recommend process improvements.
What You'll Do:
40% - Pre-Award Administration

• 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

40% - Post-Award Administration

• 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

20% - Training Lead & SME Responsibilities

• 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

Additional Responsibilities

• 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

What You Bring:
Education & Certification

• Bachelor's degree required
• Research administration certifications preferred (e.g., Certified Research Administrator (CRA))
• Ability to complete and maintain Duke-required training programs (RAA, AGM, RAI) within established timelines

Experience

• Minimum of 5 years of relevant grants and contracts experience
• Preferred: 10+ years of full lifecycle research administration experience, including work with multiple federal sponsors

Technical Expertise

• 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

Professional Strengths

• 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

Choose Duke.
At Duke University, you'll join a collaborative and mission-driven community dedicated to innovation, research excellence, and professional growth. CGMT professionals are not just administrators-they are valued partners in advancing impactful, world-class research.
Ready to Make a Difference?
Apply now and support groundbreaking research through expert grant management and faculty partnership at Duke University.
Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $75,771.00 to USD $151,540.00. 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 goesbeyond 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: https://hr.duke.edu/benefits/
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, sex (including pregnancy and pregnancy- related conditions), sexual orientation, or military status.
Duke aspires to create a community built oncollaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas-an 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 the 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).