HR Specialist

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.

At Duke, we celebrate individuality and the unique perspectives that each member of our community brings. As the HR Specialist in Library Human Resources at Duke University Libraries, you’ll be a vital part of a dedicated and collaborative HR team that supports employees across the libraries.

Be Bold.

The HR Specialist provides day-to-day support to the HR department and the staff of Duke Libraries. You’ll respond to questions, help troubleshoot issues, and connect individuals with appropriate Duke resources when additional support is needed. You’ll also assist with HR processes, records, and coordination, helping the team deliver accurate, timely, and dependable service.

What You’ll Do

Communicate and educate Libraries/Duke personnel policies. Investigate, document, and resolve basic payroll and human resource problems and issues.

Review personnel forms for completeness, accuracy, timing and conformity to budget and policy guidelines. Make recommendations and process forms as appropriate.

Identify and research unbudgeted or potentially inappropriate actions or requests and bring them to HR leadership for resolution.

Coordinate the maintenance, recording, preparation and reporting of data related to a large department's personnel information; coordinate and maintain the entry of human resource and payroll data and the generation and distribution of related reports and information.

Develop and maintain spreadsheets/databases, and run recurring reports for leadership.

Perform other related duties incidental to the work described herein

The above statements describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this classification. This is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities and duties required of personnel so classified.

Choose Duke

What You Bring

Education/Training

Work requires knowledge of basic communications, research and mathematical principles normally acquired through a high school education.

Experience

Work requires the ability to review, maintain, research, and report on human resource and payroll information/activities generally acquired through five years of related experience.

OR AN EQUIVALENT COMBINATION OF RELEVANT EDUCATION AND/OR EXPERIENCE

Additional Experience

• Preferred experience processing payroll or personnel transactions, and experience with SAP or comparable HR and payroll systems.
• Exceptional accuracy and attention to detail in data entry and record keeping.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential personnel information with discretion.
• Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and deadlines and to work independently as well as part of a team; extremely well organized.
• Problem-solving skills, with the initiative to spot issues early and follow them through to resolution.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills, and a demonstrated commitment to outstanding customer service.
• Proficient in Microsoft Word (create and format documents, forms and mailings) and Excel (manipulate, summarize and analyze data), and familiarity with cloud-based file management such as Box.

Salary and Benefits

Duke University Libraries budgeted salary range for this position is $21.30 - $24.36 hourly. Duke considers factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s experience, education, key skills, internal equity, and market considerations when extending an offer. All salary offers will be based on the candidate's years of experience, rank, and considerations of internal equity. Comprehensive benefits package includes 20 days vacation, 14 holidays, 12 days sick leave; health, dental, disability and life insurance and support for professional development and training.

Application

Cover letter, detailed resume and the names, email address, and telephone numbers of three references should be submitted to Duke Careers- Requisition #. Review of applications will begin immediately and will continue until the position is filled. Priority given to applicants who apply by November 2, 2026.

Anticipated Pay Range: Duke University provides an annual base salary range for this position as USD $21.32 to USD $33.52. 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 thedollars 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 on collaboration, 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: [email protected]; phone: 919-668-1267).