Project Director: Strategic People & Organizational Development Consultant

DescriptionOffice-based with regular travel to client sitesWe are seeking a Project Director to join our US team. This is a client facing professional services role focused on project leadership, advisory delivery, and commercial coordination. It is not a facilitation or training position.The Project Director brings strong professional services acumen, with deep experience leading high value advisory engagements across multiple geographies. The role requires proven capability in managing complex consulting projects end-to-end, advising senior clients on strategic people and leadership initiatives, and ensuring disciplined delivery across scope, timeline, and financial performance.A strong understanding of the leadership development and people advisory landscape, combined with rigorous project and financial management capability, is essential.About Duke Corporate EducationAt Duke Corporate Education, we empower leaders at all levels to be catalysts of change in their organizations and, ultimately, in society. By designing and delivering best‑in‑class advisory, leadership development, and change management solutions, we help organizations build for the future.Our global team has an established track record of delivering large‑scale, impactful, and innovative leadership solutions. With delivery in over 85 countries, we partner with clients to co‑create solutions for leaders at every level, driving sustainable impact at scale and speed.Key ResponsibilitiesClient Advisory and Stakeholder LeadershipAct as a trusted advisor to senior client stakeholders, interpreting strategic business and people prioritiesTranslate client needs into clear advisory, leadership development, or change solutions aligned to desired outcomesShape engagement direction and ensure recommendations are grounded in client context and impactBuild and sustain strong, long term relationships with senior leaders, including multinational and FTSE 500 clientsServe as the senior point of accountability for client satisfaction and value deliveryEnd-to-End Project and Commercial OwnershipOwn the successful delivery of complex client engagements from initiation through closeDevelop and oversee comprehensive project plans, delivery timelines, budgets, and contractual commitmentsMaintain commercial discipline across scope, cost, revenue, and resourcing decisionsEnsure delivery decisions balance client outcomes with Duke CE’s financial and commercial objectivesFinancial Management and Performance OversightOversee project financials across assigned engagements, including budget tracking and forecastingConduct variance analysis and interpret financial data to assess project performanceIdentify financial risks or trends early and take corrective action as neededEnsure financial transparency, disciplined governance, and predictable project outcomesCross Functional and Global Team LeadershipLead and coordinate cross functional project teams operating across multiple geographiesProvide clear direction, guidance, and feedback to maintain high delivery standardsClarify roles, responsibilities, and decision rights across project teamsFoster accountability, collaboration, and effective problem solvingWork closely with internal and external partners to ensure quality, progress, and alignmentGovernance, Risk, and Delivery ExcellenceEstablish and maintain strong delivery governance across all engagementsIdentify, monitor, and actively manage project risks and issuesEnsure timely escalation and resolution of delivery, commercial, or client risksPrepare and deliver clear, executive level project updates to clients and internal stakeholdersEnsure progress, risks, and outcomes are clearly understood and decisions are well supportedInsightful Communication and Executive Ready OutputsDevelop clear, impactful presentations and written materials for senior audiencesTranslate complex information into concise, executive ready insights and recommendationsSupport client decision making through structured analysis and compelling storytellingReinforce Duke CE’s advisory credibility through high quality, professional outputsRequirementsExperience and QualificationsMinimum of 7 years’ experience in strategy consulting, people consulting, organizational transformation, or HR advisory. Minimum of 10 years’ experience in project management; formal project management certification requiredBachelor’s degree in business or a related fieldDemonstrated experience leading high value, multi-geography advisory or consulting engagementsStrong commercial and financial acumen, with experience managing complex project budgets and contractsSkills And CapabilitiesStrong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to influence and engage senior stakeholdersProven ability to lead, motivate, and coordinate diverse project teamsExcellent analytical and problem-solving capabilityHigh standard of written and visual communication, particularly in developing clear, impactful client presentationsAbility to manage multiple concurrent projects in a fast-paced, dynamic environmentProficiency with project management tools and delivery governance processesResilient, adaptable, and comfortable navigating ambiguityBenefitsCompensation:$95,000 – $130,000 annually (final offer based on experience and qualifications)