Associate Director

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The Notre Dame Strengthening Families Research Initiative, led by Director Melissa Kearney, is seeking a mission-driven and experienced professional who is passionate about the well-being of families and their foundational role in society. The Associate Director will play a key leadership role in advancing the work of this growing initiative.

The Associate Director is a central leader in the Strengthening Families Research Initiative, responsible for helping guide the program’s strategic direction and ensuring effective day-to-day operations. This position is instrumental in supporting the Initiative’s mission to promote strong, healthy family structures through evidence-based research and policy engagement, rooted in the belief that families are critical to both individual flourishing and societal progress.

We are looking for a collaborative and purpose-driven professional with experience in managing complex projects, building interdisciplinary partnerships, and guiding teams toward impact. Ideal candidates will bring skills in program management, research coordination, communications, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a major research effort housed within the Department of Economics and aligned with the broader Notre Dame Poverty Initiative—advancing academic insight and real-world solutions to support families and economic mobility across the nation.

Who we need: We are looking for someone who believes in the power of strong families to transform lives and is committed to advancing research that strengthens the foundation of our communities.

Additional Details:

• Location: This position is located in South Bend, IN. Applicants outside of South Bend may be considered, provided they are available to work on campus 2-3 days per week.
• Term: This is a four-year, limited-term position, with an anticipated start date of September 2025. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

The Associate Director’s top priorities will be:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: Collaborate with the Director to shape the long-term vision and research agenda for the Strengthening Families Research Initiative. Drive the development and implementation of a multi-year strategic plan to advance the Initiative’s goals.
• Partnership and Network Development: Identify, build, and sustain relationships with faculty, research affiliates, and university collaborators. Develop meaningful opportunities for undergraduate and graduate student involvement in research and policy activities.
• Research Synthesis and Content Development: Engage deeply with academic literature in economics and related disciplines. Synthesize key findings across studies, identify evidence gaps, and create accessible research summaries, blog posts, and policy briefs for diverse audiences.
• Policy Monitoring and Engagement: Track and analyze relevant policy trends at the local, state, and national levels. Identify strategic opportunities to collaborate with public agencies, think tanks, and nonprofit organizations to extend the reach and impact of the Initiative’s work.
• Research Translation and Communications: Lead the creation of high-impact white papers, briefs, and digital content that translate academic research into actionable insights. Oversee the development and management of the Initiative’s website, digital newsletter, and social media channels. Maintain active engagement with external stakeholders and manage communications lists.
• Operations and Team Leadership: Manage the Initiative’s budget and ensure compliance with internal and external reporting requirements. Partner with Notre Dame Research and Foundation Relations on grant submissions, donor reporting, and communications. Lead and supervise a high-performing team, including pre-doctoral fellows, interns, and staff.

Skills:

• A deep commitment to the mission of the University
• Demonstrated research expertise in academic environments
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Meticulous attention to detail
• Capable of contributing to the development of strategic vision
• Skilled at managing multiple tasks and adapting to shifting priorities
• Strong collaborative mindset with a focus on problem-solving
• Eagerness to learn, with a positive attitude, flexibility, and resourcefulness

Hiring Pay Range: Up to $122,000

At Notre Dame, we know our impact depends on exceptional people, people like you. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. In keeping with our mission, we encourage applications from all who will help build and strengthen our beloved community. We strive to empower every employee to flourish, knowing your success propels Notre Dame to new heights of impact.