Policy and Impact Program Manager | LEO

• Unit:
  Lab for Economic Opportunities - 30073
• Job Family:
  University Operations

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace! We are 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!

LEO is seeking a strategic, collaborative, and results-driven professional to serve as its Policy and Impact Program Manager—driving the project management and operational coordination of the Policy and Impact Team. Reporting to the Director of Policy and Impact, this role manages a diverse portfolio of initiatives designed to connect research with social service providers, philanthropic organizations, government leaders, and other key stakeholders.

From coordinating high-visibility events and managing research dissemination materials to keeping complex projects on track and ensuring stakeholders have what they need, the Program Manager turns big-picture goals into well-executed work. This is an ideal opportunity for a highly organized, proactive project manager who thrives in a fast-moving environment, enjoys bringing people and priorities together, and is energized by the opportunity to help translate research into meaningful real-world impact.

Who we are:

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is a research center dedicated to reducing poverty by partnering with service providers to conduct rigorous impact evaluations. LEO’s mission is to improve lives through evidence-based programs and policies, empowering decision-makers with data that drives lasting social change.

As LEO’s research portfolio grows, so does the opportunity to put rigorous evidence into the hands of the people who can use it. The Policy and Impact Program Manager plays a critical role in making that happen—bringing structure, momentum, and coordination to the projects, events, and partnerships that move evidence into action.

Who we need:

LEO is seeking a highly organized, self-directed project manager who can turn competing priorities into clear plans—and plans into results. The ideal candidate is energized by a dynamic environment, comfortable working across teams and stakeholders, and naturally inclined to anticipate what needs to happen next. Reporting to the Director of Policy and Impact, this role requires strong project management expertise, exceptional organization, and follow-through, with the ability to coordinate complex projects, timelines, deliverables, and competing priorities while keeping people and processes moving forward.

You’re a clear, adaptable communicator and relationship builder who can manage correspondence, coordinate events and stakeholders, and tailor information for a range of internal and external audiences.

The ideal candidate brings initiative, sound judgment, and a collaborative mindset, with the confidence to work independently, identify needs, and take action while contributing effectively to a growing, interdisciplinary team. You’re also technically fluent, with proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Workspace (including Calendar, Drive, Sheets, and…