Finance Budget Associate

Job Description

LEO is seeking a proactive, analytical, and mission-driven professional to serve as its Finance and Budget Associate —a high-impact role responsible for supporting the financial stewardship and operational success of one of the nation's leading poverty research organizations. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Administration, this position will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, fund management, effort tracking, and process improvement across LEO's diverse portfolio of grants and funding sources.

Managing financial operations that support nearly $10 million in annual funding, more than 100 research studies, and over 90 partners nationwide, this role plays a critical part in ensuring LEO's resources are strategically managed to maximize organizational impact. Ideal candidates are collaborative, detail-oriented professionals with strong financial acumen, analytical thinking, and communication skills who thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and are energized by using their expertise to advance evidence-based solutions to poverty.

* This is a five-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.*

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 continues to expand its national research portfolio, so does the importance of strong financial stewardship to support that growth. The Finance and Budget Associate plays a central role in advancing that mission by providing financial reporting, analysis, forecasting, budgeting, and fund management across LEO’s complex portfolio of restricted funds and operating accounts. Positioned at the intersection of financial strategy, operational excellence, and mission-driven impact, this role helps ensure LEO’s resources are managed thoughtfully and strategically to maximize the organization’s ability to advance evidence-based solutions to poverty.

LEO is seeking a proactive, self-starter who desires to be a part of solving one of the most critical issues our nation faces today—poverty. The Finance and Budget Associate will be responsible for supporting LEO’s financial operations, effort tracking and reporting. LEO’s annual operation budget of $9.7 million supports more than 100 research studies with more than 90 partners across the country, and is funded by more than 70 grants and restricted funds.

We are looking for a social-minded team player with background skills and knowledge in financial management, GAAP accounting and reporting, effort tracking and labor distribution, budgeting, high-level communication and collaboration and project management - someone who wants to change the face of poverty in our country and believes that impacting poverty is possible.

• Lead internal and external financial reporting across LEO's diverse portfolio of restricted funds and operating accounts
• Develop consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports that provide meaningful insights for leadership and external stakeholders
• Deliver exceptional financial support and customer service by responding to reporting needs, inquiries, and funding-related requests across LEO and partner organizations

• Analyze financial performance, trends, and projections to support strategic planning and long-term organizational sustainability
• Develop forecasting models and financial analyses that inform executive decision-making and resource allocation
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial processes, improve reporting accuracy, and optimize operational performance

• Lead the development and management of annual operating, project, and fund-level budgets across LEO's complex funding portfolio
• Prepare budget-to-actual analyses and…