Dissemination Associate LEO

Job Description

LEO is seeking a highly organized, strategic, and mission-driven professional to serve as its Dissemination Associate
— a dynamic role focused on translating rigorous research into real-world impact. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Policy and Impact, this position will advance high-priority initiatives that expand the reach and influence of LEO’s work across nonprofit, government, and philanthropic audiences while overseeing strategic projects related to dissemination, stakeholder engagement, outreach, impact reporting, and organizational coordination. This role is central to moving research into action by strengthening external partnerships, supporting evidence-to-action efforts, and communicating the measurable outcomes of evidence-based programs and policies.

Ideal candidates are collaborative, detail-oriented project managers and communicators energized by mission-driven work and data-informed social impact.

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 grow, so does the opportunity to expand the reach of evidence-based solutions. The Dissemination Associate will play a key role in advancing that work by strengthening external partnerships, supporting strategic initiatives, coordinating dissemination efforts, and communicating the impact of LEO’s research across nonprofit, government, and philanthropic audiences. Through project management, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, this role is critical to advancing LEO’s mission and impact.

The Dissemination Associate will serve as a strategic partner to LEO’s Policy and Impact team, helping translate rigorous research into real-world impact. Reporting to the Senior Associate Director of Policy and Impact, this role will lead dissemination initiatives, stakeholder engagement efforts, impact reporting, and cross-functional coordination that expand the reach and influence of LEO’s work across nonprofit, government, and philanthropic audiences.

This role is ideal for a highly organized, mission-driven professional with strong communication, project management, and analytical skills. Successful candidates will thrive in collaborative environments, manage complex initiatives with sound judgment and attention to detail, and translate complex ideas into compelling, audience-specific materials that advance evidence-driven social impact.

• Oversee dissemination initiatives that translate LEO research into meaningful action across nonprofit, government, and philanthropic sectors
• Cultivate external partnerships that advance the adoption and scaling of evidence-based programs and policy solutions
• Advance philanthropic “use evidence” strategies by connecting funders with high-impact, research-backed organizations
• Develop tailored materials, presentations, and resources that support stakeholder engagement and relationship-building efforts
• Collaborate with researchers and communications staff to craft audience-specific dissemination strategies that elevate LEO’s visibility and influence
• Identify opportunities to expand organizational reach through strategic outreach, partnerships, and public engagement
• Monitor emerging trends and best practices in policy communication and evidence-to-action work to strengthen organizational effectiveness

• Drive high-priority strategic initiatives on behalf of the Associate Director of Policy and Impact, supporting long-range planning, budget strategy, and stakeholder engagement efforts aligned with LEO’s mission and growth
• Responsibilities would include:
  • Lead project management, financial forecasting, and strategic analysis for…