External Relations Specialist - LEO

LEO is seeking a skilled communicator and project manager to serve as its External Relations Specialist - a role dedicated to sharing the stories, insights, and impact of evidence-based solutions to poverty. This position will shape how LEO engages with the world–ensuring that research doesn’t just generate knowledge, but inspires action among policymakers, service providers, philanthropists, and the broader public.

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.

While research is at the heart of its work, LEO is committed to ensuring that evidence leads to impact. Through storytelling, digital engagement, and strategic communications, the External Relations team plays a crucial role in connecting research to action–helping evidence inform the programs, policies, and partnerships that reduce poverty nationwide.

The External Relations Specialist will serve as a key architect of LEO’s public voice across digital channels, events, publications, and campaigns. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Policy and Engagement, who sets the strategic vision and priorities for LEO’s communications work, this position applies specialized expertise and independent judgement to develop and implement creative content that elevates LEO’s research and mission.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional storyteller who can translate complex ideas into compelling narratives, manage multiple communication channels with precision, and thrive in a fast-paced, mission driven environment.

• Strategic Content Development
  • Apply editorial expertise to craft high-quality content that elevates LEO’s mission and advances its visibility.
  • Identify key stories and research moments, propose creative formats, and determine the best channels to reach priority audiences.
  • Manage LEO’s online presence–including social media–by developing and executing content plans, publishing and monitoring engagement, and ensuring consistency and quality across platforms.
• Campaign & Content Stewardship
  • Design and execute communications plans for major initiatives, publications, and events in alignment with strategic priorities.
  • Gather input from internal and external stakeholders, anticipate challenges, and propose tailored communications approaches that achieve impact.
  • Exercise judgement to ensure content is accurate, timely, and mission-aligned, managing timelines and deliverables across channels.
• Serve as the primary liaison for external vendors, agencies, and contractors supporting communications, digital, or creative work.
• Ensure all outputs meet LEO’s standards for quality as well as mission and brand alignment.
• Provide expert feedback and coordinate workflows across internal and external partners.
• Oversee the coordination of communications channels and workflows, ensuring that content is effectively scheduled, published, and measured.
• Use analytics and performance insights to recommend and implement improvements to enhance reach and engagement.

Location: LEO is based at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. While we strongly prefer candidates who are local or open to relocating to the South Bend area, we will also consider exceptional candidates interested in a fully remote work arrangement. Remote team members may be asked to travel occasionally to South Bend for key meetings and organizational events.

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree is required in Communications, Marketing, Public Policy, or a related field.
  • Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional experience, including work in nonprofit communications, higher education, public affairs, or mission-driven organizations.
• Required:
  • Deep commitment to the missions of LEO and the University of Notre Dameli>
  • Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills with the ability to…