Program Manager, Research & Policy Operations

Job Description

Job Description

Company Description

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!

Job Description

The Keough School of Global Affairs is a vibrant community committed to serving human dignity through research and scholarship, teaching and learning, and policies and practices designed to advance the development of the whole person and of each person in their specific socio-cultural context.

The Research and Policy Operations Program Manager provides critical coordination, operational and financial management support to the research and policy functions within the Dean’s Office of the Keough School of Global Affairs. The Program Manager will play a critical role in implementing the priorities of the Deans’ Office in supporting the policy work of the faculty and will act as a bridge coordinating the school’s research and policy programs with the Keough School Washington Office, all nine institutes and centers, University units and external partners. In doing so, the Program Manager will contribute to financial and contractual processes that support research and policy programs. The role reports to the Associate Dean for Research, Policy, and Practice and works closely with the Associate Director of Finance.

Research and Policy Engagement 

• Support the Associate Dean’s initiatives that seek to improve support to faculty research and policy work across the school, by translating strategic decisions into workplan, and coordinate stakeholders across the school.
• Manage the Dean’s Office internal grant process, from application, to review and award, to reporting and monitoring of grant outcomes.
• Contribute to the content and serve as programmatic point of contact for Dean’s Office lecture series, Deans Forum, seminars, and (Keough Dean’s Office sponsored) international conferences, working closely with the Events Strategy Program Director and DC office coordinator.
• In collaboration with the Director of Communications and Marketing, contribute to the School’s communication strategy specifically targeted at external policy stakeholders and internal audiences (i.e. faculty, students, alums) interested in policy conversations. 
• Serve as point of contact for relevant Keough School Communities of Practice (e.g. Policy Impact and Research COPs), coordinating meetings, keeping agendas, and ensuring agreed next steps are followed through. 
• Provide coordination for visitors hosted by the Dean’s Office.
• Coordinate with the Keough School Washington Office to ensure on-going sharing of information and seamless implementation of programs.
• In collaboration with Keough School institutes and centers, oversee the coordination of Visiting Fellow programs including; onboarding, monthly convenings, and exit interviews.

Finance and Grant Operations 

• Provide support to the contracts approval process, including coordinating submissions, monitoring progress and identifying contracts that are up for renewal.
• Provide the same support for Memoranda of Understanding with external partners.
• Review and process financial transactions, including travel/expense reports, purchase requisitions, and account transfers as assigned.
• Support the Associate Director for Finance with occasional questions pertaining to research or policy project budgeting, spending, and reporting.

Research Administration  

• Coordinate the scoping and dissemination of research opportunities across the Keough School through the Research Community of Practice.
• Integrate data from different systems and generate reports on internal and external funding secured by Keough faculty.
• Provide research analysis and briefings for leadership ahead of strategic meetings.
• Document convenings, managing the follow-up by coordinating the development and dissemination of deliverables.

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

Qualifications

• Education Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree in a quantitative field (e.g. social science, finance, Accounting, Business Administration, engineering)
• Experience: 3 to 4 years
• Skill Qualifications:
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace required.
  • Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong organizational skills High degree of initiative
  • Ability to manage competing priorities for multiple distinct units.

Additional Information

Compensation : up to $70,000, commensurate with experience

This position will be accepting applications until July 8, 2026.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.