Policy and Impact Program Manager | LEO

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

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, governmen t 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 Docs); experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce is a plus—and you’re genuinely motivated by LEO’s mission to reduce poverty through evidence-based programs and policies. 

The Policy and Impact Program Manager’s top priorities will be:

Collateral Management & Coordination

• Coordinate the development, review, organization, and distribution of research and impact materials, ensuring content is accurate, timely, audience-appropriate, and aligned with LEO’s dissemination priorities
• Develop and maintain systems for tracking collateral, deadlines, approvals, and deliverables as the volume of research results and dissemination opportunities continues to grow
• Partner with researchers, the Policy and Impact Team, and LEO Communications leaders to streamline workflows and ensure the right materials reach the right audiences at the right time

Event & Hosting Support

• Lead logistics for virtual webinars, VIP campus visits, stakeholder meetings, and other events that advance LEO’s Policy and Impact priorities
• Coordinate timelines, invitations, materials, technology, agendas, and other event details to create seamless experiences for internal teams and external stakeholders
• Work closely with the Policy and Impact Team and event partners to translate goals into clear project plans and ensure events are executed smoothly from planning through follow-up

Team Organization & Operations

• Manage complex calendars, scheduling, meetings, and internal workflows to keep Policy and Impact projects moving efficiently and ensure priorities remain visible and on track
• Develop and maintain project plans, checklists, processes, and organizational systems that bring clarity and consistency to the team’s growing portfolio of work
• Anticipate team needs, identify opportunities to improve processes, and proactively resolve logistical challenges before they become roadblocks

Stakeholder Management & Outreach

• Support the team’s use of CRM and stakeholder management systems, including Salesforce, to maintain accurate contact information, outreach records, and engagement data
• Coordinate stakeholder communications and mailing lists, ensuring outreach is timely, targeted, and aligned with Policy and Impact priorities
• Help track and manage relationships with key stakeholders across social service organizations, philanthropy, government, and other audiences engaged with LEO’s work

Project Management Support

• Provide high-level project management and operational support to the Director of Policy and Impact, helping translate strategic priorities into organized plans, timelines, and actionable next steps
• Manage calendaring, meeting preparation, agendas, correspondence, and follow-up to ensure the Director is well prepared and able to effectively engage with internal teams and external stakeholders
• Anticipate priorities and information needs, coordinate across teams, and ensure key projects, commitments, and deliverables remain on track

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 3-4 years of relevant professional experience in strategic project management, stakeholder engagement, impact measurement, cross-functional collaboration, and translating research into action, preferably within a nonprofit, higher education, research, or mission-driven environment. Experience working with evidence-based research, policy, dissemination, or impact initiatives is strongly preferred.

Required:

• Strong commitment to the missions of Notre Dame and LEO
• Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced and evolving organization with a dynamic team
• Project management experience with track record of coordinating multiple stakeholders with competing priorities   
• Strong written and oral communication skills   
• Proficient in Microsoft suite and Google applications (Google Calendar, Google Drive, Google Sheets, Google Docs) 
• Self-directed, with willingness to take initiative
• Able to work independently

Additional Information:

Location: LEO is based at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana.  Because we value the community, collaboration, and relationship-building that comes from in-person engagement, we anticipate an on-site presence for this position.   

Additional Information

Application Deadline : October 18, 2026.

Required Application Materials : A resume and cover letter are required for consideration for this position. Please upload both documents in the attachments section of your application.

Salary : Up to $60,000 annually, commensurate with experience.

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.