Associate Director, ND Pop

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is 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!

Notre Dame Population Analytics (ND Pop) is seeking a strategic, mission-driven, and experienced professional who is passionate about the power of data to drive insights and improve lives. The Associate Director will play a pivotal leadership role in advancing this emerging, cross-campus initiative.

The Associate Director is a key leader in ND Pop, responsible for helping shape the direction and ensuring the long-term success of the initiative. This position will lead strategic planning, operational execution, team development, and outreach efforts to support the growth of ND Pop’s innovative research platform. Launched in 2024 and currently in a period of rapid development, ND Pop is focused on generating data-driven insights on some of the most pressing demographic challenges of our time—including poverty, inequality, health, aging, and migration.

We are looking for a collaborative, results-oriented professional with a strong background in project and team management, institutional partnerships, fundraising support, and operational leadership. Ideal candidates will have experience in driving research programs, building organizational infrastructure, and fostering interdisciplinary collaboration. This is a unique opportunity to help shape a university-wide research initiative that brings together technical expertise and social science insights to address global challenges through population-level data.

Additional Details:

Location: This position is located in South Bend, IN. Applicants outside of South Bend may be considered, provided they are available to work on campus 2-3 days per week.

Term: This is a five-year, limited-term position, with an anticipated start date of September 2025. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

The Associate Director’s top priorities will be:

Strategic Planning and Execution: Collaborate with ND Pop’s Academic Director to define and implement the initiative’s long-term strategic vision. Guide the development of population-based research initiatives and ensure alignment with university-wide priorities.

Interdisciplinary Collaboration and Innovation: Foster a culture of interdisciplinary research and collaboration across departments and academic units. Support faculty engagement and cultivate a network of internal and external partners dedicated to data-driven inquiry.

Team Leadership and Management: Lead a diverse team including program managers, technical experts, pre-doctoral fellows, and student interns. Set clear goals, mentor team members, and ensure strong performance against key milestones and project deliverables.

Operational Oversight and Infrastructure Development: Build and oversee core operational systems to support ND Pop’s efficiency and scalability. Manage the initiative’s budget, reporting processes, and project management workflows to ensure high-quality execution across all areas.

Development and Fundraising Support: Partner with the College of Arts & Letters, Notre Dame Development, and Corporate & Foundation Relations to support fundraising aligned with ND Pop’s mission. Contribute to the pursuit of long-term funding, including full endowment support within five years.

Institutional Engagement and External Outreach: Serve as a visible ambassador for ND Pop across campus and beyond. Build relationships with faculty, academic centers, and external stakeholders. Lead public-facing events and communications to elevate ND Pop’s profile and societal impact.

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with 7+ years of expertise in roles requiring quantitative skills

Skills:

• Proven experience in strategic development and plan management
• A deep commitment to the mission of the University
• Ability to work independently and collaborate across diverse organizational structures
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills
• Keen interest in data-driven research and enhancing Notre Dame’s research capabilities
• Experience in staff management
• Proven ability in fundraising and client relationship management

Hiring Pay Range: Up to 125,000

At Notre Dame, we know our impact depends on exceptional people, people like you. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. In keeping with our mission, we encourage applications from all who will help build and strengthen our beloved community. We strive to empower every employee to flourish, knowing your success propels Notre Dame to new heights of impact.