Dissemination Associate | LEO

University of Notre Dame•Notre Dame, IN

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

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. 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 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. Who we need: 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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree required.
Minimum of 5-6 years of relevant professional experience in project management, strategic planning, impact tracking and reporting, stakeholder engagement, and cross-functional collaboration, preferably within a nonprofit, higher education, policy, or mission-driven environment
A deep commitment to the missions of LEO and the University of Notre Dame
Highly organized with ability to juggle multiple demands and projects simultaneously
Clear and demonstrated project management skills particularly focused on long-term outcomes and strategic planning efforts
Ability to write and communicate both to a variety of internal and external audiences, particularly experience with social providers
Ability to communicate complex issues and intricate research effectively
Commitment to ensuring LEO’s impact moves far beyond academic audiences
Self-directed, with willingness to see a project through from start to finish to achieve strategies and goals of LEO
Ability to coordinate and lead events such as briefings, conferences, and webinars

Nice To Haves

Experience working within a university or higher education setting
Familiarity with state policy initiatives, impact measurement and reporting, stakeholder engagement, and evidence-based dissemination strategies

Responsibilities

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
Lead project management, financial forecasting, and strategic analysis for priority initiatives, turning organizational goals into actionable plans and measurable results
Execute dissemination events and stakeholder convenings, managing logistics, communications, and materials to deliver polished and impactful experiences
Support engagement efforts with senior stakeholders to strengthen partnerships, expand visibility, and advance mission-driven collaboration
Oversee reporting systems and performance metrics for the Policy and Impact Team, including funder reporting, strategic plan tracking, team analytics, and organization-wide impact assessment
Maintain stakeholder and dissemination databases to support accurate reporting, streamlined tracking, and informed engagement strategies
Manage event operations and participant communications for dissemination activities and convenings that showcase LEO’s research and impact
Direct annual “people impact” initiatives that measure and communicate the real-world outcomes of LEO’s work across service delivery, policy, and philanthropy
Align Policy and Impact initiatives with LEO’s project development efforts, research priorities, and long-term organizational strategy through cross-team coordination
Work closely with policy, research, and project development staff to improve communication, streamline processes, and support efficient execution across initiatives
Facilitate collaboration across expanding state policy and replication efforts to advance organizational priorities and broaden mission-driven impact