Policy and Impact Program Manager | LEO

University of Notre Dame • Notre Dame, IN

7d • Onsite

About The Position

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is seeking a Policy and Impact Program Manager to drive project management and operational coordination for the Policy and Impact Team. This role manages a diverse portfolio of initiatives aimed at connecting research with social service providers, philanthropic organizations, government leaders, and other key stakeholders. The Program Manager will coordinate high-visibility events, manage research dissemination materials, keep complex projects on track, and ensure stakeholders have the necessary resources. 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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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

Nice To Haves

• Experience working with evidence-based research, policy, dissemination, or impact initiatives is strongly preferred.
• Experience with CRM systems such as Salesforce is a plus
• Genuinely motivated by LEO’s mission to reduce poverty through evidence-based programs and policies.

Responsibilities

• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• 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.

Benefits

• 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!

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level