Research Operations Program Manager

University of Notre Dame • Notre Dame, IN

8h

About The Position

The Research Operations Manager (ROM) serves as the operational foundation of the Mendoza Research Team, ensuring that personnel, processes, and resources align effectively to support faculty research. Rather than acting as a traditional project manager, the ROM functions as an operational enabler who identifies procedural friction, eliminates organizational obstacles, and establishes the infrastructure required for researchers and staff to achieve peak performance. The ROM assumes responsibility as the core facilitator of the active project portfolio. This includes providing high level oversight of the behavioral research laboratory infrastructure without managing the day to day execution of individual experiments. The ROM operates with a high degree of independence, applies a solutions oriented mindset to diverse operational challenges, and collaborates directly with administrative offices across the University on behalf of the Mendoza Research Team and faculty.

Requirements

• BA/BS (4 years)
• 5–6 years of relevant experience in research administration, project management, or operations
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and ability to communicate to a diverse audience
• Ability to interface effectively with faculty, staff, and administrators
• Excellent organizational, time management, and prioritization skills
• Strong operational leadership and project portfolio management skills
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple concurrent priorities
• Data-informed decision-making and process improvement capabilities
• Proficiency with project management tools such as Monday.com or equivalent
• Knowledge of University systems, offices, processes, policies, and procedures
• Excellent understanding of the research and publication process

Nice To Haves

• advanced degree preferred
• previous work in higher education research is preferred
• Proficient in programming (R or Python) preferred
• PMP or equivalent project management certification preferred

Responsibilities

• Serve as the central point of coordination for MRT, integrating people, processes, and resources to optimize workflow efficiency.
• Upon project initiation by the Director, track the comprehensive research portfolio, evaluate project alignment, establish start and completion timelines, and allocate resources to maximize team productivity.
• Introduce structure to daily operational complexities, enabling the team to deliver research support with elevated clarity and coordination.
• Direct procurement and fiscal operations in support of MRT activities.
• Coordinate the acquisition of resources, licenses, datasets, and contracts through University procurement systems.
• Manage vendor relationships and inventory, maintain the online research portal, monitor budgets, review and verify expenditures, process billing and journal voucher transfers.
• Build and continually expand the participant pool that powers the Behavioral Lab, treating access to research participants as a core asset to be grown rather than a fixed resource.
• Develop new participant channels, cultivate relationships with companies, community organizations, and external partners to broaden and diversify recruitment, and evaluate emerging platforms and recruitment models that increase the Lab's reach.
• Develop periodic reports for the Senior Associate Dean for Faculty and Research that summarizes MRT activity.
• Translate operational and research data into clear, decision-ready insights, producing materials that inform strategic discussions at the Senior Leadership.

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
• Education Level: Associate degree