Program Director Jobs in South Bend, IN (NOW HIRING)

For over 180 years, the University of Notre Dame has been a leading American research university, offering a distinct perspective in higher education. This Catholic institution, based in Notre Dame, Indiana, is driven by a powerful blend of faith and intellectual curiosity, consistently pursuing excellence in education, groundbreaking research, and service to society. Notre Dame fosters a welcoming and vibrant campus where students, faculty, and staff are united in their commitment to creating an inclusive community and making a difference in the world. For individuals passionate about innovation, ethical leadership, and leveraging world-class facilities and renowned academic programs, Notre Dame provides a dynamic and impactful career path.

The Notre Dame Poverty Initiative is seeking a Program Manager to support the Initiative's operational, administrative, communications, and event programming functions. Successful applicants must be self-starters, work well with faculty and staff across the University, and be passionate about Notre Dame’s mission to be a force for good in the world. The Program Manager will be supervised by the Assistant Director but will work closely with all members of the team, including but not limited to the Director, the Managing Director, and the Poverty Research Fellows Program Director. The Program Manager will play a pivotal role in communications and branding, internal and external event coordination, and student formation program support.  

This is a three-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

As part of the University's Strategic Framework, Notre Dame launched the Poverty Initiative with the goal of becoming a leader where students come to study poverty, prominent faculty come to conduct poverty-related research, and policymakers, philanthropists, and providers work to understand its causes, consequences, and permanent solutions. The work of the Poverty Initiative centers on promoting and cultivating poverty-focused academic research, moving research to impact, and educating the next generation of students dedicated to eliminating poverty. 

Essential duties and responsibilities will include:

• Communications and Branding: Develop high quality presentations, talking points, and other materials for leadership. Translate complex research into digestible content to promote Initiative supported work. Create and design content to support monthly newsletter, maintain and enhance website, branding materials, annual reporting and other communications efforts.
• Poverty Research Fellows (PRF): Support the PRF Program team with tasks related to the execution of the Poverty Initiative’s signature student formation program. This support will include website maintenance, assisting with event planning and logistics, coordinating operations related to student immersive trips, and a myriad of other administrative duties related to Poverty Research Fellows activities.
• Administration: Support tasks associated with the successful operations of the Poverty Initiative including office management and administrative functions, such as meeting scheduling and organization, ordering supplies and equipment, coordinating weekly and quarterly team meetings, and execution of other administrative projects or tasks as assigned. Manage distribution lists and team calendars and provide support to the Finance Administration Specialist with basic bookkeeping.
• Event Management: Support the successful execution of events, such as working group meetings, benefactor gatherings, and other large and small convenings hosted by the Poverty Initiative partners or its partners. Support will include program design, scheduling, room booking, promotion, catering, day-of support, and other logistics. 

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited 4-year institution and have a minimum of two years of work experience.  Education and other relevant experience may be considered as a substitute for work experience.

Skills and attributes must include:

• Strong commitment to the mission of Notre Dame and its efforts to be a force for good in the world.
• High level of proficiency in Google Workspace; ability to navigate and learn a variety of applications. 
• Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and consistency. 
• Interest in working with a mature team focused on a culture of collaboration, trust, and excellence.
• Ability to thrive in a small and dynamic team while effectively navigating a large university environment. 
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently.
• Ability to represent the Poverty Initiative with a variety of stakeholders, from undergraduate students to high-level benefactors.

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application. 

Starting salary is $60,000, commensurate with experience

Please submit your application by September 13, 2026. 

This position is an on-site position with the possibility of hybrid work location. 

Benefits page: https://hr.nd.edu/benefits-compensation/

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.