Associate Director of Administration - LEO

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame seeks a dynamic and mission-aligned leader to serve as its next Associate Director of Administration. This senior administrative leader will oversee and optimize LEO’s internal operations–including systems, finance, human resources, and events–ensuring a strong foundation for the Lab’s research and growth. 

Who we are

LEO is a research center that partners with service providers to identify effective, evidence-based solutions to poverty in the United States. Through rigorous research and a deep commitment to impact, LEO helps scale what works–advancing data-driven approaches to poverty alleviation. 

Who we need

We are seeking an experienced and strategic operations leader with a proven track record of managing high-functioning teams and organizational infrastructure. The ideal candidate will be energized by LEO’s mission and bring strong systems thinking, operational expertise, and personnel management skills to ensure LEO continues to grow with excellence and integrity. 

The Associate Director of Administration’s top priorities will be

• Systems & infrastructure
  • Lead the strategic direction and management of LEO’s internal systems and IT operations, including software platforms for project and customer relationship management. 
  • Ensure scalable, secure, and user-friendly infrastructure that supports both internal workflows and external partnerships. 
• Finance & grants administration
  • Oversee LEO’s financial planning, budgeting, and grant management processes. 
  • Ensure the financial health of the organization through sound fiscal strategy, transparent reporting, and proactive resource stewardship. 
• Human resources & talent development
  • Direct the recruitment, onboarding, development, and retention of LEO’s full-time staff, faculty, and students. 
  • Implement best-in-class HR practices that foster professional growth and operational alignment.
  • Operations & Events
  • Oversee the planning and execution of all LEO-sponsored events, cohorts, and convenings, ensuring excellence in logistics, communication, and impact. 
  • Continuously improve operational processes to support a rapidly growing organization. 
• Team leadership & management
  • Provide leadership, accountability and strategic direction for the administrative team, including staff in finance & grants, personnel, IT, events, and general administration.  

Qualifications

• Education & Experience
  • Bachelor’s degree required.  
  • Minimum of 7 years of relevant professional experience in operations, administration, or a related field, including management experience. 
• Required
  • Deep commitment to the mission and values of both LEO and the University.
  • Demonstrated excellence in team leadership and organizational management. 
  • Strong analytical, strategic planning, and problem-solving skills. 
  • Exceptional communication and interpersonal abilities. 
  • High level of proficiency with Microsoft Office and Google Suite. 
  • Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to manage multiple priorities effectively. 
  • Experience developing and overseeing internal procedures in areas such as finance, HR, and systems operations. 
  • Proven ability to set priorities and map direction on concurrent fronts, for both self and direct reports. 
  • Preferred
  • Experience working within a university, nonprofit, or mission-driven research organization. 
  • Familiarity with academic research administration. 

Hiring Pay Range

Up to $100,000 annually | Commensurate with experience