Project Development Associate - LEO

Summary of the organization

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.

While rigorous research is at the heart of LEO’s mission, its success depends on identifying the right programs and working closely with the right partners to ensure strong project ideas are ready for evaluation. LEO’s Project Development team is responsible for identifying and vetting organizations that are fighting poverty with creative and effective programs, building a strong and diverse pipeline of partners and interventions well positioned to participate in rigorous research.

Summary of the role

The Project Development Associate will support the work of the Project Development team by owning the Development, Vetting, and Discovery Day phases of LEO’s Project Development process. In this role, the Associate works directly with nonprofit and public-sector organizations to shape promising research project ideas, gather and translate feedback from research faculty, and prepare partners for final consideration as a LEO partner.

The ideal candidate is a strong communicator and relationship manager who can balance sales-minded outreach telling LEO’s story and articulating the value of rigorous research with thoughtful vetting that asks the right questions and pushes ideas to become research ready. This role is well suited for someone who enjoys translating complex research concepts for practitioner audiences and working at the intersection of mission-driven organizations, research, and operational execution.

Responsibilities

• Project Development & Partner Support
  • Work closely with organizations to explore project ideas, ask thoughtful questions, and coach organizations as they develop a project proposal. 
  • Maintain and cultivate relationships with organizations that have potential but aren’t ready for rigorous research in order to sustain a robust network of future partners. 
  • Project Vetting & Research Coordination 
  • Gather and synthesize feedback from research faculty on project ideas and help organizations refine and strengthen their project proposals. 
  • Maintain a strong partnership with the research team to provide timely and effective feedback on potential projects. 
• Discovery Day Planning & Execution 
  • Manage invitations and preparation for Discovery Day, the final stage of the Project Development process, when organizations come to campus to present their project ideas to LEO faculty and leadership. 
  • Develop all content for Discovery Day and prepare both the organizations and the LEO team for successful Discovery Day engagement. 
• Process Improvement & Team Support 
  • Update and maintain all collateral related to the Development, Vetting, and Discovery Day phases of the Project Development process. 
  • Provide cross-training and backup support for the Introductory phase of the Project Development process and other duties as assigned.  

Qualifications

• Education & experience
  • Bachelor’s degree required.
  • Minimum of 2+ years of relevant professional experience, including but not limited to the nonprofit sector, education, public sector, or related fields.
• Required
  • Deep commitment to the mission of LEO and the University of Notre Dame, and to reducing poverty through evidence-based approaches.
  • Strong understanding of key research design components (both what is required for an RCT and a good QED study).
  • Strong written and oral communication skills, with the ability to translate complex concepts into clear, accessible language for non-research audiences.
  • Demonstrated relationship management skills and comfort engaging with a wide range of stakeholders, including organizational leaders and executive- evel partners.
  • Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
  • Self directed and proactive, with a willingness to take initiative in a fast paced and evolving organization.
  • Detail oriented, resourceful, and comfortable problem solving independently.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Suite and Google Workspace.
• Preferred
  • Working knowledge of impact evaluation or research processes.
  • Experience with sales, recruitment, or partner facing roles.
  • Experience working for or with social service providers.

Location: South Bend, IN