Associate Program Director Curriculum & Research

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!

The Institute for Educational Initiatives is seeking a dynamic and collaborative Associate Program Director for Curriculum and Research. Reporting directly to the Director of the Ascent program, the successful candidate will drive the coordination and co-investigation of rigorous research and evaluation initiatives while scaling transformative curricula across mathematics education, spirituality, and leadership.

As a critical collaborator for the Ascent program’s success, you will co-lead diverse cross-campus curriculum and research projects focused on the manifestations of spiritual formation and education, prioritizing the profound integration of faith and reason. In this role, you will champion innovation and scaling efforts across a broad educational spectrum, including undergraduate, graduate, and informal learning experiences.

Position Type: Full-time, two-year term beginning August 10, 2026 (with the possibility of renewal).

Key Responsibilities:

Research and Evaluation

• Strategic Design: Co-construct robust research designs and evaluation plans to measure program and research project success while driving continuous improvement.
• Data Synthesis: Translate complex findings into compelling technical reports, data visualizations, and high-impact summary documentation for (arch)diocesan leaders and key stakeholders.
• Logistics and Oversight: Serve as the primary coordinator for data collection and oversee the maintenance of research instruments.
• Compliance and Funding: Lead IRB protocol maintenance and actively support grant development efforts.

Curriculum Innovation and Scaling

• Course Refinement: Advance and scale innovative coursework at the intersection of mathematics, spirituality, and leadership.
• Mission Alignment: Ensure the seamless integration of faith and reason, maintaining high pedagogical and academic rigor across all Ascent coursework, undergraduate offerings, and non-credit bearing programs.
• Expansion and Reach: Collaborate on the modularization and strategic expansion of curricular programming to broaden its impact.

Administration and Engagement

• Event Coordination: Serve as the primary lead for program retreats, completion ceremonies, and all academic course logistics.
• Interdisciplinary Liaison: Foster and support vibrant research partnerships with academic colleagues both inside and outside the IEI.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Required:

• A Master’s degree in Education or a closely related field.
  • Alternatively: A Bachelor’s degree paired with either 5 years of relevant experience or an advanced professional certification beyond the Bachelor's level.
• Experience and Skills
• 3 to 4 years of professional experience in an educational setting.
• Proven experience in classroom teaching or school administration.

This position will close on June 18, 2026.

A cover letter and resume is required to be considered for this position.

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.