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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 Center for Educational Research and Action (ERA) is seeking a mission-driven and visionary Director of Research Programs to help expand its reach and deepen its impact. This is a unique opportunity to join a vibrant interdisciplinary research ecosystem at the intersection of cognitive science, education, policy, and public service.

The ideal candidate will bring deep expertise in a relevant field—such as cognitive science, education, psychology, neuroscience, linguistics, human-computer interaction (HCI), data science, or education policy—and a strong track record of leading complex research initiatives. This role blends scholarly insight with strategic and operational leadership, requiring someone who can both shape the future of ERA and manage its internal workings with excellence.

Reporting to the Sweeney Family Director of ERA, the Director of Research Programs serves as ERA’s senior research administrator and day-to-day manager and mentor of research staff and projects. The Director of Research Programs will work closely with faculty, staff, and research trainees, lead and publish original research, and oversee the development, implementation, and administration of ERA’s research programs. The Director will also supervise a team of research associates who work across multiple projects and programs, manage internal operations, foster collaborative partnerships, and ensure ERA delivers core research services that meet the highest standards of scientific rigor and operational integrity.

We’re looking for a strategic thinker and effective communicator—someone who thrives at the intersection of research, administration, and collaboration. The ideal candidate will value fundamental research and be a skilled bridge-builder, able to work fluidly across faculty, departments, and community stakeholders to advance ERA’s mission through research-informed action.

Key Responsibilities

• Program Leadership: Plan, design, and implement research programs, initiatives, and services aligned with ERA’s strategic goals. Set departmental objectives and ensure operational excellence across all activities.

• Research Leadership: Plan, design, lead, and collaborate on original research projects aligned with ERA’s mission; contribute to scholarly publications and conference presentations; help shape ERA’s interdisciplinary research agenda.

• Team Management: Supervise a growing team of research associates and affiliated trainees who provide critical, direct support to multiple affiliated PIs and program directors across disciplines on concurrent projects. Set team priorities, establish annual goals, assign projects and manage workloads, support professional development, create and refine internal workflows and operational plans to ensure the research team’s alignment with ERA’s strategic vision.

• Grant Strategy: Contribute to the preparation of grant proposals and funder reports; help sustain and grow ERA’s research portfolio through federal, foundation, and philanthropic support.

• Program Oversight: Plan, design, and implement research programs, initiatives, and services aligned with ERA’s goals. Set departmental objectives and ensure operational excellence.

• Strategic Problem-Solving: Address complex, conceptual challenges that require unconventional approaches and innovative thinking.

• Policy Oversight: Establish and interpret operating policies and procedures for the department; recommend and implement updates in alignment with ERA’s evolving mission.

• Operations & Administration: Manage internal workflows, oversee project execution, and ensure compliance with research ethics, data standards, and institutional policies.

• Collaboration & Engagement: Build and maintain partnerships across academic departments, community stakeholders, government agencies, and NGOs to enhance research impact.

• Influence & Reach: Serve as a strategic advisor and collaborator across the institution, helping guide ERA’s presence within and beyond the University of Notre Dame.

Working Conditions & Reporting Structure

• Oversight & Direction: Operates with a high degree of autonomy under broad administrative guidance. Supervisor involvement typically pertains only to budgetary or high-impact decisions.

• Decision Impact: Responsible for decisions that affect the entire work unit and strategic direction of ERA programs.

• Reporting Relationships: This role supervises research associates and research trainees who work across projects with multiple teams of PIs, providing leadership across functions.

• Physical Requirements: No unusual physical demands; primarily office-based with flexibility for on-site engagements as needed.

Education

• A Ph.D. or equivalent terminal degree in a relevant field (e.g., cognitive science, education, psychology, neuroscience, human development, HCI, sociology, or public policy) is strongly preferred.
• Exceptional candidates with a Master’s degree and significant experience leading research teams and producing scholarly publications and applying for grants will also be considered.

Experience

• 5 years of professional experience in a research, academic, or programmatic setting.
• Demonstrated leadership in interdisciplinary research, research-practice partnerships, or evidence-based educational program development.
• Experience managing teams, mentoring early-career researchers, and collaborating across institutions.
• A track record of scholarly publication and/or other evidence of contributions to the research literature.

Technical Skills

• Proficiency with data collection, analysis, and visualization tools such as Airtable, MATLAB, R, SPSS, Stata, Python, SQL, Qualtrics, Prolific, or Tableau.
• Strong understanding of data management best practices, research ethics, and open/reproducible science.
• Willingness to learn and implement new technologies as needed.

Knowledge & Competencies

• Deep understanding of the scientific method and the role of fundamental research in driving educational impact.
• Ability to train and mentor others in maintaining excellence and integrity in education research.
• Strong strategic, organizational, and communication skills.
• A demonstrated commitment to research as a form of public service and to expanding equitable access to high-quality education.

Hiring Pay Range: $120,000–$130,000 | Commensurate with experience

Application Deadline to Apply: August 1, 2025

To ensure full consideration, please upload a cover letter along with your resume.

At Notre Dame, we know our impact depends on exceptional people, people like you. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. In keeping with our mission, we encourage applications from all who will help build and strengthen our beloved community. We strive to empower every employee to flourish, knowing your success propels Notre Dame to new heights of impact.