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LEO is seeking a mission-driven and highly skilled Project Director to lead its role in Right at Home (RAH)—a national initiative dedicated to preventing homelessness through evidence-based solutions. This role will guide one of the country’s most ambitious collaborations to scale proven prevention strategies, uniting research, policy, and practice to make housing stability a reality for more families nationwide.

Who we are

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.

Right at Home (RAH) is a groundbreaking partnership between LEO and key national partners, inspired by LEO-led research showing that targeted homelessness prevention can be both effective and cost-efficient. Building on this evidence, RAH is scaling the model to 10 sites across the United States—launching new randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and informing federal and state policy efforts to support long-term solutions to homelessness at scale.

Who we need

LEO is seeking an experienced project leader and strategic collaborator to direct its multifaceted contributions to the RAH initiative with excellence, efficiency, and impact. The Project Director will oversee the coordination of the full lifecycle of research and replication at each site, supporting LEO’s rigorous execution of RCTs where applicable, and driving communication across internal teams and with external stakeholders. 

The RAH Project Director’s top priorities will be

Project Management 

• Lead LEO’s contributions to the RAH initiative, overseeing the project charter from inception through execution.
• Craft and manage project deliverables, identify and track milestones, and ensure alignment across research and operational timelines.
• Anticipate challenges and develop proactive solutions to ensure project success.

Relationship Management 

• Serve as LEO’s primary liaison to the Right at Home national steering committee, partners, and stakeholders.
• Maintain clear, timely, and consistent communication between LEO and external collaborators.
• Strengthen partnerships that elevate LEO’s research, reputation, and national impact.

Process Management 

• Oversee and drive project implementation from site selection through research design and RCT launch.
• Oversee coordination between research teams, ensuring high standards of methodological rigor and operational excellence.
• Facilitate smooth transitions between project phases and maintain documentation for transparency and accountability.

Cross-Functional Team Coordination

• Coordinate and oversee LEO-wide efforts related to RAH, bringing together research, replication, communications, and administrative teams.
• Ensure that all stakeholders are connected, informed, and aligned around project goals.
• Foster collaboration across functions and workstreams to ensure efficient progress.

Organizational Impact 

• Work closely with the Managing Director to ensure the RAH initiative strengthens LEO’s visibility, influence, and mission impact.
• Represent LEO externally as a thought partner and advocate for evidence-based homelessness prevention.
• Capture and share insights from RAH that can inform broader policy and research agendas.

#LI-AW1

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum 5 years of experience managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects.

Required

• Deep commitment to the missions of both LEO and the University of Notre Dame.
• Proven ability to lead complex projects involving research, implementation, and multiple partners.
• Excellent organizational, time management, and communication skills
• Ability to translate research or technical information into clear insights for diverse audiences.
• Strong initiative, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to coordinate across internal teams to achieve shared goals.

Preferred

• Master’s degree preferred in public policy, public administration, social work, economics, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Familiarity with evidence-based program scaling or replication efforts, especially in partnership with government agencies or community-based organizations.
• Experience working on research projects, particularly randomized controlled trials (RCTs).

Application Deadline: November 6, 2025

Hiring Pay Range: Up to $95,000 | Commensurate with experience.

Required Application Materials: Resume and cover letter.

Location: LEO is based at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. We welcome applications from candidates who are local, open to relocation, or interested in a fully remote work arrangement. For remote team members, occasional travel to South Bend may be required for key meetings and organizational events. Regardless of work location, this role involves travel to partner sites across the country as part of the position. 

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

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.