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!

Are you a highly organized professional who thrives in a collaborative, mission-driven environment? Do you enjoy bringing people, projects, and ideas together to make a meaningful impact? If so, the University of Notre Dame's Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) invites you to consider joining our team as an Administrative Assistant supporting the Sweeney Family Center for Educational Research and Action (Era).

This full-time, in-person position offers a unique opportunity to contribute to innovative educational research that is shaping the future of learning and helping improve educational outcomes for children and communities around the world.

About the Institute for Educational Initiatives

The Institute for Educational Initiatives (IEI) advances the University of Notre Dame's commitment to improving education locally, nationally, and globally. Through groundbreaking research, innovative programming, and meaningful partnerships, the Institute works to address educational challenges that impact economic opportunity, community well-being, and social mobility.

Home to approximately 130 faculty and staff members, more than 60 faculty fellows, and several nationally recognized research centers and academic programs, the IEI is a vibrant hub of educational innovation. The Institute includes:

• The Sweeney Family Center for Educational Research and Action (Era)
• The Center for Research on Educational Opportunity (CREO)
• The Global Center for the Development of the Whole Child
• The Center for Literacy Education
• The Notre Dame Center for STEM Education

The Institute also supports several academic programs, including the Notre Dame Program for Interdisciplinary Educational Research (ND PIER), the Alliance for Catholic Education (ACE) Teaching Fellows Program, the Mary Ann Remick Leadership Program, and the undergraduate major in Education, Schooling, and Society.

About Era

Established in 2024, the Sweeney Family Center for Educational Research and Action (Era) is dedicated to advancing knowledge about learning and learning environments through the integration of research, practice, and public service. Era brings together researchers, educators, community partners, and students to tackle some of the most important questions in education today.

Through interdisciplinary collaboration, mentorship of emerging scholars, and partnerships with practitioners, Era is helping transform research into meaningful action that improves educational opportunities for all learners, especially those who have historically faced barriers to educational success.

About the Role

As the Administrative Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting Era's leadership, faculty, researchers, and programs. You will help coordinate the day-to-day operations of a growing center, manage key administrative processes, facilitate communication across stakeholders, and ensure the smooth execution of research and programmatic initiatives.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys variety in their work, takes pride in keeping projects organized, and finds fulfillment in supporting a mission that creates lasting impact.

Reporting to the IEI Associate Director, you will serve as a trusted partner to the Sweeney Family Director of Era while contributing to the success of faculty, fellows, students, and research initiatives across the Center.

What You'll Do

Support Era Leadership and Faculty

• Manage the Director's calendar, scheduling, and administrative needs.
• Coordinate communications, correspondence, and mailings on behalf of leadership.
• Support the appointment and reappointment process for IEI Fellows.
• Schedule annual meetings and maintain required fellowship documentation.
• Partner with faculty and staff to advance Era's mission and strategic priorities.

Support Daily Operations of Era

• Maintain program calendars and coordinate communications across teams.
• Serve as a central point of contact for inquiries and information requests.
• Process financial transactions including invoices, reimbursements, expense reports, and reconciliations.
• Collaborate closely with the IEI Business Office to ensure compliance with University procedures.
• Manage reimbursements for postdoctoral scholars, post-baccalaureate researchers, and cognition fellows.
• Support application review processes, candidate tracking, and interview coordination.
• Assist with website content updates and maintain organized records and files.
• Participate in team meetings and proactively track progress on key initiatives.

Support Area Chair Responsibilities

• Coordinate meetings, schedules, and communications for faculty in the Area of Interdisciplinary Educational Research and Programs.
• Provide administrative support to the Area Chair and facilitate collaboration across faculty groups.

Support Tutor-ND

• Provide administrative and logistical support to Tutor-ND programming.
• Assist researchers and program staff with coordination efforts and programmatic activities.

Other Duties and Special Projects

• Contribute to special projects and emerging initiatives that support Era and the broader Institute for Educational Initiatives.
• Provide flexible support where needed in a dynamic and collaborative environment.

Why Join Notre Dame?

At Notre Dame, your work will directly support research and programs that improve educational opportunities for children and communities around the world. You'll join a passionate team committed to excellence, innovation, and service while working in an environment that values collaboration, professional growth, and meaningful impact.

If you are energized by mission-driven work, enjoy supporting people and projects, and want to help advance the future of education, we encourage you to apply.

Education Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (4 years)

Experience: 3 to 4 years

Skill Qualifications:

• 3-5 years of administrative, office management, or program coordination experience.
• Proficiency with Google Suite applications including Google Calendar (including scheduling), Google sheets, Google docs, Google forms, and Google drive.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple tasks, prioritize effectively, and meet deadlines.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and a commitment to exemplary service.
• Ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and maintain confidentiality.
• Attention to detail, accuracy in record-keeping, and reliability in task follow-through.

Application Deadline to Apply: July 6, 2026

Hiring Pay Range: Commensurate with experience

Required Documents: Resume & Cover Letter

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.