• Job Description

  Req#: REF135E

  Company Description

  The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace, it's 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!

  Job Description

  The Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies is a research institute dedicated to the study and understanding of Irish culture—in Ireland and around the world—in all of its manifestations.

  The Institute's strengths have long been in history, language, and literature. Now, as part of the University of Notre Dame’s Keough School of Global Affairs, we have sharpened our focus on policy and forces at work in Ireland today—allowing us to explore in even more depth how Ireland has long been a laboratory for such global themes as empire and colonialism, revolution and rebellion, migration, hunger, religious pluralism, conflict resolution, and peacekeeping.

  https://irishstudies.nd.edu/

  The Senior Associate Director is a leadership position that advances the mission and strategic objectives of the Institute and is responsible for Institute operations, which involves an annual operating budget of more than $3.5 million and an international staff of approximately 8 members at Notre Dame and in Dublin. The position reports to the Director of the Institute (a tenured faculty member), who provides intellectual leadership and determines the overall goals and strategy for the Institute. Working in close collaboration with the Director, the Senior Associate Director operationalizes the Institute’s strategy and ensures ongoing academic and programmatic excellence while cultivating a supportive and collaborative working environment within the Institute. The Senior Associate Director also oversees operations for the Clingen Family Center for the Study of Modern Ireland, an initiative of the Keough-Naughton Institute that focuses on the place of Ireland in the Modern World.

  Strategic Management: The Senior Associate Director works closely with the Institute Director to define the strategic objectives of the Institute and to develop and implement the short and long-term strategies, goals, and action plans to achieve the overall vision. The Senior Associate Director also monitors the implementation of the Institute’s Strategic Plan and co-ordinates the External Review Process, as well as provides strategic and operational leadership to support KNI faculty and staff across Institute operations at Notre Dame and in Ireland. Serves as an ex-officio member of the KNI Faculty Fellowship, the internal advisory body of the Institute. Strengthens the Institute’s integration within the Keough School by facilitating collaboration with other constitutive units and by contributing to School-wide coordination efforts led by the Dean’s Office on business management, communications, and event planning. With the Director and the Director of Academic Advancement in the Dean’s Office, the Senior Associate Director contributes to fundraising by helping to refine and articulate objectives to the Institute’s Advisory Board and other stakeholders and to assist the Director in expanding the Institute’s support base, both in the United States and in Ireland. The Senior Associate Director develops and manages new projects that advance the Institute’s goals, and cultivates support for Institute’s initiatives in the Keough School, the University, and key external constituencies. (30%)

  Financial and Human Resources Management: The Senior Associate Director works closely with the Institute’s Assistant Director for Operations and provides oversight on financial management of the Institute, the annual budget planning process, tracking and reporting of expenditures, and stewardship of Institute endowment funds, gifts, and grants. Collaborates with Assistant Director for Operations on project planning, budgeting, resource allocation, implementation, financial administration, and reporting for funded projects. Works closely with Institute staff to ensure excellence in performance, collaboration across teams, and to achieve overall Institute goals. Provides support and guidance in promoting ongoing professional development; maintains for all staff a strong day-to-day leadership presence; and promotes a culture of respect, empowerment, and encouragement to help build a strong sense of collaboration and support among the staff. In consultation with General Counsel and Notre Dame International, the Senior Associate Director ensures compliance with Irish law in the management of international staff and operations. Maintains continuous lines of communication, keeping the Director informed of all critical issues. Brings effective operational leadership to the work of the Institute by developing a broad and deep knowledge of all programs. (20%)

  Operations Management: In consultation with the Director, the Senior Associate Director is responsible for overseeing the implementation of Institute and Center operations, allocating resources, and creating internal procedures, structures, and processes to facilitate Institute goals and objectives, in compliance with the University’s mission, policies, and best practices. Identifies opportunities for process and structural improvement within the Institute and within the Keough School and the areas in which it interfaces with the wider University. Oversees the Research Programs team to implement Institute and Center programming and to provide monitoring and evaluation to ensure excellence. Oversees the Operations team to build and maintain the structures to support Institute and Center objectives. Oversees the operation of the KNI Dublin office and its staff. The position also provides leadership for Institute marketing and communication efforts, including the communication strategy and is a member of the Executive Committee of the ARINS project, a collaboration with the Royal Irish Academy. (20%)

  External Collaborations: The Senior Associate Director will cultivate and deepen the Institute’s existing external partnerships as well as facilitate and develop new partnerships that advance the Institute’s strategic priorities. These include, but are not limited to, existing partnerships with institutions of higher education in Ireland, Northern Ireland, and England, as well as the ARINS project, a joint venture of the Institute and the Royal Irish Academy. The Senior Associate Director will also cultivate existing partnerships at the Keough School and the University more widely, as well as facilitate the development of new internal partnerships that advance the mission of the Institute, School, or University. The Senior Associate Director also serves as a spokesperson and advocate for the Institute, articulating its vision and strategy, promoting the Institute’s interests and culture, and communicating the Institute’s work to a diverse spectrum of stakeholders and constituencies. (30%)

  We are looking for a mission-driven, collaborative team player who is excited to bring their expertise to a dynamic team.

  Qualifications

  • Experience: 7 or more years
  • Degree Qualifications: Master’s Degree in a relevant field (i.e., social sciences, public policy, law, business, or another relevant discipline) required
  • Skill Qualifications: • Prior experience as an effective supervisor and leader within a complex, internationally-focused organization• Ability to think strategically, seeing and connecting big-picture goals and values with mission, while also handling day-to-day details• Experience in and with programs with international dimensions and scope• Demonstrated evidence of effective oral and written communication skills and strong interpersonal skills to work with a diverse group of faculty, staff, and students.• Deep understanding of academia and the research environment• Strong organizational, analytical, project management skills• High degree of independence and initiative; action-orientation• Experience managing budgets and financial resources• Commitment to the mission of the Keough-Naughton Institute and its Clingen Center, the Keough School, and the University of Notre Dame

  Additional Information

  Work Location Eligibility: This is a fully onsite position with remote days available per Keough School policy. There will also be an expectation of international travel.

  Salary: up to $150,000, commensurate with experience

  Please include a cover letter with your application

  Application Deadline to Apply: August 8, 2025

  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.

• About the company

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