Global Research and Engagement Program Director

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!

Notre Dame Global (NDG) supports the University of Notre Dame in its pursuit of being the leading global Catholic research university. NDG spans five continents, featuring active externally funded research projects in over 70 countries, numerous study abroad programs, a growing international student and alumni base, and 12 academic centers in 10 countries.

As the senior member of NDG’s global innovation team, the Senior Director for Global Research and Engagement advances the internationalization of the University’s research and scholarship enterprise. Reporting to the Senior Assistant Provost for Internationalization and Global Executive Director, this leader provides innovative approaches to institutional growth in international research.

Working closely with University Colleges, Schools, Notre Dame Research, Hesburgh Libraries, Corporate and Foundation Relations, and NDG’s Global Network, the Senior Director oversees the curation and evaluation of NDG’s international research collaboration grant programs.

Core Objectives

This portfolio elevates the University’s international academic reputation, research networks, and scholarly impact by:

• Promoting Faculty Research: Supporting faculty researchers in achieving international publications and citations in all disciplines, with focused efforts in STEM and the social sciences.

• Optimizing Research Systems: Ensuring processes, practices, and tools support impactful interdisciplinary and international research, scholarship, and creative endeavors.

• Expanding Funding Streams: Growing funding opportunities from global foundations, government agencies, and corporations to support global research.

• Facilitating Global Collaboration: Maximizing the efficient use of internally funded grants and collaborations with international institutions and individuals.

Leadership and Culture

The Senior Director must bring dynamic energy, a strategic growth mindset, and a commitment to ethical international engagement and cultural diversity. The role requires the advanced application of AI and data driven tools to support strategy, evaluate outcomes, and drive continuous improvement. This position manages one Program Director.

Specific Responsibilities

Portfolio Management and Research Development

• Expand, develop, promote, and administer the portfolio of international research collaboration grants in cooperation with campus partners, regional faculty advisory committees, and global network directors.
• Strengthen international research development by facilitating collaboration and extramural grant applications between Notre Dame and international researchers.

Evaluation and Continuous Improvement

• Strengthen outcome and impact evaluation processes through data collection, report development, and dissemination.
• Ensure programs meet goals established by academic leadership and continually improve program design to elevate academic reputation.

Process Optimization and Compliance

• Analyze and enhance processes to facilitate international research collaborations, secure international grants, and utilize funds globally.
• Strengthen compliance and administrative processes in coordination with Notre Dame Research and the Office of General Counsel.

Committee Leadership and Engagement

• Provide leadership and administrative support for NDG’s eight regional faculty advisory committees.
• Partner with global directors to ensure regular committee meetings, track and report actions, and exchange strategic opportunities for advancing research.

Liaison and Representation

• Serve as the University liaison for Fulbright scholar programs by promoting opportunities to faculty and developing the University’s overarching Fulbright engagement strategy.
• Support the Senior Assistant Provost in mentoring team professional development and representing the division on university committees related to research, faculty, and scholarship.

• Education Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
• Experience: 7 or more years, preferable in Grants Administration
• Skill Qualifications:
  • Proven success in academic administration (research administration experience preferred), including demonstrated ability in navigating complexity at a university or similar institution, to achieve significant strategic and transformative objectives.
  • Demonstrated leadership experience related to the successful design, execution, and evaluation of international research grants and projects. Proven success in program development, management, and implementation, including budget oversight, especially in relation to grant applications and management.
  • Demonstrated high level of global experience and intercultural fluency.
  • Demonstrated leadership ability to collaborate and innovate with colleagues, partners, and stakeholders.
  • Experience with data-based program management and evaluation.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Strong planning and organizational skills, including a keen attention to detail and the ability to juggle multiple projects and deadlines.
  • A commitment to the University values of accountability, integrity, teamwork, leadership in excellence, leadership in mission
• Preferred Qualifications (at least three of the following):
  • More than 10 years of experience in research administration
  • PhD or similar terminal degree
  • Robust international experience with institutions and/or associations related to international research
  • Experience working outside the US and/or working in an international capacity
  • Multi-lingual competencies

Compensation: Up to $110,000, commensurate with experience

This position will be accepting application until July 5, 2026.

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.