Job Description

LEO is seeking a proactive, analytical, and mission-driven professional to serve as its ** Finance and Budget Associate** —a high-impact role responsible for supporting the financial stewardship and operational success of one of the nation's leading poverty research organizations. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Administration, this position will oversee financial reporting, budgeting, forecasting, fund management, effort tracking, and process improvement across LEO's diverse portfolio of grants and funding sources. Managing financial operations that support nearly $10 million in annual funding, more than 100 research studies, and over 90 partners nationwide, this role plays a critical part in ensuring LEO's resources are strategically managed to maximize organizational impact. Ideal candidates are collaborative, detail-oriented professionals with strong financial acumen, analytical thinking, and communication skills who thrive in fast-paced, mission-driven environments and are energized by using their expertise to advance evidence-based solutions to poverty.

*This is a five-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

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.

As LEO continues to expand its national research portfolio, so does the opportunity to strengthen the operational systems that bring innovative ideas to life. The Associate Director of Research Operations plays a central role in advancing that mission by leading research operations across every stage of the project lifecycle—from project exploration and study design to implementation, dissemination, and real-world impact. Positioned at the intersection of research strategy, people leadership, and operational excellence, this role helps ensure LEO's evidence reaches the communities, organizations, and policymakers working to reduce poverty.

Who we need:

LEO is seeking a proactive, self-starter who desires to be a part of solving one of the most critical issues our nation faces today—poverty. The Finance and Budget Associate will be responsible for supporting LEO’s financial operations, effort tracking and reporting. LEO’s annual operation budget of $9.7 million supports more than 100 research studies with more than 90 partners across the country, and is funded by more than 70 grants and restricted funds.

We are looking for a social-minded team player with background skills and knowledge in financial management, GAAP accounting and reporting, effort tracking and labor distribution, budgeting, high-level communication and collaboration and project management - someone who wants to change the face of poverty in our country and believes that impacting poverty is possible.

The Finance and Budget Associate's top priorities will be:

Financial Reporting

• Lead internal and external financial reporting across LEO's diverse portfolio of restricted funds and operating accounts
• Develop consolidated monthly, quarterly, and annual financial reports that provide meaningful insights for leadership and external stakeholders
• Deliver exceptional financial support and customer service by responding to reporting needs, inquiries, and funding-related requests across LEO and partner organizations

Financial Analysis & Forecasting

• Analyze financial performance, trends, and projections to support strategic planning and long-term organizational sustainability
• Develop forecasting models and financial analyses that inform executive decision-making and resource allocation
• Identify opportunities to strengthen financial processes, improve reporting accuracy, and optimize operational performance

Budget Planning & Management

• Lead the development and management of annual operating, project, and fund-level budgets across LEO's complex funding portfolio
• Prepare budget-to-actual analyses and financial projections to support proactive planning and informed decision-making
• Manage LEO's Financial Compass processes while optimizing system utilization to support both university requirements and organizational goals

Fund Management & Expense Management

• Oversee the financial management of restricted funds and operating accounts while ensuring compliance with university and sponsor requirements
• Manage labor distributions, expense allocations, and fund activity to maximize available resources and maintain financial integrity
• Monitor fund balances and spending strategies to ensure responsible stewardship of donor resources

Effort Tracking & Labor Distribution

• Manage effort tracking and labor allocation across LEO's research portfolio to ensure accurate and timely distribution of personnel costs
• Partner with the Grants Team, Principal Investigators, and university stakeholders to support compliant labor reporting and project funding
• Maintain accurate effort reporting systems that support financial accountability, grant compliance, and operational excellence

Qualifications

Education & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree required.
• Minimum of 3-4 years of relevant professional experience in financial reporting, budgeting, financial analysis and forecasting, fund management, effort tracking, and cross-functional collaboration, preferably within a nonprofit, higher education, research, or mission-driven environment. Experience with grant-funded organizations, GAAP accounting principles, and financial compliance is strongly preferred.

Required:

• A deep commitment to the mission of both LEO and the University is necessary
• Ability to learn Notre Dame’s general ledger system and other internal reporting systems
• Proficient in Microsoft suite and Google applications
• Experience preparing financial reports, including operating budgets, proposal budgets, and internal and external financial reports
• Experience in nonprofit accounting, financial analysis and forecasting
• Experience with payroll management, labor distribution over large teams
• Detail-oriented, logical, and highly organized
• Strong in communication and interpersonal skills to be able to collaborate with many different teams
• Analytical problem-solving skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities and meet deadlines while maintaining accuracy and consistency
• Ability to take initiative, work autonomously, and take on additional responsibilities as
• required by business needs, facilitating a prompt response to requests
• An ability to thrive in a small and dynamic team while effectively navigating a large University environment

Preferred:

• Master’s degree preferred
• Experience with grant-funded organizations
• Experience with GAAP accounting principles
• Experience with financial compliance

Additional Information

**RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application. **

Pay range: Up to $70,000, commensurate with experience

Please submit your application by August 23, 2026.

This position is an on-site position with the possibility of hybrid work location.

Benefits page:https://hr.nd.edu/benefits-compensation/

*This is a five-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.

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.