Job Description

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!

Help Shape the Academic Journey of Notre Dame Students

Founded in 2021, the Transformational Leaders Program (TLP) at the University of Notre Dame supports first-generation, differently prepared, and low-income scholar leaders, providing comprehensive academic, professional, social, and spiritual support throughout their time on campus. Each TLP student is paired with an Education and Outreach Specialist, who is part academic mentor, coach, and navigator. Through this personal accompaniment, dedicated community space, and collaboration with partners across campus, TLP builds cohorts of student leaders who support one another's academic and post-graduate success at the intersection of career and vocation.

TLP is housed and supported within the Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence (CATE), a transformative new initiative within the Office of Undergraduate Education that will open to undergraduate students in Fall 2026. CATE represents a bold step forward in Notre Dame’s commitment to providing an unsurpassed undergraduate education that responds to the evolving needs of students and society.

Serving as a central hub for students across all colleges, schools, and class years, CATE provides accessible learning resources, academic engagement services, individualized advising, academic mentoring, and holistic support. Through peer-facilitated study groups, scholar programs, and personalized guidance, CATE helps students engage deeply in their academic experiences while navigating their educational journeys with confidence and purpose.

By bringing together programs and services that previously operated independently, CATE creates a more coordinated and student-centered approach to academic support. Under the leadership of an Executive Director, the Center enhances the accessibility, effectiveness, and efficiency of critical academic engagement and support services, ultimately improving the student experience across the University.

The Transformational Leaders Program (TLP), housed within the Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence, supports first-generation, differently prepared, and low-income scholar leaders at the University of Notre Dame.

The Education and Outreach Specialist (EOS) plays a vital role in advancing this mission by supporting the academic development, discernment, and opportunity coordination of approximately 150–175 undergraduate students. Through individualized support, academic mentoring, and intentional student engagement, the Education and Outreach Specialist helps students navigate the complexities of higher education while fostering academic success and personal growth.

This position requires a highly collaborative professional who can build meaningful relationships across the University and serve as a trusted resource for students throughout their academic journey.

Key Responsibilities

Student Advising, Mentorship, and Academic Support

• Serve as a primary point of contact and support for a roster of 150–175 undergraduate students.
• Provide individualized academic mentoring, guidance, and developmental support.
• Assist students in navigating academic opportunities, resources, and challenges throughout their Notre Dame experience.
• Support students in exploring and pursuing opportunities that align with their academic and personal goals.
• Conduct regular one-on-one meetings with students and maintain consistent engagement throughout the academic year.

Campus Partnership and Student Advocacy

• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with campus partners to support student success.

Work closely with:

• Undergraduate Academic Advisers
• Student Affairs Professionals
• Office of Learning Resources
• Career Services
• Center for Student Support and Care
• Center for Undergraduate Scholarly Engagement
• Office of Student Enrichment
• Residential Life
• Campus Ministry
• Financial Aid

Advocate for students and help connect them with appropriate resources and opportunities.

Program Development and Student Engagement

• Support the daily operations and programming of the Transformational Leaders Program.
• Maintain regular office hours within the TLP space.
• Develop and facilitate academically focused peer groups and learning communities.
• Create and coordinate targeted cohort-based events that leverage campus resources and programming.
• Assist students with academic planning, engagement opportunities, and overall academic trajectory.

Pre-Matriculation and Summer Programming

• Play an integral role in pre-matriculation programming for incoming students.
• Support student engagement initiatives during Summer Session programs.
• Assist in designing and implementing programs that ease students' transition to the University and promote early academic success.

Student Records and Confidentiality

• Manage student information and program data with a high degree of accuracy and professionalism.
• Handle and interpret sensitive information with discretion and strict confidentiality.
• Make sound daily decisions independently while effectively managing a significant student caseload and associated data.

Qualifications

Education

• Bachelor's degree required.

Experience

• Three to four years of relevant professional experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• The ability to effectively engage with multiple constituent groups, including students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, and benefactors, often simultaneously.
• Excellent organizational, written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong ability to manage a large student roster and related data effectively.
• The ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment with limited oversight.
• Experience or educational expertise in one or more of the following areas:
  • Mentoring, supervising, or advising first-generation college students
  • Higher education
  • Nonprofit administration
  • Education-related fields
• Knowledge of developmental, psychological, social, physical, and intellectual issues related to young adulthood.
• A commitment to a developmental model of student advising, advocacy, and engagement.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, social justice, and culturally sustaining practices.

Mission and Values

The successful candidate will embrace the mission of the University of Notre Dame as a Catholic university founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross. This includes:

• A commitment to the University's Catholic identity.
• The ability to engage in practices consistent with the University's Catholic mission, values, and teachings.
• A dedication to supporting students in a manner that reflects Notre Dame's mission of intellectual, personal, and spiritual development.

Additional Information

Application Deadline to Apply September 4, 2026

Hiring Pay Range $58,000-64,000 | Commensurate with Experience.

Required Documents for Full Consideration Resume & Cover Letter

Term 2-Year Limited-Term Position

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.