Executive Director, Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence (CATE)

Established in 1842, the University of Notre Dame stands as a distinguished American research university with a unique identity rooted in its Catholic tradition. Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, the University is deeply committed to integrating faith and intellectual pursuit, aiming for excellence in teaching, cutting-edge research, and dedicated service to the common good. Notre Dame cultivates a vibrant and inclusive campus where students, faculty, and staff collaborate to advance the University's mission of being a positive influence globally. Its world-class resources, celebrated academic offerings, and dedication to innovation and ethical leadership create a dynamic and fulfilling workplace for those seeking to contribute significantly.

At the University of Notre Dame, the evolution of the Office of Undergraduate Education has resulted in the need for a new Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence, which will open to undergraduates in Fall 2026. CATE is a bold step forward on the University’s path to provide an unsurpassed undergraduate education responsive to the changing needs of students and the world.

The Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence is a central hub within the Office of Undergraduate Education where students from all colleges, schools, and years can easily access learning resources and academic engagement services fostering deep, active, and intentional learning. CATE's knowledgeable, professional educators accompany students on their academic trajectories through individualized discernment, and scholarly engagement advising, academic mentoring, and holistic support. CATE houses mutually supportive communities that promote academic excellence through its peer-facilitated study groups and cohort-based scholars programs. CATE’s broad suite of programs and services supplements the robust and highly effective academic advising and learning resources provided by the University’s Colleges and Schools. Similarly, CATE’s academically-focused student accompaniment is complemented by Notre Dame’s Division of Student Affairs’ faith and formation, health and well-being, and belonging and engagement offerings.

CATE integrates into one organization programs and services that mostly functioned independently from each other in the past, even though they were all part of the Office of Undergraduate Education. As a consolidated organization under the leadership of an Executive Director, CATE is able to coordinate the operations and strategy of its constituent programs and services, improving the student experience by increasing the accessibility, efficacy, and efficiency of critical academic support and engagement services.

The Executive Director of the Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence (CATE) is responsible for identifying opportunities to lead the people, programs, and services that bolster undergraduate students’ learning and build their capacity to navigate the University and transform the world. In doing so, the incumbent will also identify gaps and facilitate removing barriers to these goals, in collaboration with the Undergraduate Education leadership team and key campus partners, including, but not limited to: the Colleges & Schools,  Notre Dame Learning, the Enrollment Division, the Division of Student Affairs, Notre Dame Athletics Department, and the Office of the Provost.

Assessment, Strategy & Planning: The Executive Director of the Center for Academic Transformation & Excellence sets the strategic and operational plan for the Center through the establishment of annual and mid-term priorities that align with the Office of Undergraduate Education’s strategic plan and the University’s strategic framework. They will define and direct new and updated services, programs, processes, policies, and standards for the Center and will execute the Center’s operational plans in ways consistent with the Office of Undergraduate Education and University policies. Within the first year, the Executive Director will build and recommend a strategic plan for the Center to the Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, focused on measures of success, assessment protocols, development of resources, and the intentional growth and curation of new services for students in alignment with campus needs. 

Leadership: The Executive Director supervises the directors of the Center’s three pillars (Undergraduate Learning and Academic Engagement Services, Undergraduate Scholars Programs, and Academic Services for Student-Athletes) and may be intermittently responsible for supervising the work of external vendors and contractors. The incumbent is responsible for the organizational design of the Center in collaboration with the Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Education and, as approved by the VPAP of Undergraduate Education, will often recommend procedural innovations or policy improvements that have significant mid-to long-term impact on Center finances, personnel, and success. 

Partnership & Collaboration: The Executive Director also has responsibility for collaborating with the UE AVP, the Office of General Counsel, and the Office of Risk Management and Safety for developing a risk management plan and maintaining compliance with it in accordance with University policies, including but not limited to: FERPA, NCAA Compliance, and student safety. The incumbent will collaborate with Undergraduate Education’s Finance and Operations team, the Office of the Provost, and Human Resources to develop and monitor the Center's budget and personnel policies. In addition, the Executive Director will identify and build additional partnerships at the University and beyond.

Education Qualifications: Master’s degree 

Experience: 7 or more years in higher education administration

 

Skill Qualifications: 

Strategic Planning: Ability to lead the creation and periodic revision of a comprehensive strategic plan, setting annual key results that align with university-wide goals. 

Change Management: Capacity to lead a new organization that integrates previously independent programs into a consolidated, efficient unit. 

Financial Stewardship: Proficiency in setting, stewarding, and projecting annual budgets.

Personnel Management: Ability to supervise directors and set personnel policies within divisional parameters. 

Process Improvement: Skill in identifying opportunities for innovation, growth, and increased efficiency in service delivery. 

Holistic Student Formation: Deep knowledge of academic engagement and support, scholarly advising, and the holistic development of undergraduate students. 

Assessment & Data Analysis: Ability to oversee data collection and partner with institutional research teams to execute assessment tools and deliver activity reports.

Preferred Qualifications:

Doctoral degree (Ph.D., J.D., Ed.D.)

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

Please submit your application by March 17th.

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.