Program Director | New Horizons

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!

The University of Notre Dame seeks a Program Director for New Horizons, a partnership funded by the Lilly Endowment. New Horizons educates and forms future lay ministry leaders in the Catholic Church by collaborating with partner organizations to develop pipelines into theological and ministerial formation and to return well‑formed leaders to ecclesial organizations across the United States.

About the Position

The Program Director oversees the implementation of New Horizons and serves as the primary liaison between the Department of Theology and four key partners: the McGrath Institute, Catholic Extension, Iskali, and FOCUS. Working at the intersection of higher education, ecclesial organizations, and philanthropic funding, the Program Director coordinates the expertise and energies of multiple stakeholders to build a lasting, collaborative network dedicated to the formation of lay leaders for the Church.

This role is responsible for envisioning, organizing, and implementing recruitment and discernment initiatives; overseeing the growth of institutional capacity through student fellowships and subgrant‑funded programming; supporting student mentorship and post‑graduation placement; and conducting evaluation and reporting in alignment with grant requirements and long‑term sustainability goals.

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

Key Responsibilities

Partnership Development and Leadership 

• Envision and build sustainable, collaborative relationships between the Department of Theology and partner organizations.
• Maintain regular communication with senior leaders in partner institutions to design and implement recruitment, discernment, formation, and placement programs that strengthen partners’ ecclesial networks.
• Represent New Horizons through travel, meetings, and site visits, providing evaluation, guidance, and mentoring during program execution.
• Lead strategic planning for the distribution of subgrants among partner institutions to expand their capacity to recruit, mentor, educate, and employ emerging leaders.
• Develop organizational and relational approaches that support each partner’s success, sustainability, and shared learning across organizations.
• Provide guidance and oversight for required financial and qualitative reporting to the University of Notre Dame.

Graduate Fellowship Administration and Student Support 

• Oversee the distribution of graduate fellowships (MA and MDiv) designed to enhance the student experience.
• Design and maintain the structures and processes necessary to administer this component of the grant program effectively.
• In collaboration with MA and MDiv faculty, provide general support and mentoring to students receiving funding through New Horizons.
• As needed, coordinate ministerial site placements during the MDiv program and assist with post‑degree placement for MA and MDiv graduates.

Coordination, Reporting, and Assessment 

• Coordinate the work of staff and contractors supporting New Horizons.
• Communicate program updates, findings, and recommendations to key leaders within the Department of Theology.
• Draft and submit project reports in collaboration with partner institutions and in accordance with Lilly Endowment requirements.
• Plan and implement regular program assessment with attention to long‑term sustainability, including evaluation beyond the grant period.

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Required

• M.A./M.S. in Theology, Pastoral Studies, or a related field.
• Formation and/or pastoral experience in Latina/o communities, college student discipleship programs, and/or parish and diocesan structures.
• Strong mentorship, networking, and organizational and communication skills.
• Familiar with Catholic polity and ecclesial structures.
• Experience in administrative or project management positions.
• Familiar with basic computer and communications software as well as social media platforms.
• Self-guided upon reception of instructions.
• Ability to collaborate with Higher Education leaders at various levels.
• Supplemental/preferred: Bilingual English/Spanish

Application Deadline to Apply: February 17, 2026

Hiring Pay Range: Up to $80,000

Required Application Materials:  Cover letter and CV

Term: Five-year, limited-term. 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.