Research Programs Manager - Dublin, Ireland

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is 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 Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame is seeking a highly organized, dynamic, and motivated Research Programmes Manager to help lead the administration and coordination of major research initiatives and academic events at our Dublin office.

This role comes at an exciting moment of growth. In 2024, the University of Notre Dame received a transformational gift to expand the impact of the Analysing and Researching Ireland, North and South (ARINS) Project — a major collaboration between Notre Dame and the Royal Irish Academy that brings together leading scholars and policymakers studying the future of Ireland.

As Research Programs Manager, you will play a key role in advancing this work by coordinating international research programs, supporting networks of scholars across Ireland, the U.K., and the U.S., and helping deliver high-profile conferences, policy briefings, and public engagement initiatives — including the renowned MacGill Summer School.

If you enjoy bringing complex programs to life, working with global academic partners, and helping shape conversations about Ireland’s future, this is an exciting opportunity to make an impact.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Implementation (60%)

• Manage and coordinate ARINS research programs, including initiatives launching in 2026 that bring together scholars and researchers from Ireland and internationally.
• Partner with the Dublin Director and the broader Keough-Naughton team to support the strategic development and long-term planning of ARINS research programs.
• Serve as the primary administrative contact for ARINS research initiatives, coordinating communication between:• Notre Dame teams in Dublin, Belfast, and South Bend
• The Royal Irish Academy
• Faculty researchers, academic institutions, and partner organizations in Ireland, the U.K., and the U.S.

• Coordinate research committees by managing timelines, scheduling meetings, and supporting collaboration across institutions.
• Assist with the preparation and dissemination of reports, publications, and research outputs.
• Lead planning and logistics for high-profile academic conferences, symposia, policy briefings, and public engagement events (in-person and virtual).
• Work with external partners and vendors to coordinate speakers, sponsorships, venues, catering, accommodations, and travel arrangements.
• Manage logistics for the annual MacGill Summer School, ensuring seamless execution from planning through delivery.
• Provide program management support for additional Keough-Naughton research initiatives in Ireland as needed.

Knowledge Management & Stakeholder Engagement (20%)

• Maintain and expand the ARINS and Keough-Naughton network database of faculty, researchers, policymakers, and partner organizations.
• Serve as a key liaison with academic institutions, government bodies, and external partners involved in ARINS and related initiatives.
• Collaborate with the Dublin Director and ARINS leadership to identify and engage new strategic partners and stakeholders.
• Support community-building among researchers and partners while helping share research updates, news, and impact stories.

Administration & Operations (20%)

• Partner with Institute finance and operations teams to track budgets, timelines, and project resources.
• Maintain internal records related to ARINS research programs and events.
• Assist with recruiting and supervising temporary or student staff supporting research programs and events.
• Provide administrative support to the Dublin Director and senior academic leaders, particularly around program and project coordination.

Other Elements:

• Problem solving: Problems require research and gathering facts from various sources; solutions require specialized knowledge and the ability to conceptualize various possible solutions within a given framework
• Policy responsibility: Establishes operating policies and procedures for own work unit and interprets, executes, and recommends changes to department policy.
• Decision impact: Department
• Reporting relationships: no direct reports.
• Oversight and direction: Receives general direction working from established policies and objectives. Employee plans and carries out assignments and resolves most conflicts that arise. Completed work is checked only to determine feasibility and compatibility with other work, or effectiveness in meeting objectives of the unit.

Minimum Qualifications:

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences.
• At least 3-5 years of experience in project management, event coordination, or administration in an academic, research, or non-profit environment. 
• Proven experience in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and working to tight deadlines.
• Experience with high-level academic conferences or events, including logistics, speaker coordination, and sponsorship management.
• Experience with budget tracking and financial oversight.
• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to communicate effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work well in a collaborative, academic environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) or the Google platform
• Self-motivated, with a proactive approach to problem-solving and the ability to anticipate and address potential challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain high standards of quality in all aspects of work.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and handle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Flexibility, adaptability, and the ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• A commitment to supporting the mission of the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies and contributing to its growth and impact.
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Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with project management software
• Knowledge of the Irish Studies field or an interest in the subject

 

Salary Range: €61,000 – €64,000, commensurate with experience.

This position will be accepting applications until March 31, 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.