Senior Associate Director for Scholarship

Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is a leading American research university that offers a distinctive voice in higher education. As a Catholic institution with a strong tradition of faith and intellectual inquiry, Notre Dame is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service to the common good.

Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, the University is home to a vibrant campus community of students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and advancing the University’s mission to be a force for good in the world. With world-class facilities, renowned academic programs, and a deep commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame provides a dynamic and rewarding workplace for those who seek to make a meaningful impact.

The University of Notre Dame, the leading Catholic global research University, offers undergraduate, graduate, and professional students the opportunity to pursue their academic endeavors in a scholarly community that is enriched by Catholic intellectual and cultural traditions. As the University advances the vision outlined in Notre Dame 2033: A Strategic Framework, the Undergraduate Enrollment team is seeking an innovative, mission-oriented, strategic leader for the position of Senior Associate Director for Scholarships.

The Undergraduate Enrollment Division works to open doors to a Notre Dame education, empowering students to pursue, discover, and share knowledge, truth, and faith as a powerful means for good. The division is committed to creating socioeconomic mobility for students from all pathways, increasing the global Catholic community on its campus, and ensuring that the Notre Dame undergraduate student body represents gifts and experiences of the full human family.

The Senior Associate Director for Scholarships is a high-impact leadership position responsible for the strategic management, allocation, and stewardship of the University’s comprehensive scholarship portfolio. Reporting to the Director of Financial Aid Technology within the Enrollment Division, you will ensure that Notre Dame remains competitive in attracting top-tier talent while maintaining our commitment to meeting the full demonstrated financial need of our students.

Key Responsibilities:

• Strategic Portfolio Management: Oversee the administration of university-wide merit and need-based scholarships, ensuring alignment with the VP for Undergraduate Enrollment’s recruitment and retention goals.

• Donor Stewardship & Collaboration: Partner closely with the University Relations/Development office to ensure scholarship funds are awarded in strict accordance with donor intent. Provide data-driven insights for donor reports.

• Compliance & Policy Oversight: Serve as the subject matter expert on federal, state, and institutional regulations regarding gift aid. Ensure all awarding processes pass rigorous internal and external audits.

• Systems & Data Analysis: Utilize specialized financial aid software to optimize the awarding cycle. Monitor the $90,000+ departmental budget and broader scholarship expenditures to prevent over/under-awarding.

• Team Leadership: Lead a dedicated team of financial aid professionals, fostering a culture of empathy, precision, and "Golden Dome" excellence in student service.

• Education Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree (4 years) in Accounting/Finance, Communications, or related field. 
• Experience: 5 to 6 years
• Advanced Knowledge:• Mastery of financial aid regulations, compliance frameworks, and the complex interplay between restricted gift accounting and student need.
• Analytical Competencies: The ability to manage thousands of distinct University accounts and hundreds of millions in endowed value with zero-margin for error
• Collaborative Leadership: Proven ability to navigate a matrixed environment, working effectively with colleagues in Finance, University Relations, Athletics, the Provost Office, etc.
• Mission Alignment: Enthusiasm for the University's Catholic character and commitment to access and affordability.

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

Pay range: Up to $88,000, commensurate with experience

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.