"Research Programmes Manager"

The Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies at the University of Notre Dame is seeking a highly organized and collaborative Research Programmes Manager to support the coordination and delivery of major international research initiatives and academic events at its Dublin office.

This role comes at an exciting time of growth for the Institute. In 2024, the University of Notre Dame received a transformational gift to expand the Analysing and Researching Ireland, North and South (ARINS) Project, a major collaboration with the Royal Irish Academy. ARINS brings together leading scholars and policymakers to explore political, economic, and social issues shaping the future of Ireland.

The Research Programmes Manager will play a key role in advancing ARINS and related initiatives by coordinating research activities, supporting collaboration among scholars across Ireland, the United Kingdom, and the United States, and helping deliver high-profile conferences, policy briefings, and public engagement events.

Key Responsibilities

Program Implementation (approximately 60%)

The Research Programmes Manager will oversee the coordination and implementation of ARINS research programs, including new initiatives launching in 2026 that will bring together researchers from Ireland and internationally.

Working closely with the Dublin Director and the broader Keough-Naughton Institute team, the manager will support the strategic development and long-term planning of ARINS programs. The role serves as a key administrative contact for ARINS initiatives, coordinating communication between Notre Dame teams in Dublin, Belfast, and South Bend; the Royal Irish Academy; and a wide network of faculty researchers and partner organizations.

Responsibilities include coordinating research committees by scheduling meetings, managing timelines, and facilitating collaboration across institutions. The manager will also assist with preparing and sharing research outputs such as reports, publications, and program updates.

Event planning is another central component of the role. The Research Programmes Manager will organize conferences, academic symposia, policy briefings, and public engagement events—both in person and virtually. This includes coordinating speakers, managing venues, arranging travel and accommodations, and working with vendors to ensure events run smoothly.

The role will also oversee logistics for the MacGill Summer School, a prominent public affairs forum that brings together political leaders, scholars, journalists, and policymakers to discuss key issues affecting Ireland and the wider world.

Knowledge Management and Stakeholder Engagement (approximately 20%)

The Research Programmes Manager will help maintain and expand the Institute’s network of scholars, policymakers, and partner organizations by managing a database of collaborators connected to ARINS and related programs.

The role will act as a liaison with universities, government bodies, and research organizations involved in ARINS initiatives. Working with Institute leadership, the manager will help identify opportunities to engage new strategic partners and strengthen existing relationships.

This position will also support community-building among researchers and collaborators by sharing program updates, highlighting research impact, and helping maintain ongoing engagement with program participants and partners.

Administration and Operations (approximately 20%)

The role includes operational and administrative responsibilities that ensure research programs run effectively. The Research Programmes Manager will partner with finance and operations teams to track budgets, timelines, and program resources.

Additional responsibilities include maintaining internal records related to ARINS programs and events, assisting with the coordination of temporary or student staff who support research initiatives, and providing administrative and project coordination support to the Dublin Director and senior academic leaders.

This position operates with a high degree of independence while collaborating with teams across multiple institutions and locations.

Minimum Qualifications

• A Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field such as Business Administration, Arts, Humanities, or Social Sciences.
• 3–5 years of experience in project management, event coordination, or administration within an academic, research, or non-profit environment.
• Proven experience managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders and working within tight deadlines.
• Experience coordinating 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 and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to work collaboratively in an 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 challenges.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high standards of quality.
• Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• A commitment to supporting the mission of the Keough-Naughton Institute for Irish Studies and contributing to its continued growth and impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Familiarity with project management software.
• Knowledge of the Irish Studies field or a demonstrated interest in the subject area.

Salary

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

Application Deadline

This position will be accepting applications until March 31, 2026.

To apply: https://apptrkr.com/6991490