Scaling Associate | LEO

LEO is seeking a highly organized, analytical, and mission-driven professional to serve as its Scaling Associate — a dynamic role focused on expanding proven, evidence-based programs into new communities. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Policy and Scale, this position will support high-priority replication initiatives across nonprofit, government, and social impact settings while managing projects related to implementation infrastructure, fidelity tracking, site readiness research, operational coordination, and performance monitoring. This role is essential to advancing evidence-to-action efforts by building scalable systems, supporting multi-site implementation, and strengthening the tools and processes that sustain successful program expansion. Ideal candidates are collaborative, detail-oriented problem solvers who thrive in fast-paced environments and are energized by strategic execution, continuous improvement, and measurable social impact.

Who we are

The Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities (LEO) at the University of Notre Dame is a research center dedicated to reducing poverty by partnering with service providers to conduct rigorous impact evaluations.  LEO’s mission is to improve lives through evidence-based programs and policies, empowering decision-makers with data that drives lasting social change.

LEO’s replication portfolio is rapidly expanding, with multiple programs scaling across new sites nationwide and additional initiatives entering early replication stages each year and, as LEO’s replication and scaling efforts continue to grow, so does the opportunity to expand the reach of proven, evidence-based programs into new communities.  The Scaling Associate will help support this growth through fidelity monitoring, implementation tracking, operational coordination, and the development of practical resources that help bring evidence-based solutions to scale.  By strengthening the infrastructure, tools, and coordination needed to support high-quality program replication and long-term impact, the Scaling Associate plays a critical role in helping to advance LEO’s work.

Who we need

As part of LEO’s growing Policy and Scale team, this position offers a unique opportunity to help shape the systems, tools, and operational infrastructure behind LEO’s rapidly expanding replication work. Reporting to the Assistant Director of Policy and Scale, the Scaling Associate will support high-priority initiatives related to replication infrastructure, fidelity monitoring, site readiness research, implementation tracking, and external communications. This role will help strengthen the processes and resources that enable successful program replication while supporting coordination across sites, partners, and strategic initiatives.

The Scaling Associate will work closely with internal teams, replication partners, and external stakeholders to support implementation efforts, improve operational workflows, and contribute to the continued growth of LEO’s scaling work. This role plays a direct part in helping evidence-based programs maintain quality and consistency as they expand into diverse settings, influencing how effectively organizations adopt and deliver proven interventions. Ideal candidates are collaborative, detail-oriented problem solvers with strong communication, organizational, and analytical skills who thrive in fast-paced environments and are energized by mission-driven work, continuous improvement, and expanding the reach of data-informed social impact.

The Scaling Associate’s top priorities will be

Replication Infrastructure Development and Maintenance

• Partner with the Policy and Scale team to develop, refine, and maintain the operational infrastructure that supports the successful expansion of LEO’s evidence-based programs 
• Create and manage implementation resources, onboarding materials, process documentation, tracking systems, and scalable templates that support replication efforts across new program sites

Fidelity Monitoring and Performance Tracking

• Monitor implementation progress across replication sites by tracking timelines, key milestones, performance indicators, and operational deliverables
• Maintain organized systems and proactively identify risks, delays, or implementation challenges to support effective decision-making and continuous improvement

Site Readiness and Landscape Research

• Conduct research and landscape analysis to support the identification, evaluation, and preparation of prospective replication sites
• Synthesize findings, organize key insights, and contribute to strategic recommendations that inform site selection and implementation planning

External Material Development and Coordination with Communications Team

• Develop clear, audience-focused materials — including summaries, one-pagers, briefing documents, and impact resources — that communicate LEO’s evidence and replication efforts
• Collaborate with the Communications team to share program developments, implementation progress, and key findings through accessible and mission-aligned messaging

Other Duties as Assigned

• Contribute to the continued growth and evolution of LEO’s expanding Policy and Scale team by supporting emerging priorities and strategic initiatives
• Provide flexible, cross-functional support within a fast-paced and collaborative environment focused on scaling evidence-driven social impact

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

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Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Minimum of 1-2 years of relevant professional experience in project scaling, materials development, innovative solutions, impact scouting, and cross-functional collaboration, preferably within a nonprofit, higher education, policy, or mission-driven environment

Required

• Strong organizational skills, with the ability to manage multiple workstreams and deadlines
• Analytical skills with experience tracking metrics, synthesizing data, and identifying performance trends or risks
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Excellent time management
• Experience developing tools, templates, or operational resources to support program implementation
• Ability to work collaboratively with internal teams and external partners
• Attention to detail and commitment to maintaining high-quality documentation and processes
• Ability to problem solve, ask probing questions, and execute on decisions made by Policy and Scale team members
• A clear commitment to LEO’s mission and values

Preferred

• Experience working within a university or higher education setting 
• Familiarity with nonprofit, public sector, or social impact organizations
• Experience working with or analyzing the results of randomized control trials (RCTs), program evaluation, or evidence-based interventions
• Experience supporting multi-site program implementation or replication efforts
• Ability to translate complex research findings into actionable, clear, accessible material

Application Deadline: June 11, 2026

Hiring Pay Range: Up to $65,000 | Commensurate with experience

Required Application Materials: Resume and cover letter

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

Location: LEO is based at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, Indiana. This position requires an on-site presence, with candidates expected to work in the office three to five days per week.

This is a five-year, limited-term position. 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.