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Poverty Research Fellows Specialist

Wilson Sheehan Lab for Economic Opportunities

Job Description

LEO is looking for a proactive, self-starter who desires to be part of solving one of the most critical issues our nation faces today – poverty. The Poverty Research Fellows (PRF) Specialist is responsible for supporting the development and implementation of LEO’s undergraduate Fellows program and network of PRF alumni.

The Poverty Research Fellows program:

LEO’s 10-year strategic plan includes the development and implementation of a program for Notre Dame undergraduates. The Poverty Research Fellows (PRF) program educates undergraduates in the creation and use of evidence-based practices and policies to end poverty. The program offers a number of opportunities for Notre Dame undergraduates: special programming throughout the year and the summer; funded internships; an academic concentration in evidence-based poverty alleviation within the economics department (launching in Spring 2026); and immersive learning experience trips during fall and spring breaks (launching in Fall 2026).

Who we need:

We are looking for someone who is aligned with LEO’s mission, interested in the formation of undergraduate students, and driven to develop new and creative ways to engage students within the PRF program. The Poverty Research Fellows Specialist will lead the planning and implementation of the summer and academic year internships, develop and support special programming throughout the academic year, and engage the alumni network.

The Poverty Research Fellows Specialist’s top priorities include:

Summer and Academic Year Internship Logistics - The PRF Specialist will coordinate all aspects of the summer and academic year internship, including recruiting, hiring, and onboarding the students. The PRF Specialist will work with the leaders of each team within LEO to develop the responsibilities and training needs of the interns in each area.
Summer Internship Programming - Every summer, more than 20 undergraduate Fellows will participate in a full-time, funded internship serving in various roles with LEO. Approximately 15-20% of the summer internship time is dedicated to programming and events that focus on their development, formation, and community-building. The Poverty Research Fellows Specialist will be responsible for creating and implementing this programming over the course of the 10 week summer internship. The Specialist will work with LEO’s faculty, staff, non-profit service provider partners, policymakers, local organizations, and more to develop each program.
Academic Year Programming - The Specialist will develop and implement ongoing programs during the academic year for Poverty Research Fellows to engage with one another, as well as ongoing opportunities for academic and professional development. This programming for Poverty Research Fellows will include special access to guest lecturers, dinners with LEO faculty and leadership, career networking, social engagements, and more. The Specialist will be responsible for developing and implementing all of this programming, including establishing and fostering the relationships needed to make these efforts successful.
PRF Alumni Network Engagement – The PRF Alumni Network was recently established to foster continued collaboration with Poverty Research Fellows after graduation. The Specialist will continue to develop the network and grow engagement through ongoing communications, outreach, and invitations to events on and off campus. Examples of continued collaboration include inviting alumni to attend special programs or serve as guest lecturers, connecting current students with PRF alumni for specialized job shadowing opportunities, and career coaching for undergraduates.

Please note: This is a three-year, limited-term position. Contingent on funding, the position may be extended.