Executive Director, CATE

Established in 1842, the University of Notre Dame stands as a distinguished American research university with a unique identity rooted in its Catholic tradition. Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, the University is deeply committed to integrating faith and intellectual pursuit, aiming for excellence in teaching, cutting‑edge research, and dedicated service to the common good. Notre Dame cultivates a vibrant and inclusive campus where students, faculty, and staff collaborate to advance the University’s mission of being a positive influence globally.

Its world‑class resources, celebrated academic offerings, and dedication to innovation and ethical leadership create a dynamic and fulfilling workplace for those seeking to contribute significantly.

At the University of Notre Dame, the evolution of the Office of Undergraduate Education has resulted in the need for a new Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence, which will open to undergraduates in Fall 2026. CATE is a bold step forward on the University’s path to provide an unsurpassed undergraduate education responsive to the changing needs of students and the world.

The Center for Academic Transformation and Excellence is a central hub within the Office of Undergraduate Education where students from all colleges, schools, and years can easily access learning resources and academic engagement services fostering deep, active, and intentional learning. CATE’s knowledgeable, professional educators accompany students on their academic trajectories through individualized discernment, scholarly engagement advising, academic mentoring, and holistic support.

CATE houses mutually supportive communities that promote academic excellence through its peer‑facilitated study groups and cohort‑based scholars programs. CATE’s broad suite of programs and services supplements the robust and highly effective academic advising and learning resources provided by the University’s Colleges and Schools. Similarly, CATE’s academically‑focused student accompaniment is complemented by Notre Dame’s Division of Student Affairs’ faith and formation, health and well‑being, and belonging and engagement offerings.

CATE integrates into one organization programs and services that mostly functioned independently from each other in the past, even though they were all part of the Office of Undergraduate Education. As a consolidated organization under the leadership of an Executive Director, CATE is able to coordinate the operations and strategy of its constituent programs and services, improving the student experience by increasing the accessibility, efficacy, and efficiency of critical academic support and engagement services.

The Executive Director of the Center for Academic Transformation & Excellence sets the strategic and operational plan for the Center through the establishment of annual and mid‑term priorities that align with the Office of Undergraduate Education’s strategic plan and the University’s strategic framework. They will define and direct new and updated services, programs, processes, policies, and standards for the Center and will execute the Center’s operational plans in ways consistent with the Office of Undergraduate Education and University policies.

Within the first year, the Executive Director will build and recommend a strategic plan for the Center to the Vice President and Associate Provost for Undergraduate Education, focused on measures of success, assessment protocols, development of resources, and the intentional growth and curation of new services for students in alignment with campus needs.

The Executive Director supervises the directors of the Center’s three pillars (Undergraduate Learning and Academic Engagement Services, Undergraduate Scholars Programs, and Academic Services for Student‑Athletes) and may be intermittently responsible for supervising the work of external vendors and contractors. The incumbent is responsible for the organizational design of the Center in collaboration with the Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Education and, as approved by the VPAP of Undergraduate…