Research Associate, Community Partnerships and Public Engagement in the Arts

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

Notre Dame’s newly established, cross-campus Arts Initiative brings together the people and programs of the University’s extended arts community to foster interdisciplinary collaboration and define the arts as vital to campus and community life. By transcending conventional boundaries — between art forms and across disciplines — the initiative mobilizes the transformative power of the arts to advance knowledge, invigorate learning, and foster human solidarity.

Public-facing arts research and creative practice are at the heart of the initiative’s efforts to establish Notre Dame as a premier destination to study, practice, and experience the arts. By supporting and enhancing university and local arts programming – from exhibitions to performances to symposia – the initiative aims to sustain welcoming and intellectually rich environments for artistic collaboration and exchange both on and off-campus. 

As part of this effort, the Arts Initiative invites applications for a two-year research associate specializing in community partnerships and public engagement. The research associate will work directly with the Arts Initiative’s Director and Managing Director to plan, implement, and evaluate its community engaged arts programming, including for the inaugural Notre Dame Arts Biennial 2027, a six-month collaborative endeavor grounded in the visual, performing, and literary arts. By strengthening partnerships with local organizations and cultivating new national and global connections, the research associate will play a key, curatorial role in the Arts Biennial and will help to ensure its accessibility, inclusivity, and impact.

Key responsibilities:

• Deepen your understanding of how to build and sustain impactful community partnerships and public programming from within an academic arts setting
• Develop, implement, and assess collaborative arts programming with local organizations, businesses, and individual artists in South Bend and the region
• Curate community arts exhibitions and performances taking place both on and off campus during the Notre Dame Arts Biennial
• Assist with digital and print storytelling efforts

This position is perfect for someone with relevant experience who is considering pursuing an advanced degree in arts administration or in a field with significant community engaged research and teaching. This position is also perfect for someone who already holds a relevant advanced degree and is looking to deepen their experience through mentored, project-based work.

This is a full-time, in-person position with the Arts Initiative. The position is anticipated to run from August 15, 2025 through August 15, 2027 (with an appointment renewal process after the end of the first year), but we can be flexible on the start date. The annual stipend for this position is $55,000, plus benefits.

• Bachelor’s degree
• A deep commitment to supporting the flourishing of the South Bend - Elkhart region through the arts
• Meaningful prior experience working with and in communities outside of coursework
• Arts administration, producing and/or curatorial experience, especially in festival or multi-site settings
• Public relations, marketing, or other relevant communications experience
• Adaptive, creative, and collaborative problem-solving skills
• Strong writing and public speaking skills
• Willingness to work occasional nights and weekends based on event schedules

Preferred qualifications

• Advanced degree in the arts or humanities
• 3+ years of experience with community engaged scholarship and/or public programming in the fine or liberal arts
• Experience working in academic arts settings

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following:

• Cover Letter
• Resume

We will begin reviewing applications on July 18, 2025 and will continue until the position is filled. Please direct any questions to [email protected].

At Notre Dame, we know our impact depends on exceptional people, people like you. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. In keeping with our mission, we encourage applications from all who will help build and strengthen our beloved community. We strive to empower every employee to flourish, knowing your success propels Notre Dame to new heights of impact.