What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Manager, Urban Poverty and Business Initiative (UBPI) position at University of Notre Dame?
Job Description
The McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business , part of the KeoughSchool of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, advances integral human development through research, policy, and practice. The Center is dedicated to addressing poverty and inequality through impactful initiatives, including the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative ( UPBI ). The UPBI is an annual 11-month program consisting of six components that helps low-income and disadvantaged entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. With a hub in South Bend, Indiana, the program now operates in 45 cities across the United States and internationally.
The Program Manager for UPBI will serve as leader of an expansion effort, responsible for driving the extension of UPBI to 13 identified cities in the United States and Canada, ensuring the initiative’s success through effective partnership development, strategic planning, and collaboration with corporate sponsors, marketing teams, and university stakeholders. This position will work with the McKenna team, oversee program rollouts, and ensure alignment with grant metrics and timelines.
Key Responsibilities
Partnership Development and Corporate Liaison – Identify and onboard new UPBI community partners and mentors within 13 cities, ensuring alignment with program goals and values. Serve as the primary point of contact for UPBI corporate sponsors supporting these 13 new cities, maintaining strong relationships and facilitating effective communication. Collaborate with internal marketing staff to identify suitable candidates and success stories for promotional campaigns.
Program Oversight and Management - Lead program rollout across all 13 cities, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and grant metrics are met. Supervise the Senior Program Coordinator and three student staff members, providing strategic guidance and support. Monitor program performance, address challenges proactively, and provide detailed progress reports to Center leadership and corporate sponsors.
Stakeholder Collaboration - Act as a liaison between the McKenna Center and university stakeholders, coordinating efforts related to this expansion with other departments, institutes, and initiatives within the Keough School. Represent the McKenna Center at university and community events to foster collaboration and promote UPBI initiatives.
Team and Resource Management – Provide leadership and support to the program team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Oversee budgets and resources to ensure programs operate efficiently and meet funding requirements.
This is a 2.5 year, limited term position. Extension will depend on additional funding.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
Experience And Skills
Department McKenna Center (36004)
Department Website https://mckennacenter.nd.edu/
Family / Sub-Family Academic Aff / Prgrm Admin_Other
Career Stream/Level EIC 1 Associate
FLSA Status S1 - FT Exempt
The McKenna Center for Human Development and Global Business , part of the KeoughSchool of Global Affairs at the University of Notre Dame, advances integral human development through research, policy, and practice. The Center is dedicated to addressing poverty and inequality through impactful initiatives, including the Urban Poverty and Business Initiative ( UPBI ). The UPBI is an annual 11-month program consisting of six components that helps low-income and disadvantaged entrepreneurs start and grow businesses. With a hub in South Bend, Indiana, the program now operates in 45 cities across the United States and internationally.
The Program Manager for UPBI will serve as leader of an expansion effort, responsible for driving the extension of UPBI to 13 identified cities in the United States and Canada, ensuring the initiative’s success through effective partnership development, strategic planning, and collaboration with corporate sponsors, marketing teams, and university stakeholders. This position will work with the McKenna team, oversee program rollouts, and ensure alignment with grant metrics and timelines.
Key Responsibilities
Partnership Development and Corporate Liaison – Identify and onboard new UPBI community partners and mentors within 13 cities, ensuring alignment with program goals and values. Serve as the primary point of contact for UPBI corporate sponsors supporting these 13 new cities, maintaining strong relationships and facilitating effective communication. Collaborate with internal marketing staff to identify suitable candidates and success stories for promotional campaigns.
Program Oversight and Management - Lead program rollout across all 13 cities, ensuring timelines, deliverables, and grant metrics are met. Supervise the Senior Program Coordinator and three student staff members, providing strategic guidance and support. Monitor program performance, address challenges proactively, and provide detailed progress reports to Center leadership and corporate sponsors.
Stakeholder Collaboration - Act as a liaison between the McKenna Center and university stakeholders, coordinating efforts related to this expansion with other departments, institutes, and initiatives within the Keough School. Represent the McKenna Center at university and community events to foster collaboration and promote UPBI initiatives.
Team and Resource Management – Provide leadership and support to the program team, fostering a collaborative and productive work environment. Oversee budgets and resources to ensure programs operate efficiently and meet funding requirements.
This is a 2.5 year, limited term position. Extension will depend on additional funding.
Minimum Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree (4 years)
Experience And Skills
- 3–5 years of experience in program management, business development, or a related field.
- Strong leadership and team management skills, with experience supervising staff and students.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to engage diverse audiences.
- Proven ability to manage partnerships and collaborate with corporate sponsors and community stakeholders.
- Exceptional organizational skills, with the ability to oversee multiple projects, manage deadlines, and track metrics.
- Experience with marketing initiatives or working with communications teams is a plus.
- Knowledge of social entrepreneurship and business initiatives aimed at addressing poverty and inequality.
- Familiarity with grant management and compliance requirements.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships across diverse sectors.
Department McKenna Center (36004)
Department Website https://mckennacenter.nd.edu/
Family / Sub-Family Academic Aff / Prgrm Admin_Other
Career Stream/Level EIC 1 Associate
FLSA Status S1 - FT Exempt
