Harding promoted to lead expanded strategic planning office

Erin Hoffmann Harding, most recently assistant vice president for strategic planning and special projects at the University of Notre Dame, has been promoted to the newly created position of associate vice president for strategic planning, according to Notre Dame’s president, Rev. John I. Jenkins, C.S.C. Her appointment is effective July 1.

In her new role, Harding will lead the new Office of Strategic Planning, which is designed to serve the University by providing accurate, insightful and transparent central support and analysis for Notre Dame’s strategic planning and assessment efforts.  She will work directly for Father Jenkins, Provost Thomas G. Burish, and Executive Vice President John Affleck-Graves, serve as a member of the University’s Officers’ Group and work closely with the deans.

Similar to Harding’s previous role, the office will be responsible for coordinating annual initiatives associated with the University’s major goals, developing and implementing an annual assessment process for these overall goals, and supporting major University-wide planning initiatives such as the Strategic Academic Planning Committee.

The expanded office will provide assistance to colleges, schools and divisions with their strategic plans.  Members of the office will be available to serve as facilitators or consultants on planning efforts and special projects for individual units.  The office will serve as a central repository of all college and division plans in order to support central planning efforts.  Harding also will staff the academic departmental review process and oversee the Office of Institutional Research.

“Strategic planning is critical for any institution of higher education, and particularly so at Notre Dame as we strive to realize our lofty aspirations. Erin's experience and savvy will be a great asset to Notre Dame’s efforts in this critical area,” Father Jenkins said. “With her coordination, direction and guidance, I am most confident that we are bound for success as we set out to fulfill the University’s ambitious plans for the future.”

It is Harding’s hope that this office will become a valuable resource to the University community.

“Notre Dame is immersed in an exciting period of growth, and I welcome the opportunity to assist our academic and administrative leaders in achieving the University’s aspirations,” she said.

Prior to coming to Notre Dame in 2005, Harding served as a management consultant in the Chicago and Cleveland offices of the international consulting firm McKinsey & Co.  During her career there, Harding served large clients in engagements spanning strategic, operational and organizational issues.  Her clients included chemical companies, financial institutions, a state government and a major urban school system, though she concentrated specifically on serving non-profit health care institutions during her last several years at the firm.

Harding earned an undergraduate business degree summa cum laude from Notre Dame and a juris doctor degree magna cum laude from Harvard Law School.  While at Harvard, she also taught legal writing to first-year law students, served as president of Harvard’s Board of Student Advisers, and received a Dean's Award for her service to the law school community.  She is a member of the Illinois bar.

Locally, Harding is active in the Junior League of South Bend and the Basilica Schola, and she also has provided pro bono consulting support to the Center for the Homeless.  Her husband, Ryan, is a partner in the law firm of McDermott Will & Emery in Chicago.

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