Academic Advancement Director, Research & Data

University of Notre Dame•Notre Dame, IN

22h•$110,000

About The Position

The University of Notre Dame is a Catholic academic community of higher learning, and our ability to successfully fundraise for our academic ambitions will help define our future. Unique in higher education, this is a role that is simultaneously at the heart of our academic community, and at the heart of our fundraising efforts, with the ability to influence both. The Director, Academic Advancement for Research and Data is charged with proactively and effectively connecting key academic units with the University's Department of Development, with the objective of securing philanthropy for stated priorities within Notre Dame Research, the IDEA Center, the Lucy Family Institute for Data and Society, and the Graduate School. Effective individuals will take high-level academic concepts and complex research initiatives and package them for fundraisers so that potential benefactors can see exactly how their gift changes the world. The individual will report to the Senior Associate Director, Academic Advancement, and be expected to meet annual collaborative production goals as developed with Academic Advancement leadership. To meet this annual goal, the individual will: 1) Build and actively manage a proposal pipeline; 2) Develop formal proposals to be presented to donors; and 3) Advance proposals from inception to conclusion. 4) Lead and liaise on a number of other endeavors that span Development and the academic units, such as Advisory Councils, immersions and educational sessions, and donor prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship. KEY PARTNERS: In pursuit of funding for approved priorities, this individual will develop strong relationships with four key groups of stakeholders: 1) Academic leaders, especially the VP of Research, Executive Director of the IDEA Center, Dean of the Graduate School, and Director of the Lucy Institute; 2) Development fundraisers; 3) University donors; 4) Leadership and other staff of the Department of Development. KEY ACTIVITIES & GOALS: In collaboration with academic leadership, develop a vision for fundraising priorities that is understandable and promotable by fundraisers and resonates with an external audience. In partnership with Development fundraisers, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward fundraising prospects with capacity and inclination to make leadership-level gifts. Advance within assigned units a culture of philanthropy and awareness of Development’s expectations, policies, processes, and procedures through formal and informal engagement of the VP/Dean/Director, faculty, and staff. Creatively develop messaging, packaging, and engagement opportunities around major initiatives for external and internal audiences. Educate Development fundraisers on current priorities and needs in assigned units. Administer the Graduate Studies and Research Advisory Council and IDEA Center Advisory Council as fundraising vehicles. We welcome and encourage those with diverse backgrounds and experiences whose talents elevate our work and foster an inclusive experience for everyone who cares for Notre Dame. For more information about why Notre Dame is one of the best places to work, visit our Benefits Page .

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree
5 – 6 years of professional or academic work experience
Excellent written and verbal communication skills
Evidence of a proactive approach to advancing projects from inception to conclusion
Evidence of ability to influence, persuade, and earn the trust of senior leadership to work with you toward a shared goal
Record of success in translating complex concepts into clear, compelling narratives
Evidence of effective collaboration and ability to work in a fast-paced environment
Ability to manage multiple priorities and projects
Ability to think and plan strategically for both short-term and long-term goals
Proven success accomplishing stated metrics and goals.
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States.
Deep commitment to Notre Dame’s mission and core values
Ability to inspire and engender a passion for Notre Dame
Unparalleled personal integrity
Persistence, resilience, and grit
Strong initiative and an outcomes-oriented work style
Optimistic and empowered attitude
Creative and entrepreneurial mindset
Intellectual curiosity in a wide range of interests related to the dimensions of an academic institution like Notre Dame

Nice To Haves

Sales and Marketing experience.
Fundraising Experience

Responsibilities

Build and actively manage a proposal pipeline
Develop formal proposals to be presented to donors
Advance proposals from inception to conclusion
Lead and liaise on a number of other endeavors that span Development and the academic units, such as Advisory Councils, immersions and educational sessions, and donor prospecting, cultivation, and stewardship
In collaboration with academic leadership, develop a vision for fundraising priorities that is understandable and promotable by fundraisers and resonates with an external audience
In partnership with Development fundraisers, identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward fundraising prospects with capacity and inclination to make leadership-level gifts
Advance within assigned units a culture of philanthropy and awareness of Development’s expectations, policies, processes, and procedures through formal and informal engagement of the VP/Dean/Director, faculty, and staff
Creatively develop messaging, packaging, and engagement opportunities around major initiatives for external and internal audiences
Educate Development fundraisers on current priorities and needs in assigned units
Administer the Graduate Studies and Research Advisory Council and IDEA Center Advisory Council as fundraising vehicles