Foundation Relations Program Director

University of Notre Dame • Notre Dame, IN

5d • $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The University of Notre Dame seeks a dynamic, analytical, and collaborative Director of Foundation Relations to grow external support for University research and programs from private foundations. The role develops effective alignment strategies, proposals, and stewardship in partnership with Notre Dame faculty, staff, and administrators, particularly in engineering, computer science, data science, and related fields. The Director translates complex technical research and funding needs for grantmaking audiences; identifies, cultivates, solicits, and stewards foundation partners; and matches philanthropic and scientific funding opportunities with priority projects. The Director oversees a portfolio of faculty and foundations and works toward an individual production goal.

The position is based in South Bend, Indiana, and the successful candidate must be willing to relocate there. The position is open until filled, with applications evaluated on a rolling basis. A resume and cover letter are required. Salary starts in the low $110,000s, commensurate with experience.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 3 to 5 years of professional experience in fundraising, grant writing, corporate/foundation relations, or a closely related field.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven record of writing, editing, and finalizing successful proposals, Letters of Inquiry, or complex reports.
• Experience working with high-level stakeholders, managing a portfolio, or cultivating relationships that lead to successful project outcomes.
• Strong interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to collaborate across departments, offices, or multidisciplinary teams.
• Authorization to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
• Willingness to relocate to South Bend, Indiana.

Nice To Haves

• Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline.
• Deep familiarity with a high-level academic research environment, including university structures, faculty culture, and the academic research enterprise.
• Direct experience in foundation relations within higher education, with documented success in securing major awards.

Responsibilities

• Partner with leadership and faculty to identify, explore, and prioritize high-impact academic research for philanthropic solicitation.
• Initiate, execute, and evaluate strategies to expand the foundation prospect pool and build sustained, long-term partnerships.
• Draft, edit, review, and finalize Letters of Inquiry and full grant proposals with faculty, aligning submissions with foundation focus areas.
• Develop and execute an annual plan for proposal submissions, institutional meetings, foundation engagement, and stewardship.
• Facilitate introductions and coordinate campus visits for foundation representatives to meet faculty and leadership.
• Collaborate with faculty in assigned disciplines to align research objectives with specific foundation interests.
• Partner with Notre Dame Research to develop proposals and ensure administrative alignment.
• Attend faculty presentations, departmental meetings, and college events to stay connected to the academic community.
• Manage a portfolio of faculty and foundations and work toward an individual production goal.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director