Foundation Relations Program Director
About The Position
The University of Notre Dame is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and highly collaborative Director of Foundation Relations. This pivotal role is charged with growing external support for University research and programs from private foundations through effective alignment strategy, proposal development, and stewardship. This individual will work directly with Notre Dame faculty, staff, and administrators to understand, synthesize, and articulate research expertise and funding needs for a grantmaking audience. They will also proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation partners, matching funding opportunities with projects within the Academy. This Director will oversee a portfolio of faculty and foundations and will work to achieve an individual production goal. The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, creative thinker who can approach and translate complex ideas from multiple angles, possesses superior writing and editing skills, and easily earns credibility within an academic setting. Intellectual curiosity and interest in working with researchers from across the University, regardless of field, are essential, but candidates with a background in specific disciplinary areas (e.g., STEM) are also encouraged to apply.
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 (such as research development or university administration).
- Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with a proven track record of writing, editing, and finalizing successful proposals, Letters of Inquiry (LOIs), or complex reports.
- Demonstrated experience working with high-level stakeholders, managing a portfolio, or cultivating relationships that lead to successful project outcomes.
- Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to collaborate across diverse departments, offices, or multi-disciplinary teams.
- Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.
- Must be willing to relocate to South Bend, Indiana, where the position is based.
Nice To Haves
- Advanced degree (Master’s or Ph.D. in relevant field)
- Deep familiarity with a high-level academic research environment, including an understanding of university structures, faculty culture, and the mechanisms of academic research enterprise.
- Direct experience in foundation relations within higher education, with documented success in securing major awards.
Responsibilities
- Partner directly with faculty within assigned disciplines to surface, explore, and prioritize academic research for philanthropic solicitation.
- Initiate, execute, and evaluate strategies to expand the foundation prospect pool, creating connections that lead to sustained, long-term partnerships.
- Draft, edit, review, and finalize Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) and full grant proposals in close coordination with faculty, ensuring tight alignment 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 with faculty and leadership.
- Convene and collaborate with faculty to align their research objectives with specific foundation interests.
- Partner closely with Notre Dame Research (NDR) to develop proposals and ensure administrative alignment.
- Attend faculty presentations, departmental meetings, and college events to stay integrated with the academic community.
Benefits
- Starts in the low $110ks, commensurate with experience.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
