Foundation Relations Director - STEM Research Partnerships

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; Notre Dame (IN); On-site; USD 99,000 - 121,000; Full time

Job summary

The University of Notre Dame is seeking a dynamic Director of Foundation Relations to grow external support for University research and programs from private foundations, aligning strategy with the College of Engineering and the Data, AI, and Computing Initiative.

The role involves cultivating foundation partners, drafting LOIs and full proposals, and coordinating campus visits, while partnering with faculty and Notre Dame Research to advance funded projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.
• 3–5 years fundraising, grant writing, or foundation relations experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication with proven proposal-writing track record.
• Experience managing portfolios and cultivating high-level stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Surface, explore, and prioritize high-impact academic research for philanthropic solicitation.
• Develop LOIs and full grant proposals with faculty to align with foundation focus areas.
• Create and execute an annual plan for proposal submissions and foundation engagement.
• Coordinate campus visits for foundation representatives to meet faculty and leadership.
• Engage faculty to align research objectives with foundation interests; collaborate with Notre Dame Research.

Skills

Grant writing

Fundraising experience

Stakeholder management

Communication skills

Relationship cultivation

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree preferred

Job description

The University of Notre Dame is seeking a dynamic Director of Foundation Relations to grow external support for University research and programs from private foundations, aligning strategy with the College of Engineering and the Data, AI, and Computing Initiative.

The role involves cultivating foundation partners, drafting LOIs and full proposals, and coordinating campus visits, while partnering with faculty and Notre Dame Research to advance funded projects.