Foundation Relations Program Director (Engineering, Data, AI & Computing)

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

Job summary

University of Notre Dame is seeking a dynamic Foundation Relations Program Director to drive external support for engineering, data, AI, and computing initiatives. The role focuses on strategy, proposal development, and stewardship, working closely with College of Engineering and Notre Dame's Data, AI, and Computing Initiative.

The ideal candidate excels at translating complex technical ideas for non-technical audiences, with superior writing/editing skills and a demonstrated ability to build

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited institution.
• 3–5 years of professional fundraising or grant-writing experience.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication with track record of successful proposals.
• Experience managing portfolios and cultivating stakeholder relationships.
• Ability to translate technical concepts for non-technical audiences.

Responsibilities

• Surface, explore, and prioritize high-impact research for philanthropic solicitation.
• Expand the foundation prospect pool and build long-term partnerships.
• Draft, edit, and finalize LOIs and full grant proposals.
• Develop and execute an annual plan for foundation engagement and stewardship.
• Coordinate campus visits for foundation representatives, and engage with faculty and leadership.
• Collaborate with Notre Dame Research to align proposals with administrative processes.

Skills

Fundraising

Grant Writing

Stakeholder Management

Proposal Development

Writing & Editing

Education

Bachelor's degree

Advanced degree (Preferred)

Job description

Foundation Relations Program Director (Engineering, Data, AI & Computing)

• Full-time
• Division: VP for University Relations
• Job Subfamily: Regional Dvlpmt - EX012
• Unit: Foundation Relations - 22005
• Job Family: External Relations

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, focusing primarily on a portfolio supporting the College of Engineering and Notre Dame's Data, AI, and Computing Initiative.

The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, creative thinker who can approach and translate sophisticated technical, computational, and scientific concepts for non-technical audiences, possesses superior writing and editing skills, and easily earns credibility within an academic STEM setting. Intellectual curiosity and a strong interest in working with cutting-edge researchers in engineering, artificial intelligence, machine learning, and advanced computing are essential.

Key Responsibilities

Foundation Relations & Portfolio Management

Partner directly with leadership and faculty within the College of Engineering and the Data, AI, and Computing Initiative to surface, explore, and prioritize high-impact 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.

Research & Proposal Development

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.

Faculty Engagement

Partner directly with faculty within assigned disciplines to surface, explore, and prioritize academic research for philanthropic solicitation.

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.

Minimum Qualifications

• 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 STEM-focused grant management).
• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree (Master's or Ph.D.) in a relevant discipline.
• Background or strong familiarity with data science, artificial intelligence, computing technologies, or engineering research fields.
• 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.

Application Deadline to Apply: October 13, 2026

Starts in the low $110ks, commensurate with experience.

This position is located in South Bend, Indiana.

The University of Notre Dame seeks to attract, develop, and retain the highest quality faculty, staff and administration. The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin, sex, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or age in employment. Moreover, Notre Dame prohibits discrimination against veterans or disabled qualified individuals, and complies with 41 CFR 60-741.5(a) and 41 CFR 60-300.5(a). We strongly encourage applications from candidates attracted to a university with a Catholic identity.