Academic Advancement Director, Research & Data

For over 180 years, the University of Notre Dame has been a leading American research university, offering a distinct perspective in higher education. This Catholic institution, based in Notre Dame, Indiana, is driven by a powerful blend of faith and intellectual curiosity, consistently pursuing excellence in education, groundbreaking research, and service to society. Notre Dame fosters a welcoming and vibrant campus where students, faculty, and staff are united in their commitment to creating an inclusive community and making a difference in the world. For individuals passionate about innovation, ethical leadership, and leveraging world-class facilities and renowned academic programs, Notre Dame provides a dynamic and impactful career path.

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.

• 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.

Certain qualities will be key to success in this role. They include:

 

• 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

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Sales and Marketing experience.
• Fundraising Experience

Salary: Starting in the low $110,000's; commensurate with experience

Applications will be accepted through March 10, 2026

RESUME & COVER LETTER ARE REQUIRED to be considered for this position. Please add in the attachments section of your application.

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.