Academic Director, College of Engineering

Founded in 1842, the University of Notre Dame is a leading American research university that offers a distinctive voice in higher education. As a Catholic institution with a strong tradition of faith and intellectual inquiry, Notre Dame is committed to excellence in teaching, research, and service to the common good.

Located in Notre Dame, Indiana, the University is home to a vibrant campus community of students, faculty, and staff who are dedicated to fostering an inclusive environment and advancing the University’s mission to be a force for good in the world. With world‑class facilities, renowned academic programs, and a deep commitment to innovation and ethical leadership, Notre Dame provides a dynamic and rewarding workplace for those who seek to make a meaningful impact.

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 Engineering 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 the College of Engineering. 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:

• Build and actively manage a proposal pipeline.
• Develop formal proposals to be presented to donors.
• Advance proposals from inception to conclusion.
• 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.

• Dean of the College of Engineering
• Development fundraisers
• University donors
• Leadership and other staff of the Department of Development

• In collaboration with the Dean of the College of Engineering, develop a vision for fundraising priorities that is understandable and promo table 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 the College of Engineering a culture of philanthropy and awareness of Development’s expectations, policies, processes, and procedures through formal and informal engagement of the Dean, 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 the College of Engineering.
• Administer the College of Engineering Advisory Council as a fundraising vehicle.

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
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• 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…