Foundation Relations Program Director

Key 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.
• 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.

Qualifications

• 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.
• 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 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.

Additional Information

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

Application Deadline to Apply: July 29, 2026

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

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