Director, Academic Advancement: Affordability & Access

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 Affordability and Access is charged with proactively and effectively connecting the Enrollment Division with the University's Department of Development, with the objective of securing philanthropy for stated priorities within the Division. Effective individuals will take high-level academic concepts and complex initiatives and package them for fundraisers so that potential benefactors can see exactly how their gift changes the world. In particular, this role will be raising funding to support financial aid, Pathways to Notre Dame initiatives, and access programming (campus visit days and Pre-College programs).

The individual will report to the Senior Director, Academic Advancement, and in pursuit of funding for the Enrollment Division, will serve four primary constituents:

     1) The VP for Undergraduate Enrollment;

     2) Development Fundraisers;

     3) University donors;

     4) Leadership and other staff of the Department of Development.

This individual is 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 ACTIVITIES & GOALS:

• In collaboration with the Vice President of the Enrollment Division, 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 the Enrollment Division 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 pertaining to Affordability & Access. 
• Administer the Affordability & Access Advisory Council as a fundraising vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications:

• 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 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:

• Advanced degree.
• Sales and Marketing experience.
• Deep familiarity with national landscape of higher education financial aid, access, and affordability.
• 7+ years of experience in relationship management with a track record of closing six- and seven-figure gifts.

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

Application Deadline to Apply: September 15, 2026

Salary: Starting in the low $110s, Commensurate with experience

Benefits page: https://hr.nd.edu/benefits-compensation/

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.