Director, Regional Development

The University of Notre Dame is more than a workplace; it is a vibrant, mission-driven community where every employee is valued and supported. Rooted in a tradition of excellence and inspired by our Catholic character, Notre Dame is committed to fostering an environment of care that nurtures the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Here, you will find a deep sense of belonging, a culture that prioritizes well-being, and the opportunity to grow your career while being a force for good in the world. Whether contributing to world-class research, shaping the student experience, or supporting the University’s mission in other ways, you will be part of a dedicated team working to make a meaningful impact on campus and beyond. At Notre Dame, your work matters, and so do you!

The University of Notre Dame is hiring a Director of Regional Development to advance our mission by unlocking the grace of giving. If you are ready to make a meaningful impact as a front-line fundraiser and help others contribute in philanthropic ways to support the University’s priorities For Good, then this role may be for you.

Reporting directly to a Senior Director of Regional Development, this fundraising role supports the University’s development efforts as you identify, cultivate, steward, and secure leadership-level gifts. As Director of Regional Development, you will have the opportunity to make a lasting contribution in a working environment that values trust, transparency, teamwork, driving change, feedback and fun.

To fulfill the goals & priorities of this role, you’ll need to:

• Be the kind of person who enjoys building meaningful, long-term relationships.
• Have experience and ease interacting with C-suite level of clients, donors, and benefactors.
• Know how to cultivate significant gifts, make “big asks” and close complex agreements.
• Enjoy traveling, with the ability to organize your travel schedule according to established goals and priorities.
• Be a strategic-thinker, creative problem-solver and team player.
• Cast a compelling vision for sustainable philanthropy rather than the short gain of single gifts.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

Your ability to successfully, efficiently, and professionally perform the following duties and responsibilities is an essential ingredient in meeting the University Relations objectives for Regional Development.

• Identify, cultivate and solicit gifts that connect the philanthropic interests of donors with the priorities and needs of the University.
• Develop long-term relationships and lasting rapport with current and future benefactors whose resources will support and sustain the mission of Notre Dame.
• Represent the University at a significant number of regional and campus events, which means travel, evening, and weekend activity is routine (at least 50%).
• Work in close collaboration with academic leaders and Development Department colleagues to match each donor’s vision with the needs of the University.
• Meet annual goals and priorities as established by the team and the department.
• Subscribe to and abide by the University Mission & Core Values.
• Be willing to travel to one of seven regions across the US: Eastern, NY Metro, Southern, Central, Illinois, Southwest, Northwest.
• Note: relocation to the South Bend region is REQUIRED for this role.

WHY THIS WORK MATTERS:

Our work advances the mission of Notre Dame to make a positive, lasting impact in the world each and every day. By listening and understanding what a benefactor tells you is most important in their lives you will use their passions as a guide to bring them into a direct connection and support of the area within the University that aligns most closely with their interests. You will travel to your designated region to meet benefactors, getting to know and understand them, their families, and their world view at a very intimate level. You will also develop close relationships with the smart, dedicated colleagues all around you, making this a truly great place to work. This is how you will leave an indelible mark on the University of Notre Dame, our benefactors, and ultimately, our students.

FOR GOOD, FOR YOU:

Our mission is to be a Force for Good in the world, and that means supporting your goals, too! Whatever matters most to you, from childcare to professional development to retirement, the University of Notre Dame offers an amazing array of benefits to support and enhance wherever you are in life. To learn more, visit Our Benefits Page.

If you feel a close connection to Notre Dame – the mission, the people, the campus, and the impact that we make together – this will be a great opportunity for you!

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MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (i.e., business, finance, marketing, communications, education) and 5 years of related experience required.
• Ability to build rapport with donors, benefactors, and colleagues.
• Strong communication (written & verbal), organizational, and time management skills.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, access, integrity, learning, and anti-racism.
• Willingness to learn relevant tax, estate law, and planned giving mechanisms.
• Regional and/or international travel required, depending on regional assignment.
• Deep commitment to Notre Dame’s mission and values, and the ability to inspire passion for Notre Dame.
• Results-oriented, optimistic, and empowered attitude.
• Creative, entrepreneurial, and intellectually curious mindset.
• Commitment to defending the dignity of every human person, to promote a just society in which every person can flourish, and to attending particularly to the needs of the most vulnerable.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

Because of the nature of this position, certain additional qualities will be key to the success of this role. They include:

• Master’s degree and/or relevant professional certifications.
• Higher-education or nonprofit fundraising experience.
• C-suite engagement experience.

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

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

Posting will close on Monday, October 13, 2025.

At Notre Dame, we know our impact depends on exceptional people, people like you. We are committed to fostering a vibrant, welcoming community. In keeping with our mission, we encourage applications from all who will help build and strengthen our beloved community. We strive to empower every employee to flourish, knowing your success propels Notre Dame to new heights of impact.