Assistant Director, Stewardship & Donor Relations

Memorial Tree & Bench Program Management: Manage the University's Memorial Tree & Bench Program, working closely with external constituencies (University benefactors) and internal partners (Landscaping Services) from inquiry through installation and dedication. The Assistant Director will manage the University's Memorial Tree & Bench Program, lead capital impact updates, plan and execute donor events, and oversee key stewardship communications.

Job Description

The Department of Development is charged with unlocking the grace of giving for alumni, parents, and friends to advance the sacred mission of Notre Dame. The Stewardship & Donor Relations team within Development partners closely with colleagues across the University to steward and cultivate donors toward increased philanthropy. Traditional stewardship programs at Notre Dame consist of gift acknowledgments from University leadership, annual reporting, impact communications, and various forms of public and private recognition. In addition to these stewardship programs, the team engages in strategic donor relations work, partnering with fundraisers at the top of the giving pyramid.

The Assistant Director, Stewardship & Donor Relations will serve as a stewardship "generalist," assisting with various programs and units throughout the team. The Assistant Director will manage the University's Memorial Tree & Bench Program, lead capital impact updates, plan and execute donor events, and oversee key stewardship communications.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Memorial Tree & Bench Program Management: Manage the University's Memorial Tree & Bench Program, working closely with external constituencies (University benefactors) and internal partners (Landscaping Services) from inquiry through installation and dedication.

• Team Support & General Stewardship: Provide flexible, high-level support across the unit during peak busy times. Key responsibilities include assisting with fiscal and calendar year-end gift acknowledgments, endowment reporting, individualized donor touches, financial aid student thank-you note collection, and stewardship events.

• Event Planning & Execution: Manage the celebration events process and assist in the execution of stewardship events, including high-touch dedications for the University's most generous donors.

• Capital Impact Updates: Lead the annual capital impact update process to keep donors informed of the impact of their philanthropic support.

• Stewardship Communications: Take direct responsibility for strategic communications, including the Stewardship Scoop, Grateful Gazette, and maintaining content on stewardship.nd.edu.

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution.
• 3+ years of professional experience in development, donor relations, stewardship, communications, event planning, or higher education administration.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with high attention to detail and editing precision.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-management skills, with the ability to interact professionally with high-level benefactors, faculty, and University leadership.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously, particularly during peak operating periods.
• Proficiency with database software (CRM systems) and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Must be authorized to work in the United States without visa sponsorship.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working within a higher education institution or complex non-profit fundraising environment.
• Prior experience with program management, vendor/internal partner coordination (e.g., facilities or landscaping services), and stewardship communications.
• Experience organizing and executing high-touch, private donor recognition events.
• Deep understanding of and appreciation for the mission, values, and Catholic character of the University of Notre Dame.

Additional Information

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

Deadline to apply: Thursday, November 5, 2026   

Starts in the $60,000’s, commensurate with experience.

This position is located in South Bend, Indiana. 

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.