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Foundation Director Jobs in Indiana (NOW HIRING)

Ivy Tech

Director of Development

Marion, IN · On-site

Engages Foundation Board of Directors, Campus Board of Trustees, and other local campus boards or councils as active members in the development process and encourage their own philanthropic support ...

Ivy Tech

Director of Development

Marion, IN · On-site

Engages Foundation Board of Directors, Campus Board of Trustees, and other local campus boards or councils as active members in the development process and encourage their own philanthropic support ...

St. Joseph County, IN

Parks Director

South Bend, IN

Parks Foundation Provides staff support to the St. Joseph County Parks Foundation Board and serves ... Director and Management Team. Conducts regular staff meetings, promotes ongoing professional ...

Ivy Tech

Director of Development

Fort Wayne, IN · On-site

$47K - $73K/yr

Maintain accurate donor records in the Foundation's CRM system and ensure compliance with ... daily direct supervision related to assigned tasks. * Manage strategic fundraising events and ...

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Foundation Director information

See Indiana salary details

$40K

$105.9K

$187K

How much do foundation director jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 1, 2026, the average yearly pay for foundation director in Indiana is $105,868.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,600.00 and $122,800.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is the highest paying job in a non-profit?

In non-profit organizations, executive roles such as Chief Executive Officer (CEO) or Executive Director tend to be the highest paid positions, often earning six-figure salaries depending on the organization's size and funding. Other high-paying roles include Chief Financial Officer (CFO) and development directors with extensive experience and advanced degrees, especially in large or well-funded nonprofits.

What are some common challenges Foundation Directors face when balancing fundraising efforts with organizational mission?

Foundation Directors often need to prioritize fundraising without losing sight of their organization’s core mission and values. This can involve navigating donor interests that may not completely align with program goals, as well as ensuring that fundraising strategies support long-term impact rather than short-term gains. Effective Directors collaborate closely with program staff and board members to maintain mission integrity, communicate transparently with stakeholders, and implement funding strategies that advance both financial sustainability and the foundation’s objectives.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Foundation Director, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Foundation Director, you need expertise in nonprofit management, fundraising, grant writing, and strategic planning, often supported by a degree in nonprofit administration or a related field. Familiarity with donor management software, financial reporting systems, and CRM platforms is typically expected. Exceptional leadership, relationship-building, and communication skills set top candidates apart in this role. These skills are crucial for driving organizational growth, securing funding, and building meaningful partnerships to advance the foundation’s mission.

What does a foundation director do?

A foundation director oversees the operations, strategic planning, and fundraising efforts of a nonprofit foundation. They manage staff, develop programs, ensure compliance with regulations, and work to achieve the foundation's mission. Strong leadership, communication skills, and experience in nonprofit management are essential for this role.

What Does a Foundation Director Do?

As a foundation director, your job is to support the foundation's board and provide administrative services to help it execute its stated mission. Foundation directors often offer input on the vision and strategy of the organization, help find donors, prioritize the budget based on the organization's needs, and cultivate positive relationships with other organizations and donors. You may also supervise the development and integration of notable gifts to the foundation, manage and train employees, plan and evaluate marketing programs, and ensure all required documentation is complete. You may find foundation director jobs under other names, such as executive director.

How much money does a non-profit director make?

A Foundation Director or non-profit executive typically earns between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on the organization's size, location, and budget. Larger organizations or those in major metropolitan areas tend to offer higher salaries, and experience or advanced certifications can also influence compensation.

Do philanthropists get paid?

Philanthropists typically do not get paid for their charitable activities, as their contributions are often voluntary and driven by personal wealth or passion. However, professionals working within foundations, such as Foundation Directors, are usually salaried employees who receive compensation for managing the organization's operations and programs.

What is the difference between Foundation Director vs Grant Coordinator?

AspectFoundation DirectorGrant Coordinator
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor’s or master’s degree in nonprofit management, business, or related field; experience in fundraising and leadershipUsually a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field; experience in grant writing and administration
Work EnvironmentLeads the foundation’s strategic initiatives, manages staff, and oversees large-scale programsSupports grant processes, manages applications, and coordinates with grantees
Employer & Industry UsageFoundations, nonprofits, charitable organizationsNonprofits, educational institutions, government agencies

The Foundation Director focuses on strategic leadership and overall management of the foundation, while the Grant Coordinator handles the administrative aspects of grant processes. Both roles are essential in nonprofit settings but differ in scope and responsibilities.

More about Foundation Director jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Foundation jobs in Indiana? The most popular types of Foundation jobs in Indiana are:
What are popular job titles related to Foundation Director jobs in Indiana? For Foundation Director jobs in Indiana, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Foundation Director jobs in Indiana look for? The top searched job categories for Foundation Director jobs in Indiana are:
What cities in Indiana are hiring for Foundation Director jobs? Cities in Indiana with the most Foundation Director job openings:
Foundation Director jobs near you
Infographic showing various Foundation Director job openings in Indiana as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 81% Full Time, 14% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $105,868 per year, or $50.9 per hour.

Foundation Relations Program Director

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.

University Of Notre Dame rating

7.4

Company rating: 7.4 out of 10

Based on 45 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

335th of 614 rated colleges and universities

Job description

Company Description
Job Description
The University of Notre Dame is seeking a dynamic, analytical, and highly collaborative Director of Foundation Relations. This pivotal role is charged with growing external support for University research and programs from private foundations through effective alignment strategy, proposal development, and stewardship.
This individual will work directly with Notre Dame faculty, staff, and administrators to understand, synthesize, and articulate research expertise and funding needs for a grantmaking audience. They will also proactively identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward foundation partners, matching funding opportunities with projects within the Academy. This Director will oversee a portfolio of faculty and foundations and will work to achieve an individual production goal.
The ideal candidate is a highly motivated, creative thinker who can approach and translate complex ideas from multiple angles, possesses superior writing and editing skills, and easily earns credibility within an academic setting. Intellectual curiosity and interest in working with researchers from across the University, regardless of field, are essential, but candidates with a background in specific disciplinary areas (e.g., STEM) are also encouraged to apply.
Key Responsibilities
Foundation Relations & Portfolio Management
  • 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.

Faculty Engagement
  • Partner directly with faculty within assigned disciplines to surface, explore, and prioritize academic research for philanthropic solicitation.
  • Convene and collaborate with faculty to align their research objectives with specific foundation interests.
  • Partner closely with Notre Dame Research (NDR) to develop proposals and ensure administrative alignment.
  • Attend faculty presentations, departmental meetings, and college events to stay integrated with the academic community.

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 (such as research development or university administration).
  • 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.
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.

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