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$29K

$67.4K

$114.5K

How much do university relations program jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for university relations program in the United States is $67,404.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,000.00 and $83,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in University Relations Programs, and how can they be addressed?

Professionals in University Relations Programs often face challenges such as building meaningful partnerships with diverse academic institutions, aligning university initiatives with company goals, and managing multiple projects simultaneously. Effective communication, strong organizational skills, and proactive relationship-building are essential for overcoming these obstacles. Staying adaptable and regularly seeking feedback from both internal stakeholders and university partners can help ensure successful collaborations and continuous program improvement.

What is a University Relations Program?

A University Relations Program is an initiative run by companies or organizations to build and maintain partnerships with colleges and universities. These programs focus on engaging with students, faculty, and academic institutions to foster talent pipelines, provide internships or co-op opportunities, and support recruitment efforts. University Relations Programs often include campus events, career fairs, workshops, and collaborative research projects, helping organizations attract top graduates and strengthen their brand on campus.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in University Relations Program roles, and why are they important?

To excel in a University Relations Program role, you generally need a background in human resources, talent acquisition, or marketing, along with a bachelor's degree in a related field. Familiarity with applicant tracking systems (ATS), data analytics tools, and event management platforms is commonly required. Outstanding interpersonal, organizational, and communication skills set top candidates apart by enabling effective campus engagement and relationship building. These skills are vital for attracting and nurturing early talent pipelines, fostering strong partnerships with universities, and supporting organizational hiring goals.

What is the difference between University Relations Program vs Campus Recruiter?

AspectUniversity Relations ProgramCampus Recruiter
Primary FocusBuilding relationships with universities, developing partnerships, and creating outreach strategiesEngaging with students directly through recruiting events and interviews
Work EnvironmentStrategic planning, collaboration with university contacts, program managementOn-campus events, career fairs, candidate interviews
Required CredentialsTypically a bachelor's degree, experience in HR or recruiting, strong communication skillsSimilar credentials: bachelor's degree, recruiting experience, interpersonal skills

The University Relations Program focuses on establishing and maintaining long-term university partnerships and strategic outreach, while Campus Recruiters primarily engage directly with students through events and interviews. Both roles require similar credentials and work within the recruiting industry, but their day-to-day activities and objectives differ, with the program role emphasizing relationship-building and strategic planning, and the recruiter role focusing on candidate engagement and hiring.

More about University Relations Program jobs
What job categories do people searching University Relations Program jobs look for? The top searched job categories for University Relations Program jobs are:
University Relations Program jobs near you
Infographic showing various University Relations Program job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $67,404 per year, or $32.4 per hour.
Foundation Relations Program Director

Foundation Relations Program Director

University of Notre Dame

Notre Dame, IN

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago

Job 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.