Cornell University, a nationally ranked Ivy League institution, is looking for an Associate Director of Development to join the Alumni Affairs & Development division in Ithaca, NY.

Transform lives through philanthropy at Cornell's College of Human Ecology. We are seeking an Associate Director of Development to drive our major gifts program during an exciting period of growth and innovation in Human Ecology. The Associate Director will manage a portfolio of high-capacity donors ($250K+) while shaping a college-wide fundraising strategy and managing a major gift associate.

This is a pivotal time in Human Ecology, as our field tackles society's most pressing challenges through groundbreaking research and education. Based at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, this position offers the opportunity to advance solutions that improve lives while working with passionate donors and development professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Independently manages a prospect portfolio of prospective major donors with the capacity to make gifts of $250,000 and above, cultivating these prospects virtually and through travel as needed.

Responsible for elevating the college’s fundraising priorities as liaison to individual giving officers across the university, including central teams as well as other colleges and units.

In collaboration with the Assistant Dean, contribute to the strategic direction of the College’s fundraising efforts, working closely with senior leadership to drive key initiatives that support overall development goals.

Contribute to long-term planning, ensuring alignment of development activities with the College’s mission and objectives.

In managing the Major Gift Associate, the Associate Director will ensure the smooth execution of development operations and alignment of prospect management and stewardship strategies.

Required Qualifications

The ideal candidate brings 5-7 years of development experience and a bachelor's degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience, with proven success in major gift fundraising.

The successful candidate will need strong strategic thinking, relationship building, and team leadership skills, plus a demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Ability to travel up to 30%

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Benefits include:

Comprehensive health care options

Access to wellness programs

Employee discounts with local and national retail brands

Generous retirement contributions

Leave provisions including three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays

Impressive educational benefits including tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance program

Learn more about benefit opportunities

This position is based in Ithaca, NY with hybrid arrangements, which means 3 days in the office and the remainder remote within a commutable distance.  

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

   

Familiarize yourself with Cornell's COVID-19 workplace guidance as well as the university's COVID-19 services and information.

  

University Job Title:

Major Gifts Ofcr III

Job Family:

Alumni Affairs Development

Level:

G

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$102,747.00 - $125,579.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Contract College

Contact Name:

Laura Clark

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

Prior relevant work or industry experience

Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

Unique applicable skills

Academic Discipline

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Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, and we do not tolerate discrimination based on any protected characteristic, including race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex/gender, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law. 

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff to all identities and backgrounds. We encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

2025-01-06