Cornell University, a nationally ranked Ivy League institution, is looking for a Major Gift Officer to join the Cornell Law School’s Alumni Affairs and Development team. Led by a dynamic dean with a deep commitment to development, Cornell Law School ranks in the top tier of American legal education and is home to cutting edge scholarship and world-leading faculty.

Reporting to the Director of Development, the Major Gift Officer is an integral part of the Law School community, engaging with faculty and students. The Major Gift Officer is responsible for strategically managing the relationships of 100 - 120 prospect households, with gift capacity of $250K to $1M or more, and for securing resources aligned with the dean’s vision and funding priorities. An ideal candidate would have strong communication and interpersonal skills and would find fulfilment in working with alumni at various stages in their philanthropic engagement with a top fourteen Law School.

Based at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY, this position offers the opportunity to work with passionate donors and development professionals.

Key Responsibilities

Strategically manage the relationships of an estimated pool size of 100 - 120 prospect households, comprised of a mixture of unqualified, new and long-term donors, with the goal of securing major gifts.

Solicit both major and annual fund gifts from prospects, ensuring robust portfolio coverage and donor engagement.

The MGO plays a key role in identifying and qualifying new prospects through effective discovery work.

Responsible for maintaining accurate database information reflecting prospect strategies and activities, and for compiling complete gift and commitment documentation.

Develop and manage purposeful relationships with prospects by traveling to meet with alumni, parents and friends to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward gifts.

Be knowledgeable about assigned prospects. Develop and execute an annual plan of strategic engagement for each prospect including solicitations, cultivation and stewardship initiatives.

Work independently and creatively to match donor interests with institutional priorities and develop funding proposals and negotiate and structure complex gifts to the university.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and 5 to 7 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.

Willingness to travel 50+ days per year, or approximately 25% of a given period

Ability to make a minimum of 120 visits per year, both in person and virtually, and encourages and facilitates prospect meetings with other gift officers and strategic partners, as appropriate.

Excellent communication skills

Strong listening and relationship building skills

Results oriented, proactive

Good judgement and intuition

Demonstrated computer competency and ability to learn new operating systems applicable in the Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development Environment.

Passionate about working in an organization that values and promotes diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and well-being. 

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 work arrangements.

No Visa Sponsorship is available for this position.

Working Environment

-Typically lifts less than 10 lbs

-Normal concentration

-Limited exposure to hazards

   

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:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Rachel Colunio

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

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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. 

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2025-01-07