Assistant Dean of Alumni Affairs and Development, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

28d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Assistant Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development serves as the chief development officer for the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP) , providing strategic leadership for fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives that advance the college’s academic mission and priorities. This role partners closely with the Dean, faculty, college senior leadership, and central Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) to set annual and campaign goals, manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, and cultivate relationships with highly engaged alumni and donors. The Assistant Dean collaborates within AAD’s shared service model and works with the leader of a team of advancement professionals to execute development and alumni engagement strategies that support AAP’s priorities across its Ithaca, NYC, and international programs.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including major and principal gift work and leadership responsibilities.
• Proven success developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across a complex, matrixed organization, including with faculty and academic leadership.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, make sound judgments, and represent the college professionally with donors and volunteers.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office tools.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a culture of belonging.
• Ability to travel regularly.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy and alumni engagement efforts for Cornell AAP in alignment with the dean's strategic priorities.
• Set and achieve annual fundraising goals and contribute to university‑wide campaign initiatives.
• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects capable of $250K+ gifts, ensuring thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build strong relationships with alumni, donors, faculty, and volunteer leaders; effectively communicate AAP’s priorities and opportunities.
• Understand the college’s academic programs and research to align donor interests with funding needs.
• Oversee and guide strategy in collaboration with the shared services pod, providing constructive feedback and supporting a positive, inclusive working environment.
• Partner with central AAD teams (Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Gift Planning) and represent AAP in university‑wide initiatives and activities.
• Prepare reports, manage the AAD budget for AAP, and ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and endowed funds.
• Plan and execute Advisory Council and volunteer board meetings for AAP and related programs.

Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1.
• To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Director