Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs & Development
About The Position
Cornell University is seeking an Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs & Development for the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business in Ithaca, NY. This role serves as the College's chief development officer, partnering with the Dean to shape fundraising strategy, lead a team of 15-18 professionals, and advance philanthropic support. The position requires a strategic advisor who can provide counsel, focus fundraising efforts, and translate ideas into donor opportunities. The Associate Dean will lead and develop a high-performing team, create structure and accountability, and ensure resources are directed effectively. This role involves advancing transformational philanthropy by developing and executing a comprehensive fundraising strategy, building relationships with major donors, and engaging alumni and friends of Cornell.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree
- 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including major and principal gift fundraising and leadership responsibilities.
- Demonstrated success developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that achieve ambitious results.
- Significant experience leading and developing high-performing teams.
- Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
- Ability to influence and collaborate effectively across a large, complex organization.
- Strong judgment, integrity, and strategic thinking capabilities.
- Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
Responsibilities
- Serve as the College's chief development officer and lead fundraising and alumni engagement strategy across the SC Johnson College of Business.
- Partner closely with the Dean, school deans, faculty, and university leadership to identify priorities and advance the College's most compelling philanthropic opportunities.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Dean, providing strategic guidance on fundraising initiatives, donor engagement, and resource development.
- Align development efforts across the College's three schools while advancing broader College priorities and goals.
- Partner with university colleagues to maximize fundraising opportunities and strengthen engagement with major and principal gift prospects.
- Lead, mentor, and inspire a team of approximately 15-18 development and alumni affairs professionals.
- Create structure, focus, and accountability that enables the team to achieve ambitious fundraising and engagement goals.
- Assess priorities and allocate resources strategically to drive the greatest organizational impact.
- Foster a collaborative, inclusive, and high-performing culture focused on continuous improvement and professional growth.
- Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy supporting the College's ambitious development goals.
- Build relationships with major, principal, and leadership-level donors capable of making significant investments in the future of the College.
- Partner with academic and university leaders to bring high-priority initiatives to market and secure transformational philanthropic support.
- Engage alumni, volunteers, advisory board members, and friends of Cornell in advancing the College's mission and impact.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health care options
- Generous retirement contributions
- Access to wellness programs
- Employee discounts with local and national retail brands
- Health and personal leave
- Three weeks of vacation
- 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.
- Two additional floating holidays
- Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program
- Tuition aid for external education
- Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
