Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs & Development

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs & Development for the Cornell SC Johnson College of Business in Ithaca, NY. This is a rare opportunity to serve as the College's chief development officer, partnering closely with the Dean to shape fundraising strategy, lead a high-performing team, and advance transformative philanthropic support across one of higher education's most dynamic business colleges. The Cornell SC Johnson College of Business is one of the most comprehensive business schools in the nation, bringing together three top-ranked schools—the Charles H. Dyson School of Applied Economics and Management, the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, and the Nolan School of Hotel Administration. This unique structure creates extraordinary opportunities to engage alumni, donors, faculty, and industry partners in support of the College's ambitious vision. As the College's chief development officer, the Associate Dean will partner closely with the Dean to establish fundraising priorities, develop compelling philanthropic opportunities, and drive a comprehensive development strategy in support of the College's ambitious goals. This role requires a trusted advisor who can provide thoughtful counsel, bring strategic focus to fundraising efforts, and help translate bold ideas into philanthropic opportunities that resonate with donors. The Associate Dean will lead a team of approximately 15-18 development and alumni affairs professionals and play a critical role in shaping the future of the organization. This is an opportunity for a leader who enjoys bringing clarity to complexity, creating structure and accountability, establishing priorities, and ensuring resources are directed toward the areas of greatest opportunity and impact.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree and 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