Associate Director of College and Unit Annual Giving
About The Position
Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Associate Director of College and Unit Annual Giving in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts. In partnership with the Executive Director of Annual and Leadership Giving and Director of Cornell Funds, the Associate Director of College and Unit Annual Giving leads strategy and execution of a comprehensive annual giving program to grow unrestricted support, increase donor participation, and strengthen the pipeline across assigned colleges and units. This role partners cross-functionally to drive segmentation, messaging, and multi-channel campaigns while delivering measurable results in dollars raised, retention, and donor advancement.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
- Demonstrated supervision and management skills.
- Excellent communication, interpersonal and organizational skills.
- Must have strong computer software skills including MS Office, excel, power point databases and networked information systems.
- Must have excellent analytic skills to ensure data-driven results.
- Must be able to work in a team-based environment and have the ability to direct, inform, and motivate staff.
- Proven experience connecting inclusion, belonging and wellbeing practices to business goals.
Nice To Haves
- Some travel may be required.
Responsibilities
- Own and deliver against ambitious Annual Fund revenue and participation goals across assigned colleges/units, balancing multiple segments, priorities, and timelines simultaneously.
- Design and execute multi-channel Annual Fund strategies that drive unrestricted, current-use giving, translating institutional priorities into clear, actionable plans that move quickly from concept to execution.
- Lead with data and judgment, using performance insights, testing, and industry best practices to continuously refine strategy, improve outcomes, and sustain year-over-year growth.
- Operate as a trusted expert and partner to Chief Development Officers (CDOs)—confidently guiding strategy and direction while building credibility, alignment, and trust across stakeholders.
- Manage complexity with discipline—prioritizing competing demands, maintaining momentum under pressure, and creating clarity and accountability for self and team.
- Work cross-functionally with college leadership and development to align priorities and drive integrated annual giving strategy, including segmentation, messaging, campaign execution, and stewardship.
- Write, review, and approve messaging for appeals in collaboration with CMP to ensure alignment with college/unit priorities and donor‑centric best practices.
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
Mid Level
