Associate Director, Prospect Research
About The Position
Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Associate Director, Prospect Research 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. Reporting to the Director of Prospect Development, the Associate Director, Prospect Research, leads a team of prospect research analysts and delivers actionable intelligence that advances Cornell's fundraising strategy. This role oversees research operations, due diligence, wealth analysis, prospect identification, and high-priority projects while serving as a strategic partner to fundraisers and senior leadership.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring staff, projects, or workflows in a professional setting.
- Experience conducting complex research and synthesizing information from multiple sources into clear, actionable insights.
- Strong analytical, critical thinking, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to advise diverse stakeholders.
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while exercising sound judgment and discretion with confidential or sensitive information.
- Proficiency with research tools, data systems, and CRM or relational databases, along with demonstrated experience connecting inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing practices to business goals.
Responsibilities
- Lead, coach, and develop a team of six Prospect Research Analysts; manage assignments, workload, timelines, performance, and quality standards.
- Oversee gift acceptance due diligence in support of University Policy 3.1 and gift acceptance standards, including intake, documentation, assignment, and quality control.
- Conduct and oversee complex wealth assessments and capacity ratings, and establish consistent research methodologies, valuation models, documentation, and training.
- Partner with gift officers and senior leaders to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights that inform donor engagement and solicitation strategy.
- Lead cross-functional initiatives supporting parent engagement, international research, principal gifts, prospect identification, and division-wide fundraising priorities.
- Collaborate with Prospect Management to analyze pipeline health, identify opportunities, and improve research tools, processes, and service delivery.
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
