Director of Development - Lab of Ornithology

Cornell University • Ithaca, NY

4d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive fundraising program that advances the philanthropic priorities of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Reporting to the Senior Director of Advancement, the Director oversees an eight-person development team responsible for major gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, and events, while personally managing a portfolio of approximately 30–35 high-capacity donors. The role works closely with Lab leadership and Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development partners to develop fundraising strategies that support the Lab’s global mission and priorities.

The Cornell Lab of Ornithology engages members and supporters to increase understanding, appreciation, and protection of birds and biodiversity. It has more than 190,000 members and a full-service development function encompassing major and leadership gifts, planned giving, annual giving and membership, and gift processing. The Lab is a unit of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.

The position is based in Ithaca, New York, and is eligible for a hybrid arrangement: typically four days per week on campus and one day per week remotely. Domestic and international travel, along with occasional evening or weekend work, is expected. Visa sponsorship and relocation assistance are not available.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and at least seven years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated success managing donor relationships and securing major gifts.
• Demonstrated success leading fundraising initiatives.
• Strong supervisory experience and ability to lead, coach, and develop high-performing teams.
• Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills, with the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
• Strong strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities, with capacity to work independently and collaboratively.
• Ability and willingness to travel domestically and internationally and work occasional evenings or weekends.

Nice To Haves

• Experience securing principal, major, or planned gifts at the six- and seven-figure level.
• Passion for conservation, science, education, biodiversity, or environmental causes.
• Experience translating complex research, programs, or scientific initiatives into compelling donor opportunities.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy supporting the Cornell Lab of Ornithology’s priorities, including major gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, events, and campaign initiatives.
• Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of eight development professionals, fostering a high-performing, collaborative, and donor-centered culture.
• Manage a portfolio of approximately 30–35 major donor prospects and secure significant philanthropic commitments through cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Partner with Lab leadership to identify funding opportunities, develop donor engagement strategies, and align fundraising priorities with organizational goals.
• Oversee prospect management, portfolio strategy, and fundraising forecasting in collaboration with Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development partners.
• Represent the Lab in relationships with donors, volunteers, university leaders, and external stakeholders, serving as an ambassador for the Lab’s mission.

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, and two floating holidays.
• Tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program.
• Tuition aid for external education.
• Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance Program.

What This Job Offers

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