Director of Development - Lab of Ornithology
About The Position
The Director of Development provides strategic leadership for a comprehensive fundraising program advancing 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 lead fundraising strategies that drive philanthropic investment in the Lab’s mission and priorities. The Cornell Lab of Ornithology is a conservation, research, education, and citizen science organization with more than 190,000 members. Its development function includes major and leadership gifts, planned giving, annual giving and membership, and gift processing. The Lab is part of Cornell’s College of Agriculture and Life Sciences.
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, including the ability to influence and collaborate across diverse stakeholder groups.
- Strong strategic planning, organizational, and problem-solving abilities.
- Ability 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 Lab’s priorities, including major gifts, planned giving, donor stewardship, events, and campaign initiatives.
- Supervise, mentor, and develop a team of eight development professionals.
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 30–35 major donor prospects and secure 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 with Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development partners.
- Represent the Lab to donors, volunteers, university leaders, and external stakeholders, serving as an ambassador for its 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.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
