Director of Development, Student & Campus Life and Athletics
About The Position
The Director of Development serves as a fundraising leader for Cornell's Student & Campus Life and Athletics division, helping to guide a comprehensive development program that advances key philanthropic priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position serves as a key member of the division’s fundraising leadership team and a trusted partner in advancing fundraising strategy and organizational goals. This individual provides leadership for fundraising operations, staff management, and major gift strategy while helping shape the direction, priorities, and future growth of the development program. As a close collaborator to the Executive Director, the Director plays a critical role in translating vision into fundraising success.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of experience in development, alumni affairs, public affairs, marketing, business development, public relations, or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles and experience managing major gift programs and donor portfolios.
- Proven ability to provide strategic leadership, collaborate with senior leaders, and contribute to organizational planning and goal achievement.
- Strong people leadership skills with experience supervising, coaching, and developing professional staff.
- Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders.
- Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Nice To Haves
- Demonstrated understanding of or enthusiasm for collegiate athletics and its role in fostering alumni engagement, philanthropy, and institutional pride.
Responsibilities
- Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, helping shape fundraising strategy, organizational goals, and long-term growth opportunities across Student & Campus Life and Athletics
- Partner with divisional leadership to identify opportunities, address challenges, and advance key initiatives
- Contribute to strategic planning, goal setting, forecasting, and decision-making
- Provide leadership for the development program, ensuring alignment with divisional and university fundraising priorities
- Supervise, coach, and develop a team of fundraising professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance
- Oversee fundraising operations, performance metrics, and key processes to ensure effective execution and achievement of fundraising goals
- Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, developing and executing strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic support while authentically engaging donors around the impact of athletics and student life programs
- Partner with divisional leaders, coaches, alumni, volunteers, and donors to build meaningful relationships and advance fundraising priorities
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
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
