Director of Finance and Facilities

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Finance and Facilities is a key leadership role responsible for shaping the financial strategy and facilities operations of Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD), overseeing everything from budget planning and gift accounting to space management and staff safety. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, detail-oriented leader to make a lasting impact by driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance, and supporting a mission-driven team dedicated to advancing the university's goals.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree with 7–10 years of experience in accounting, financial management, budgeting, and administration (or equivalent combination of education/experience).
Proven progressive leadership experience with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower staff; skilled in cultivating high-functioning teams, holding staff accountable, and fostering a positive organizational culture.
Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic plans, driving continuous improvement, and allocating resources effectively amid dynamically changing business needs.
Strong ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels, manage multiple priorities independently, and lead teams through organizational change.
Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with sound professional judgment in handling confidential matters with discretion and integrity.
Solid knowledge of financial industry regulations and best practices, along with demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and wellbeing in the workplace.

Responsibilities

Direct AAD's $50M+ operating budget and financial strategy, ensuring compliance with University policies (procurement, travel, PCI, internal controls) while leading fiscal year-end close, budget forecasting, and quality assurance across financial and gift data.
Oversee all AAD building operations, including space planning, lease administration, safety/security protocols, ADA compliance, and emergency preparedness, while serving as liaison to University Real Estate, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and law enforcement partners.
Manage the Gift Accounting team and ensure compliance with GAAP, CASE, and IRS standards; oversee administration of the Cornell University Foundation, including audits, tax filings, and Board reporting as Cornell University Foundation (CUF) Secretary.
Serve as AAD's key liaison to central University offices (Budget Office, Internal Audit, Division of Financial Services (DFS), Payroll/Tax) and represent the division on University-wide committees to align operations with institutional standards.
Supervise and mentor Finance, Facilities, and Gift Accounting staff, driving professional development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability and service excellence.
Advise senior AAD leadership on financial and facilities strategy, contribute to divisional strategic initiatives, and lead innovative, team-based approaches to meet evolving organizational needs.

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