Discovery Officer

Cornell University • Ithaca, MI

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Discovery Officer (Major Gift Officer II) 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. Position Summary As a Discovery Officer, you will be a key player on the front-line fundraising team responsible for strengthening Cornell’s major gift pipeline by identifying, qualifying, and engaging prospective donors. This role plays a critical part in expanding the pool of donors capable of making commitments of $250,000 or more through high-volume discovery work and strategic portfolio development. About Alumni Affairs and Development Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division, widely regarded as one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, connects alumni, parents, and friends with opportunities to advance the university's mission through philanthropy and engagement. As part of our team, you'll help cultivate meaningful relationships while working alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence and educational advancement.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and persuasive skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a goal-driven environment.
• Experience working with data, CRM systems, and research tools to inform strategy.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel and engage with prospects in person, including occasional evenings and weekends.

Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects using existing CRM systems, research tools, and strategic outreach aligned with university priorities.
• Conduct approximately 200 prospect meetings annually, including at least 150 discovery visits with new prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of ~50 qualified prospects with capacity for $10,000+ gifts and multi-year commitments up to $1M.
• Cultivate and solicit prospects, advancing them toward major gift officer portfolios.
• Partner with colleagues across colleges and units to align prospect interests with institutional priorities.
• Document strategies, interactions, and outcomes in CRM systems to ensure accurate pipeline tracking and reporting.

Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, well-being, and sustainability.
• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands.
• We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 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.
• To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays.
• Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell
• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
• Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Number of Employees: 1-10 employees