Major Gift Officer, University Major Gifts
About The Position
Cornell University is seeking an experienced fundraising professional for the position of Major Gifts Officer in its Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role is crucial for advancing the university’s academic priorities by leading significant gift discussions and collaborating with academic and university leadership. The Major Gifts Officer will manage and advance key donor relationships with high-capacity prospects to secure transformational gifts. This position will manage a focused portfolio, primarily in the Southwest/Mountain region, and will regularly close seven-figure and complex gifts through customized fundraising approaches and close partnerships with academic leadership.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree and 7–10 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
- Proven success in closing seven-figure gifts and managing complex donor relationships.
- Exceptional oral and written communication skills; ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations.
- Advanced strategic planning and analytical skills to develop multi-tiered engagement strategies.
- Demonstrated ability to collaborate with senior leadership and faculty in a complex organization.
- Results-oriented, proactive, and resilient in achieving ambitious goals.
- Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license, travel extensively (up to 40% of time) and work evenings/weekends as needed.
- Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
Responsibilities
- Manage a portfolio of approximately 80–100 high-capacity prospect households with giving potential ranging from $250,000 to $10M+, based primarily in Colorado, Texas, and other Southwest/Mountain states.
- Develop and implement sophisticated, multi-year strategies for qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
- Regularly solicit and close seven-figure and multi-year commitments, including gifts involving complex assets and blended giving strategies.
- Partner closely with deans, faculty leaders, and senior administrators across the university to align donor interests with academic vision and institutional priorities.
- Facilitate high-level donor engagement with academic leadership through individualized visits, proposal development, and strategic convenings.
- Serve as a trusted advisor to internal partners and donors throughout the lifecycle of complex gift conversations.
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of prospect strategies and activities in compliance with University Fundraising Policy.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
