Major Gift Officer, University Major Gifts

Cornell University•Ithaca, MI

3d•$104,037 - $127,157•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University’s Alumni Affairs and Development division is hiring a Major Gifts Officer to build and manage strategic relationships with alumni, parents, and friends, securing major gifts in support of university priorities. The role focuses on growing Cornell’s major-gifts pipeline by working through approximately 500 new prospects annually and developing a portfolio of 100–120 prospects, generally with giving potential of at least $250,000, as well as a small number with capacity of $100,000–$249,999. The portfolio is expected to generate more than $1 million annually after two years, with a long-term goal of $2–3 million annually. The position is based in Ithaca, New York, and is eligible for a hybrid arrangement: typically three remote workdays and two in-office days per week. Cornell may modify or end the arrangement. The listed salary range is $104,037–$127,157. Visa sponsorship is unavailable. Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development connects alumni, parents, and friends with opportunities to support Cornell and beyond. The organization describes its culture as collaborative, innovative, inclusive, and committed to excellence and continuous learning. Cornell offers comprehensive health care, retirement contributions, wellness programs, employee discounts, paid leave and holidays, and educational benefits, including tuition assistance programs.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 5–7 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Ability to cultivate and maintain strong, long-term relationships with high-net-worth donors and prospects.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling proposals and conduct meaningful donor meetings.
Ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies that align donor interests with organizational goals, address challenges, and find innovative solutions.
Experience working with senior leadership and colleagues across departments to coordinate and align fundraising efforts.
Commitment to ethical fundraising practices and ability to use data to track progress, assess success, and refine strategies.

Responsibilities

Partner with prospect research to identify alumni, parents, and friends of Cornell, and qualify their interest and capacity through outreach and visits.
Build and manage a portfolio of 100–120 prospects with gift capacities generally ranging from $250,000 to $10 million.
Develop and execute an annual solicitation plan for each prospect, including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Make at least 200 significant contacts annually during the first two years to build relationships and advance fundraising strategies.
Work toward generating $1 million to $3 million or more in new gifts and commitments annually after 24 months.
Coordinate with Cornell colleges, units, and leadership to align donor plans with institutional priorities.
Prepare faculty and senior leadership for donor meetings, including by producing briefing materials.
Match donor interests with Cornell priorities, develop funding proposals, and structure complex gifts.
Maintain knowledge of Cornell’s priorities and collaborate regularly with college and unit colleagues to strengthen donor relationships and fundraising efforts.