Major Gift Officer, University Major Gifts

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a front-line fundraising professional in Cornell University’s Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, New York. The role builds and manages strategic relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to secure major gifts supporting university priorities, with a particular focus on growing Cornell’s major-gifts pipeline. Working with prospect research, the MGO will process 500 new prospects annually and develop a portfolio of 100–120 prospects, primarily with giving potential of at least $250,000, including a small percentage with capacity of $100,000–$249,999. The portfolio will include prospects with gift capacities ranging from $250,000 to $10 million. The role is expected to generate $1 million or more annually after two years, with a long-term goal of $2–3 million annually. The MGO develops and carries out cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship strategies; engages university colleges, units, and leadership; prepares faculty and senior leaders for donor meetings; and develops proposals and structures complex gifts. This position is eligible for a hybrid arrangement, typically working remotely three days per week and in the Ithaca office two days per week. Cornell may modify or end the arrangement.

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 craft compelling proposals and engage in meaningful donor meetings.
Ability to develop and implement fundraising strategies that align donor interests with organizational goals, address challenges, and find innovative solutions.
Strong 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 and qualify their philanthropic interest and capacity through outreach and visits.
Build a portfolio of 100–120 prospects with gift capacities generally ranging from $250,000 to $10 million.
Create and execute annual cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans for each prospect.
Make at least 200 significant contacts annually during the first two years to build relationships and advance fundraising strategies.
Work toward generating $1 million–$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 creating briefing materials.
Match donor interests with Cornell priorities, develop funding proposals, and structure complex gifts.
Maintain knowledge of Cornell priorities and collaborate regularly with college and unit colleagues to strengthen donor relationships and fundraising.

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, including an end-of-year winter break from December 25 to 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