Principal Gifts Support Team Lead

Cornell University•Ithaca, NY

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

Cornell University’s Alumni Affairs and Development division is seeking a Principal Gifts Support Team Lead to provide day-to-day leadership for a team of Principal Gift Associates and Administrative Assistants supporting the university’s principal gift fundraising activities. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts, the role coordinates team workflows, assigns and monitors work, and ensures effective administrative and project support for Principal Gift Officers. The position collaborates with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development and university partners to coordinate donor communications, prepare proposals and briefing materials, support donor engagement, and facilitate special projects. The team lead also serves as the lead staff member supporting the University’s Presidential Councilor Program in coordination with the Office of the President. The position is based in Ithaca, New York, and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically work remotely three days per week and on campus two days per week; Cornell may modify or end this arrangement. The stated salary range is $82,735 to $101,062. Visa sponsorship is not available. Cornell offers comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, wellness programs, employee discounts, leave that includes three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays, two additional floating holidays, and educational benefits including tuition-free study and degree programs, tuition aid for external education, and children’s tuition assistance.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of fundraising or donor-related support experience, including project coordination, communications, executive support, and staff leadership, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Superior writing and communication skills, including the ability to translate complex information into clear and compelling content.
Sound judgment and demonstrated experience handling sensitive and confidential information professionally and discreetly.
Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with university colleagues, stakeholders, and external partners.
Ability to manage multiple priorities and produce high-quality work in a deadline-driven environment.
Strong computer and data management skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, databases, and internet-based tools.

Responsibilities

Provide direct supervision and day-to-day leadership for Principal Gift Associates and Administrative Assistants supporting the Principal Gifts team.
Coordinate and assign team workload, establish priorities, and monitor progress to ensure timely completion of projects and assignments.
Support Principal Gift Officers by coordinating prospect and donor activities, preparing materials, and managing administrative processes related to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
Draft, edit, and coordinate donor correspondence, gift proposals, stewardship reports, briefing materials, presentations, and other written communications.
Coordinate logistics and administrative support for donor visits, meetings, events, and engagement activities involving principal gift prospects and donors.
Collaborate with colleagues across Alumni Affairs and Development and university partners to gather information, coordinate projects, and facilitate communication.
Serve as the lead staff member supporting the University’s Presidential Councilor Program in coordination with the Office of the President.