Principal Gifts Support Team Lead
About The Position
Cornell University’s Alumni Affairs and Development division is hiring a Principal Gifts Support Team Lead based in Ithaca, New York. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts, this role provides day-to-day leadership for Principal Gift Associates and Administrative Assistants who support the university’s principal gift fundraising activities. The position coordinates team workflows, assigns and monitors work, and ensures effective administrative and project support for Principal Gift Officers. It works 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 role 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 eligible for a hybrid arrangement: typically three remote days and two on-campus 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.
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 with professionalism and discretion.
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills and 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.
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
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Manager
