Major Gifts Officer for Athletics Development

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Major Gifts Officer for Athletics Development in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts.

Position Summary

The Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a seasoned fundraising professional who plays a pivotal role within the Student & Campus Life and Athletics Alumni Affairs and Development team. This position is ideal for an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of cultivating and securing major gifts, as they will be managing a robust portfolio of well-connected households alongside a deep pool of high-potential prospects ready for strategic engagement.

Reporting to the Director of Development, the MGO builds and nurtures trust-based relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of Cornell Athletics. This results-driven professional thrives in a dynamic and collaborative team culture, working in close partnership with coaches, staff, and university colleagues. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of Cornell's Division I Athletics and Physical Education programs, and the ability to translate that knowledge into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically manage a portfolioof 80-100 major gift prospects, with a focus on securing commitments ranging from $250K to $10M+, in support of Cornell Athletics priorities.

• Develop and execute tailored fundraising strategiesand annual work plans in close collaboration with the Director of Development and university leadership.

• Conduct 100+ high-impact donor engagementsannually, including in-person and virtual meetings, to cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends.

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture, demonstrating flexibility, accountability, and a commitment to shared success.

• Collaborate across a dynamic networkof coaches, staff, volunteers, and university partners to enhance donor engagement and maximize fundraising outcomes.

• Maintain accurate and timely recordsin PeopleSoft, documenting strategies, actions, and donor interactions to support data-driven decision-making.

• Prepare persuasive proposals, briefings, and stewardship materials, leveraging support staff and resources to ensure high-quality donor communications.

• Attend athletic events and university functionsto engage with donors, deepen relationships, and represent Cornell Athletics in a meaningful and visible way.

• Stay informed and engagedwith Cornell's campaign priorities and the evolving collegiate athletics landscape to inform strategy and donor conversations.

About Alumni Affairs and Development

Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division, widely regarded as one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, connects alumni, parents and friends with opportunities to advance the university's mission through philanthropy and engagement. As part of our team, you'll help cultivate meaningful relationships while working alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence and educational advancement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, with 7 to 10 years of experience in Development, or Alumni Affairs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fundraising, individual giving and corporate/foundation giving.

• Proven success in closing 6 and 7-figure new gifts and commitments.

• Ability to effectively represent the University and the department to both internal and external audiences.

• Strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to staff/manage senior leaders, and an ability to work as part of a team.

• High level of motivation and integrity.

• Ability and willingness to travel for business needs.

• Ability to attend athletic events on nights or weekends.

Work Location

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on campus 4 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

Rewards and Benefits

• Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

• Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.

• Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 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. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

• Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

• Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell:Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

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Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

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