Major Gift Officer, College of Engineering

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

Position Summary

Cornell Engineering, the largest engineering program among the Ivies, is a leader in innovation and discovery, tackling global challenges through cutting-edge research and education. To advance these bold priorities, the Major Gift Officer plays a pivotal role in securing philanthropic support by managing a portfolio of high-capacity prospects. This position focuses on building and sustaining long-term donor relationships and collaborating with faculty and university partners to inspire transformative giving that fuels the college's mission.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage an estimated pool size of 100-120 prospect households, comprised of a mixture of unqualified, new and long-term donors, with the goal of securing major gifts.

• Regularly solicit and close gifts of various sizes with the goal of increasing gifts of $250,000 - $1,000,000 while simultaneously raising donor sights, encourage annual giving, multi-year commitments, and estate gifts.

• Serve as a liaison to departments and schools within the College of Engineering, facilitating donor engagement and communicating giving opportunities aligned with college priorities.

• Serve as a resource to fellow gift officers, contributing to prospect strategy development and stewardship initiatives.

• Maintain accurate records of donor interactions and gift documentation in accordance with university fundraising policies.

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 and 5 to 7 years relevant experience or equivalent combination in development, alumni affairs, public affairs, marketing, and/or business development

• Experience working with volunteers; the ability to manage complex relationships, a proven collaborator with teamwork skills.

• Excellent communication skills; the ability to speak credibly about higher education and the aspirations of Cornell; clarity, crispness and effectiveness in written and oral presentations.

• Willingness to travel extensively, up to 40% of staff time, and to work nights and weekends as needed.

• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

• Must have a valid driver's license.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prefer experience in higher education or similarly complex environment.

• Experience working with faculty.

Work Location

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2 days per week and on campus 3 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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Non-Union Positions

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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• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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