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In partnership with and reporting to the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences (CALS) associate dean of alumni affairs and development, the director of CALS alumni affairs and development is responsible for a wide range of fundraising and engagement programs, addressing college priorities through individual and organizational giving, prospect discovery/pipeline development, campaigns, and strategic engagement programs. The director supervises five employees. CALS Alumni Affairs and Development has averaged about $50M per year for new gifts and commitments over the past five years. The director will work closely with the CALS associate dean to position the college for successful results, innovative approaches, conceptual and strategic thinking with collaborative partnerships in a highly complex and matrixed environment.
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.
This position is eligible for a 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.
Key Responsibilities:
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Collaborate with the CALS associate dean of alumni affairs and development to strategically manage a comprehensive development program, addressing CALS priorities through individual giving and organizational giving. This also includes the CALS engagement program, which is highly integrated within the broader goals of the alumni affairs and development work plan.
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Partner with the associate dean to serve as point person across various CALS academic departments, programs, and initiatives. Champion support for core budget-relief priorities as well as pivotal new opportunities.
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The director will mentor, motivate, and manage five members of the CALS Alumni Affairs and Development team—two major gifts officers; director of engagement; major gifts associate; and the alumni affairs and development coordinator. Jointly build annual goals with employees and support their progress, involvement, and professional growth.
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Nurture strategic alliances with internal stakeholders to execute joint initiatives and achieve shared objectives. Manage the college partnership with University Major Gifts and with individual major gifts officers, providing strategic direction around donor meetings, gift proposals, and engagement with the dean and other college leaders and faculty. Coordinate interface with University Alumni Affairs, Alumni and Leadership Giving, University Foundation Relations and Corporate Philanthropy, Donor Relations, Advancement Services, and Prospect Management.
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Manage a small portfolio of prospects, meeting with donors to articulate CALS priorities and giving opportunities.
Required Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree and 7 to 10 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
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Fundraising and Revenue Generation—Proven success and results managing development programs, major gifts solicitations, special campaigns, and annual giving.
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Relationship and Community Building—Nurture and support relationships with alumni, parents, friends, and organizational donors; donor stewardship, alumni relations, and volunteer management.
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Mentorship and Talent Development—Empower employees by recognizing their strengths, providing constructive feedback, and facilitating their career growth.
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Leadership, Strategic Thinking and Planning—Capacity to see long-term vision and set actionable goals to meet college mission and objectives. Emotional intelligence to create a healthy work environment. Experience with change management and conflict resolution.
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Clear Communication and Active Listening—Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal. Experience writing and directing gift proposals, alumni affairs and development materials.
Rewards and Benefits
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Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
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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.
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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
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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
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Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
University Job Title:
AAD Development Director
Job Family:
Alumni Affairs Development
Level:
H
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$143,390.00 - $175,254.00
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Contract College
Contact Name:
Rachel Colunio
Contact Email:
[email protected]
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
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2026-06-26
Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose and contribute creative ideas to further the university's mission of teaching, discovery and engagement. With our main campus located in Ithaca, NY, Cornell's far-flung global presence includes the medical college's campuses on the Upper East Side of Manhattan and Doha, Qatar, as well as the Cornell Tech campus located on Roosevelt Island in the heart of New York City.
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