Major Gifts Officer

Major Gifts Officer

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Major Gift Officer in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This is an exceptional opportunity to join a dynamic, newly launched team and contribute meaningfully to the university's advancement mission.

Position Summary

The Major Gift Officer (MGO) is a front-line fundraising professional and a key member of a newly formed "pod" staff structure, supporting the Brooks School of Public Policy, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, and the Johnson Museum of Art within Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division. Reporting to the Pod Leader, the MGO is responsible for building and managing strategic relationships with alumni, parents, and friends to secure leadership and major gifts in support of the priorities of the three colleges/units.

The MGO manages an estimated portfolio of 100-120 prospect households with a giving potential of $250,000 or more, with an emphasis on prospects with $1 million+ capacity, and is expected to generate $1M-$3M+ in gifts annually. Success in this role requires strategic relationship management, exceptional communication and persuasion skills, and the ability to analyze data and develop tailored engagement plans. The ideal candidate is a collaborative influencer who can work effectively with faculty, volunteers, and pod colleagues, and demonstrates the resilience and results orientation to meet ambitious fundraising goals. Significant travel and occasional evening/weekend work are expected.

Key Responsibilities

Portfolio Management & Fundraising

• Build and sustain purposeful relationships with prospects through strategic qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build, develop, and manage a portfolio of 100-120 prospects with giving capacity of $250,000-$1,000,000+.
• Complete 50+ discovery qualifications annually to identify new major gift prospects.
• Develop and implement annual strategic engagement plans informed by data analysis and donor interests.
• Regularly solicit and close gifts, including annual fund gifts and multi-year commitments, raising a sustainable $1M-$3M+ annually through gifts of diverse sizes.
• Conduct a minimum of 120 personal visits or significant contacts per year, including discovery meetings.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of prospect strategies, contact reports, and gift commitments in compliance with University Fundraising Policy 3.1.

Collaboration & Engagement

• Partner with faculty, staff, and volunteers to align donor interests with institutional priorities.
• Actively collaborate with key stakeholders to develop customized cultivation and stewardship activities, including volunteer leadership roles.
• Represent the university at events such as reunions, homecoming, and campaign activities.
• Serve as a liaison to a college or unit, providing a conduit for information sharing and relationship building.

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.

This position represents a unique opportunity to help shape an innovative shared advancement model designed to maximize fundraising impact. Pod teams are grounded in defined goals, clear communication, mutual accountability, and a culture of experimentation, celebration, and continuous growth. Join our team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence and educational advancement at one of the world's leading universities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 5-7 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination.
• Proven ability to build strategic relationships and influence outcomes.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills; ability to craft compelling proposals and presentations.
• Strong analytical and planning skills to develop data-driven engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated collaboration and teamwork across diverse stakeholders.
• Results-oriented, proactive, and resilient in achieving ambitious fundraising goals.
• Ability to maintain a valid driver's license, travel both domestically and internationally (up to 40% of time), and work evenings/weekends as needed.
• Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging.

Preferred qualifications include experience closing major gifts in a complex organization and a background in higher education fundraising.

Work Location

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. This role may work remotely 3 days per week and with an expectation of being on-campus 2 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 health, wellbeing, and sustainability.
• Comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. Learn more: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell.
• Three weeks of vacation, 13 holidays (including an end-of-year winter break, December 25-January 1), and two additional floating holidays for observing faiths and traditions.
• Impressive educational benefits including tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program.
• Learn more about Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

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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:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

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

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

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Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of "... any person ... any study." No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual's genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.