Careers

Director of Development, Arts & Science

Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

The College of Arts and Sciences is the nexus of discovery and impact- where imagination, the pursuit of knowledge and a global perspective create the foundation for discovery, success and a life well lived. The college is the largest and most academically diverse college at Cornell, offering 40 undergraduate majors, 35 graduate fields and boasts a network of over 65,000 alumni. Our research and academic programs are all curiosity driven with focus on research and scholarly excellence; academic innovation and the student experience; faculty renewal and support; local and global public engagement.

In partnership with the Associate Dean, the Director of Development is responsible for the strategic management of a comprehensive development program which executes on the dean's and university's strategic philanthropic priorities. The Director of Development will play a central role in driving success in the campaign as the college our $400,000,000 campaign goal.

They will be a vital collaborator with faculty, college leadership, and university gift officers. The Director also manages and mentors a cohesive, dedicated development team of three Major Gift Officers, one Major Gifts Associate and an administrative assistant. The Director serves on the Associate Dean's leadership team alongside the Director of Alumni Engagement, and Stewardship Officer.

The Director independently manages a small portfolio of high-level prospects.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead a team of three Major Gifts Officers, one Major Gifts Associate, and one administrative assistant
• Serve as a primary point of contact for central and regional Major Gifts Officers
• Manage a pool of up to 25 prospects, with the capacity to make gifts of $250k or more
• Act as strategic partner with Associate Dean of Alumni Affairs and Development to translate dean and director strategic priorities into fundraising opportunities and advance campaign goals and initiatives
• Completion of 40 personal visits, and 2-4 major gifts solicitations each year
• Have primary responsibility for annual fund growth
• Partner with Associate Dean to monitor goal achievement on monthly and quarterly basis
• Partner with Director of Alumni Engagement, Stewardship Officer to ensure seamless collaboration and consistent, high quality alumni and donor experience
• Provide oversight of programmatic needs and activities, as well as day-to-day supervision of development staff
• In partnership with Associate Dean, oversee administrative functions of the office
• Play a leadership role in human resource affairs for the unit.
• Represent Arts and Sciences in divisional meetings and committees
• Serve as primary contact in absence of Associate Dean

Core Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree, with 5 or more years' experience in Development, Alumni Affairs, Public Affairs, Marketing, Business Development and/or Public Relations.
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of nurturing fundraising, individual giving and corporate/foundation giving. Ability to effectively represent the University and the College to both internal and external audiences.
• Excellent supervisory skills, strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to staff/manage deans and other academic leaders, and an ability to work as part of a team.
• High level of motivation and integrity.
• Ability and willingness to travel.
• Ability to take initiative, work both independently and collaboratively and think creatively to problem-solve.
• Ability to manage and work productively with volunteers.
• Proficiency with a PC and with Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint).
• Must be able to effectively work in a fast-paced, demanding environment while using sound judgment in decision making and in accomplishing tasks that are urgent or of a sensitive or confidential nature, while meeting competing deadlines.
• DoD must share the Division's commitment to creating an inclusive culture that values each staff member's unique perspective, skills, and experience and in doing so, creates a culture of belonging will reinforce a respectful and anti-discriminatory workplace, and expect the Team to commit to our DEI goals.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Benefits include:

This position is based in Ithaca, NY with hybrid work arrangements considered.

No Visa sponsorship is available for this position.

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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 (faculty pay ranges reflects 9-month annual salary)

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Online Submission Guidelines:

Employment Assistance:

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also visit the office of Workforce Recruitment and Retention Monday - Friday between the hours of 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m. to use a dedicated workstation to complete an online application.

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EEO Statement:

Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University's heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. 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.