Major Gift Associate

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Major Gift Associate 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

Cornell Bowers College of Computing and Information Science is excited to hire a Major Gift Associate (MGA) to join the staff of its ambitious and high-performing Alumni Affairs and Development team. Reporting to the college's assistant dean, the MGA works collaboratively with major gift officers and program staff to advance fundraising priorities by supporting the identification, cultivation, solicitation, engagement, and stewardship of major-gift prospects and donors.

Key Responsibilities

* Liaise with Bowers AAD colleagues and Donor Relations in crafting and finalizing gift agreements
-including gift proposals, gift agreements, briefings, case materials, correspondence, and volunteer nominations-by researching and synthesizing information about college and university priorities, in support of the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts (including, on a limited basis, foundation and corporate prospects).

* Manage the gift acknowledgement process to ensure timely gift acknowledgements; partner closely with colleagues across AAD to shape stewardship of major and principal gifts-including tailored donor reports and tracking of college endowments, scholarships, and naming opportunities.

* Coordinate portfolio workflow with the assistant dean and major gift officer(s) to document and track donor strategies; generate lists and reports from OBEII and Tableau; and maintain accurate database information reflecting prospect activity.

* Initiate and support prospect identification and research, and conduct discovery research to generate recommendations for the major gift officer and assistant dean that grow the pipeline of major-gift prospects.

* Facilitate connections between prospects and university leadership by developing donor visit briefings, talking points, and campus visit itineraries, and by providing event coordination for cultivation moments.

* Support alumni and donor engagement activities, including Advisory Council meetings, Reunion, Giving Day, regional events, and college-specific initiatives.

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.

About Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science

Born from a bold experiment that united technical innovation with a deeper understanding of the interplay of technology with humanity, the Cornell Ann S. Bowers College of Computing and Information Science continues to define the new frontier of tech.

Across the growing areas of computer science, information science, and statistics and data science - including artificial intelligence - the community pioneers emerging fields, develops the algorithms that power the information age, and is committed to creatively and thoughtfully exploring technology's potential to advance our world. Cornell Bowers is home to more than 200 employees who drive our research, teaching, and innovation across campus and beyond.

Learn more about Cornell Bowers' research and its history.

If you're excited by the intersection of technology and humanity, you'll find a meaningful home here.

Required Qualifications

* Bachelor's degree with 3-5 years of experience in fundraising, alumni affairs, volunteer management, and/or public relations/marketing.

* Strong interpersonal skills and effective written and oral communication; demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively.

* Ability to work both independently with strong personal initiative and collaboratively in a team environment, with the judgment and discretion needed to handle highly sensitive and confidential information.

* Ability to problem-solve, research, evaluate, and synthesize information for the intended audience; well-organized and detail-oriented, with the ability to prioritize multiple assignments and meet deadlines.

* Demonstrated ability to work with individuals and teams from across the university at all levels, as well as with key alumni, donors, and volunteers.

* Demonstrated ability to use computer software applications, databases, and networked information systems, with interest and willingness to try new technologies, including AI.

Work Location

* 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…