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.

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.

ABOUT US

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.
We offer a rich array of services, programs and benefits to help employees advance in their career and enhance the quality of personal life, including: employee wellness, workshops, childcare and adoption assistance, parental leave, flexible work options

• 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