Alumni & Development Lead: Strategy & Fundraising

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); Hybrid; USD 157,000 - 192,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking an Assistant Dean for Alumni Affairs & Development in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. This role leads fundraising and alumni engagement while partnering with the Dean to advance strategic priorities through philanthropy.

The position operates within a collaborative development model with major gifts, alumni engagement, and administrative support, offering influence, strategic vision, and cross-campus collaboration.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 7–10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience.
• Proven success in developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies that achieve ambitious goals.
• Exceptional interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to build collaborative relationships across a complex, matrixed organization.
• Proficiency with fundraising databases, CRM systems, and standard office software.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion; ability to work effectively across cultural differences.
• Ability to travel regularly within the United States and internationally.

Responsibilities

• Lead a Development Program: chief development officer for the ILR School, leading fundraising and alumni engagement strategy aligned with school priorities.
• Cultivates and manages relationships with major donors, alumni, and key stakeholders to secure philanthropic support.
• Partners with the Dean, faculty, alumni, volunteers, and donors to secure philanthropic support and advance strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with fundraisers situated in the central AAD operation to advance ILR’s fundraising aims.
• Inspire Transformational Philanthropy: manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects capable of making significant investments in the future of The ILR School.
• Develop and execute donor strategies that result in meaningful philanthropic support and long-term engagement.
• Build and strengthen relationships with alumni, donors, volunteers, and university partners.
• Collaboration for Impact: work closely with a dedicated team of engagement and development professionals specializing in alumni engagement, major gifts, operations, and administrative support.
• Partner with peer chief development officers from the Atkinson Center for Sustainability and the Cornell University Libraries as well as colleagues across Cornell to maximize fundraising outcomes and organizational effectiveness.
• Contribute to the continued evolution of a collaborative development support model designed for long-term success.

Skills

Fundraising experience

Communication skills

Collaborative work

Travel willingness

Education

Bachelor's degree

Tools

CRM systems

Fundraising databases

Job description

Cornell University is seeking an Assistant Dean for Alumni Affairs & Development in the School of Industrial and Labor Relations. This role leads fundraising and alumni engagement while partnering with the Dean to advance strategic priorities through philanthropy.

The position operates within a collaborative development model with major gifts, alumni engagement, and administrative support, offering influence, strategic vision, and cross-campus collaboration.