Development Director, Student Life & Athletics (Hybrid)

Zymtronix Catalytic Systems Inc; City of Ithaca (NY); Hybrid; USD 143,000 - 175,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health care options

Generous retirement contributions

Tuition/education benefits

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking a Director of Development for Student & Campus Life and Athletics in Ithaca, NY. The role leads a comprehensive fundraising program and partners with senior leadership to translate vision into fundraising success.

The incumbent will manage a team, oversee major gift portfolios, and shape strategy across Student & Campus Life and Athletics. This hybrid role involves travel and evening/weekend work as needed.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of experience in development, alumni affairs, public affairs, marketing, business development, public relations, or related fields, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Demonstrated knowledge of fundraising principles and experience managing major gift programs and donor portfolios.
• Proven ability to provide strategic leadership, collaborate with senior leaders, and contribute to organizational planning and goal achievement.
• Strong people leadership skills with experience supervising, coaching, and developing professional staff.
• Exceptional written, verbal, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to effectively engage internal and external stakeholders.
• Ability and willingness to travel and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Responsibilities

• Shape fundraising strategy, organizational goals, and long-term growth opportunities across Student & Campus Life and Athletics.
• Identify opportunities, address challenges, and advance key initiatives in partnership with divisional leadership.
• Contribute to strategic planning, goal setting, forecasting, and decision-making.
• Provide leadership for the development program, ensuring alignment with divisional and university fundraising priorities.
• Supervise, coach, and develop a team of fundraising professionals.
• Oversee fundraising operations, performance metrics, and processes to meet goals.
• Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors and cultivate donor engagement.
• Collaborate with divisional leaders, coaches, alumni, volunteers, and donors to advance priorities.

Skills

Fundraising strategy

Major gift programs

Strategic leadership

Staff supervision

Excellent communication

Travel evenings/weekends

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Cornell University is seeking a Director of Development for Student & Campus Life and Athletics in Ithaca, NY. The role leads a comprehensive fundraising program and partners with senior leadership to translate vision into fundraising success.

The incumbent will manage a team, oversee major gift portfolios, and shape strategy across Student & Campus Life and Athletics. This hybrid role involves travel and evening/weekend work as needed.