Hybrid Major Gifts Associate

Cornell University; Ithaca (MI); Hybrid; USD 72,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health benefits

Vacation & holidays

Tuition assistance

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is seeking a Major Gift Associate to join the Duffield Engineering Alumni Affairs and Development team. You will collaborate with the Director of Development and MGOs to advance fundraising priorities, craft donor-facing materials, and help move major gift solicitations forward.

The role emphasizes strong writing, project management, and the ability to translate complex programs into persuasive communications.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 3–5 years of relevant professional experience.
• Exceptional written and oral communication, including persuasive business writing.
• Strong organizational, project management, and planning skills with multitasking.
• Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.
• Ability to build relationships with alumni, volunteers, and senior leaders.
• Proficiency with databases and information systems.

Responsibilities

• Develop written fundraising materials for diverse audiences and donor-facing pieces.
• Partner with MGOs on donor strategy and portfolio development.
• Manage complex fundraising initiatives with timelines and action items.
• Translate college and university priorities into clear, persuasive communications.
• Support pipeline development by researching prospective donors.
• Collaborate across the division to strengthen donor relationships.

Skills

Written communication

Oral communication

Project management

Donor relations

Research & analysis

Discretion & confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Tools

Donor databases

Microsoft Office

CRM software

Job description

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is seeking a Major Gift Associate to join the Duffield Engineering Alumni Affairs and Development team. You will collaborate with the Director of Development and MGOs to advance fundraising priorities, craft donor-facing materials, and help move major gift solicitations forward.

The role emphasizes strong writing, project management, and the ability to translate complex programs into persuasive communications.