Major Gifts Admin Assistant — Hybrid

Cornell University; Town of Ithaca (NY); Hybrid; USD 49,000 - 53,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University is seeking a Temporary Administrative Assistant in Ithaca, NY, within Alumni Affairs and Development. The role supports 4-6 major gift officers and helps coordinate donor relations, data, and reports. The team values curiosity, learning, and collaboration while advancing Cornell's mission.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement (remote 3 days/wk, on-campus 2 days/wk) and an anticipated end date of December 15, 2026, with an hourly wage of $24.30–$26.15.

Qualifications

• High school diploma with 2-4 years of administrative experience.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and comfort learning new database systems.
• Strong organizational skills with ability to manage multiple priorities for several team members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with professional representation of Cornell.
• Demonstrated ability to handle confidential information with discretion and maintain high accuracy.
• Curiosity about Cornell's mission and willingness to learn about fundraising operations, donor relations, and university priorities.

Responsibilities

• Maintain accurate data and gift tracking in PeopleSoft, ensuring seamless information flow for donor-centric philanthropy.
• Process travel reimbursements through Concur, supporting gift officers with expense management and reporting.
• Prepare reports and materials to help gift officers stay organized and informed about Cornell priorities and donor interests.
• Provide occasional logistical and event support such as RSVP tracking and material coordination, contributing to cultivation activities that strengthen Cornell connections.
• Collaborate with colleagues across Alumni Affairs & Development (Donor Relations, Gift Processing, Information Services) to resolve data questions and maintain institutional excellence.
• Provide reliable administrative support that enables gift officers to focus on relationship-building, while contributing to a positive team culture through proactive collaboration and professional enthusiasm.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Discretion/Confidentiality

Learning new systems

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Tools

PeopleSoft

Concur

Job description

Cornell University is seeking a Temporary Administrative Assistant in Ithaca, NY, within Alumni Affairs and Development. The role supports 4-6 major gift officers and helps coordinate donor relations, data, and reports. The team values curiosity, learning, and collaboration while advancing Cornell's mission.

The position offers a hybrid work arrangement (remote 3 days/wk, on-campus 2 days/wk) and an anticipated end date of December 15, 2026, with an hourly wage of $24.30–$26.15.