Program Assistant, Office of Donor Relations

Cornell University; United States; Hybrid; USD 41,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Cornell University in Ithaca, NY is seeking an AAD Program Assistant II to support donor relations and alumni engagement. You will research, prepare, and distribute tribute gift notifications and weekly gift reports for the Donor Relations office and campus units.

The role blends independent work with cross-division collaboration, requiring attention to detail, strong communication, and proficiency in Microsoft Office and Excel for data management and reporting. Hybrid work is available.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree and 4 to 6 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Demonstrated ability to work under general supervision.
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail.
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite.
• Proven ability leveraging Microsoft Excel for data management and analysis to support decision-making.
• Must be dedicated to providing exceptional customer service for internal and external constituents.
• Proactive and adaptable learning new software platforms, with a track record of quickly gaining proficiency and applying new tools.
• Ability to exercise strong judgment across all areas, including communications with an external audience.

Responsibilities

• Generate, analyze, and prepare weekly and ad-hoc gift reports.
• Prepare and distribute timely correspondence for a variety of stakeholders.
• Assist with data gathering and analysis for giving initiatives across campus.
• Partner with colleagues across the division to ensure timely donor communications.
• Maintain detailed record keeping of all correspondence.
• Exercise strong judgment and polished communication with external constituents.

Skills

Microsoft Office

Excel

Data analysis

Customer service

Attention to detail

Communication

Adaptability

General supervision

Education

Associate's degree

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Job description

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of AAD Program Assistant II in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts.

Position Summary

The Program Assistant is responsible for researching, preparing, and distributing tribute gift notifications and reports (in memory and in honor of). The position also prepares weekly acknowledgements and gift reports for the Donor Relation's office, as well as other participating colleges and units, particularly the division's newly formed pod structure. The role offers a blend of independent work and cross-division collaboration.

Key Responsibilities

• Generat e , analyz e , and prepar e weekly and ad-hoc gift reports
• P repare and distribute timely correspondence for a variety of stakeholders
• Assist with data gathering and analysis for giving initiatives across campus
• Partner with colleagues across the division to ensure timely donor communications
• Maintain detailed record keeping of all correspondence
• Exercise strong judgment and polished communicat ion with external constituent

About Alumni Affairs and Development

At Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development, we connect alumni, parents, and friends with opportunities to make a meaningful difference at Cornell and beyond. Our success is built on the strength of relationships, a commitment to excellence, and a culture of collaboration, innovation, inclusion, and continuous learning. As one of higher education's leading fundraising and engagement organizations, we recently completed a record-setting campaign that engaged more than 221K alumni and raised $6.7 billion . Joining our team means growing your career alongside supportive, mission-driven, and high-performing colleagues while helping shape Cornell's future.

Required Qualifications

• Associate's degree and 4 to 6 years relevant experience or equivalent combination
• Experience modeling values that support inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing.
• Demonstrated ability to work under general supervision
• High level of accuracy and attention to detail
• Proficient with the Microsoft Office Suite
• Proven ability leveraging Microsoft Excel for data management and analysis to support decision-making
• Must be dedicated to providing exceptional customer service for internal and external constituents
• Proactive and adaptable learning new software platforms, with a track record of quickly gaining proficiency and applying new tools
• Ability to exercise strong judgment across all areas, including communications with an external audience

Work Location

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on-campus 2 days per week. The university reserves the right to modify , suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, and sustainability.

Our benefits programs include comprehensive health care options, generous retirement contributions, access to wellness programs, and employee discounts with local and national retail brands. We invite you to follow this link to get more information about our benefits: Understand Your Benefits | Working at Cornell .

Our leave provisions include health and personal leave, three weeks of vacation and 13 holidays: Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving and the day after, and an end of the year winter break from December 25-January 1. To offer greater flexibility for observing faiths and traditions we also offer two additional floating holidays. Learn more about our generous leave provisions: Holiday and Accrued Time Off | Working at Cornell

Cornell's impressive educational benefits include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell

Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell .

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title: AAD Program Assistant II

Job Family: Alumni Affairs Development

Level: E

Pay Rate Type: Hourly

Pay Range: $30.73 - $35.71

Remote Option Availability: Hybrid

Company: Endowed