Major Gifts Officer for Athletics Development

   

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Major Gifts Officer for Athletics Development 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 Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a seasoned fundraising professional who plays a pivotal role within the Student & Campus Life and Athletics Alumni Affairs and Development team. This position is ideal for an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of cultivating and securing major gifts, as they will be managing a robust portfolio of well-connected households alongside a deep pool of high-potential prospects ready for strategic engagement.

Reporting to the Director of Development, the MGO builds and nurtures trust-based relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of Cornell Athletics. This results-driven professional thrives in a dynamic and collaborative team culture, working in close partnership with coaches, staff, and university colleagues. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of Cornell’s Division I Athletics and Physical Education programs, and the ability to translate that knowledge into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically manage a portfolio  of 80–100 major gift prospects, with a focus on securing commitments ranging from $250K to $10M+, in support of Cornell Athletics priorities.

• Develop and execute tailored fundraising strategies  and annual work plans in close collaboration with the Director of Development and university leadership.

• Conduct 100+ high-impact donor engagements  annually, including in-person and virtual meetings, to cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends.

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture, demonstrating flexibility, accountability, and a commitment to shared success.

• Collaborate across a dynamic network  of coaches, staff, volunteers, and university partners to enhance donor engagement and maximize fundraising outcomes.

View Full Description

   

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Major Gifts Officer for Athletics Development 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 Major Gifts Officer (MGO) is a seasoned fundraising professional who plays a pivotal role within the Student & Campus Life and Athletics Alumni Affairs and Development team. This position is ideal for an experienced fundraiser with a proven track record of cultivating and securing major gifts, as they will be managing a robust portfolio of well-connected households alongside a deep pool of high-potential prospects ready for strategic engagement.

Reporting to the Director of Development, the MGO builds and nurtures trust-based relationships with alumni, parents, and friends of Cornell Athletics. This results-driven professional thrives in a dynamic and collaborative team culture, working in close partnership with coaches, staff, and university colleagues. Success in this role requires a deep understanding of Cornell’s Division I Athletics and Physical Education programs, and the ability to translate that knowledge into compelling philanthropic opportunities.

Key Responsibilities

• Strategically manage a portfolio  of 80–100 major gift prospects, with a focus on securing commitments ranging from $250K to $10M+, in support of Cornell Athletics priorities.

• Develop and execute tailored fundraising strategies  and annual work plans in close collaboration with the Director of Development and university leadership.

• Conduct 100+ high-impact donor engagements  annually, including in-person and virtual meetings, to cultivate, solicit, and steward alumni, parents, and friends.

• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and collaborative team culture, demonstrating flexibility, accountability, and a commitment to shared success.

• Collaborate across a dynamic network  of coaches, staff, volunteers, and university partners to enhance donor engagement and maximize fundraising outcomes.

• Maintain accurate and timely records in PeopleSoft, documenting strategies, actions, and donor interactions to support data-driven decision-making.

• Prepare persuasive proposals, briefings, and stewardship materials , leveraging support staff and resources to ensure high-quality donor communications.

• Attend athletic events and university functions  to engage with donors, deepen relationships, and represent Cornell Athletics in a meaningful and visible way.

• Stay informed and engaged  with Cornell’s campaign priorities and the evolving collegiate athletics landscape to inform strategy and donor conversations.

About Alumni Affairs and Development

Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division, widely regarded as one of the top-performing advancement organizations in higher education, connects alumni, parents and friends with opportunities to advance the university's mission through philanthropy and engagement. As part of our team, you'll help cultivate meaningful relationships while working alongside dedicated professionals who share your commitment to excellence and educational advancement.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, with 7 to 10 years of experience in Development, or Alumni Affairs.

• Knowledge of the principles and practices of fundraising, individual giving and corporate/foundation giving.

• Proven success in closing 6 and 7-figure new gifts and commitments.

• Ability to effectively represent the University and the department to both internal and external audiences. 

• Strong organizational skills, excellent written and verbal communication skills, ability to staff/manage senior leaders, and an ability to work as part of a team. 

• High level of motivation and integrity. 

• Ability and willingness to travel for business needs.

• Ability to attend athletic events on nights or weekends.

 Work Location

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 1 day per week and on campus 4 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:

Major GIfts Ofcr IV

Job Family:

Alumni Affairs Development

Level:

H

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$138,776.00 - $169,615.00

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Laura Clark

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

Non-Union Positions

Noted pay ranges reflect the potential pay opportunity for each job profile. The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined considering the following criteria:

• Prior relevant work or industry experience

• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position

• Unique applicable skills

• Academic Discipline

To learn more about Cornell’s non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator.

Union Positions

The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell’s union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

Current Employees:

If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell.

Online Submission Guidelines :

Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter.  You can upload documents either by “dragging and dropping” them into the dropbox or by using the “upload” icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website.

Employment Assistance:

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu.

If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu.

Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu.

Notice to Applicants:

Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant.

EEO Statement:

Cornell welcomes students, faculty, and staff with diverse backgrounds from across the globe to pursue world-class education and career opportunities, to further the founding principle of “... any person ... any study.” No person shall be denied employment on the basis of any legally protected status or subjected to prohibited discrimination involving, but not limited to, such factors as race, ethnic or national origin, citizenship and immigration status, color, sex, pregnancy or pregnancy-related conditions, age, creed, religion, actual or perceived disability (including persons associated with such a person), arrest and/or conviction record, military or veteran status, sexual orientation, gender expression and/or identity, an individual’s genetic information, domestic violence victim status, familial status, marital status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.

Cornell University embraces diversity in its workforce and seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRRA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.

2025-08-06

Apply Now

View Less Description