Major Gift Associate, Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability

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Cornell University , a nationally ranked Ivy League institution, is looking for a Major Gift Associate to join the Alumni Affairs & Development division in Ithaca, NY.

This position offers the unique opportunity to work within the sciences at Cornell, supporting the Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability . This key role will provide critical support to all aspects of the development efforts through a collaborative partnership with the Director of Development.

The Cornell Atkinson Center for Sustainability is the hub of collaborative sustainability research at Cornell University, forging vital connections among researchers, students, staff, and external partners. The successful candidate will be a dynamic professional with a passion for the center’s efforts to accelerate bold ideas and powerful new models of sustainability that ensure people and the planet not only survive but thrive.

Key Responsibilities

• Providing general development support to the Director of Development to advance fundraising goals with an emphasis on both major gift and annual fund-level philanthropy

• Writing and editing high-quality development materials for a variety of audiences and purposes, including proposals, donor visit briefings, stewardship reports, donor communications, membership and annual fund appeals, and timely donor acknowledgments

• Coordinating portfolio workflow for Director of Development, including working collaboratively to document, initiate, and track strategies and actions for donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

• Providing support for Advisory Council management and events meetings, and occasional donor visits to campus

• Planning and implementing key Alumni Relations and Development events to engage new and existing center prospects

• Conducting prospect research as needed, including working to hone prospect lists to assist with discovery outreach

• Overseeing weekly project management of stewardship tasks for gifts

• Performing accurate data entry and retrieval

• Providing limited administrative support to the Director of Development as needed

• Maintain familiarity with Cornell Atkinson donor and prospect pools.

• In partnership Director of Development conduct research for new donors and prospects. Develop briefings, talking points, proposals, and other supporting materials to be utilized in the cultivation and solicitation of major gifts prospects.

• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of Cornell Atkinson’s campaign fundraising priorities

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and 2 to 4 years relevant experience or equivalent combination.

• Must have strong interpersonal skills and effective communication skills, both written and oral. Demonstrated ability to write clearly and persuasively is a must.

• Ability to work both independently with personal initiative and in a collaborative environment.

• Ability to problem-solve, research, evaluate and synthesize information for the intended audience.

• Must be well-organized, detail-oriented, and able to prioritize multiple assignments for completion in a timely manner.

• The successful candidate must have experience in and/or a demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, access, and inclusion.

• Must be able to exercise strong judgment, conduct oneself in a professional and ethical manner, and demonstrate discretion with highly sensitive and confidential information.

• Ability to work with individuals and teams from across the university, at all levels, as well as with key alumni, donors, and volunteers.

• Must have demonstrated ability to use computer software applications, databases, and networked informational systems.

• must be able to travel occasionally or work the occasional night to support Cornell Atkinson Development events

• While this position is a hybrid opportunity, candidates must be located in or near Ithaca or relocating to Ithaca, NY.

Rewards and Benefits

Cornell receives national recognition, as an award-winning workplace for our health, wellbeing, sustainability, and diversity initiatives. Benefits include:

• Comprehensive health care options

• Access to wellness programs

• Employee discounts with local and national retail brands

• Generous retirement contributions

• Leave provisions including three weeks of vacation and 12 holidays

• Impressive educational benefits including tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, Tuition Aid for external education, and Cornell Children’s Tuition Assistance program

• Learn more about benefit opportunities

Please submit resume and cover letter in application for this position.

This position is based in Ithaca, NY with hybrid work arrangements.  

Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.

University Job Title:

Gift Associate I

Job Family:

Alumni Affairs Development

Level:

E

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

Pay Range:

$54,716.00 – $63,588.00

Company:

Endowed

Contact Name:

Laura Clark

Number of Openings:

1

Job Titles and Pay Ranges:

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.

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Diversity and Inclusion are a part of Cornell University’s heritage. We are a recognized employer and educator valuing AA/EEO, Protected Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations. Cornell University is an innovative Ivy League university and a great place to work. Our inclusive community of scholars, students, and staff impart an uncommon sense of larger purpose, and contribute creative ideas to further the university’s mission of teaching, discovery, and engagement.

2022-10-27-07:00