Cornell University embraces diversity and seeks candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We strongly encourage individuals from underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.
Cornell University, a nationally ranked Ivy League institution, is looking for a Director of Development, University Library to join the Alumni Affairs & Development division in Ithaca, NY.
The Cornell University Library seeks an innovative and strategic development leader to serve as its next Director of Development (DoD). As Cornell embarks on the public phase of its multi-billion-dollar To Do the Greatest Good campaign and the University Library enters a period of rapid growth, the DoD will lead the individual philanthropic efforts for the University Library and play a significant role in increasing its visibility and support.
The DoD will join a dynamic and passionate senior leadership team led by Elaine L. Westbrooks, the Carl A. Kroch University Librarian. They will provide strategic vision to all aspects of fundraising for the University Library and will collaborate with the University Librarian and Associate Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development to develop and translate its top priorities into a comprehensive engagement and development program. The DoD will build and advance strong relationships with alumni, friends, corporations, and foundations, resulting in philanthropic contributions through collaborations with an extended alumni affairs and development partnership and the management of a portfolio of major gifts prospects.
The successful candidate will be an intellectually curious and networked fundraiser with the ability to navigate complex organizations and work in a start-up environment. The ideal candidate will be comfortable with ambiguity and change, open to new ideas and creative approaches to work, relish new growth opportunities, and be keen to learn. Increasing collaboration across the University to successfully build and grow the University Library’s fundraising program to its greatest potential is a fundamental expectation.
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 via this link.
Key Responsibilities
– Director of Development will serve as chief development officer for, and manager of, the University Library’s development program, with responsibility for securing private philanthropic support.
– Lead the strategic management of a comprehensive development program which executes on the unit’s and university’s strategic philanthropic priorities
– Build and advance strong relationships with alumni and friends that result in philanthropic contributions to the University Library by leading it’s major gifts, leadership gifts, and annual fund, and any other special projects
– In partnership with University Librarian, provide support and strategic management of the CUL Advisory Council.
– Coordinate initiatives with individual giving officers and other AAD colleagues and serve as a major gift officer for 50 prospective donors with the capacity to give $250,000 or more
– Devise strategies for engagement in alignment with unit priorities, fundraising, and otherwise
– Manage relationships with individual giving officers outside of the Cornell University Library to assist with prospect strategies
– DoD will be the primary thought partner on development for the University Librarian Elaine L. Westbrooks and serve as a member of her senior leadership team
Core Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of five years of experience in development, individual fundraising, or closely related experience
– Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
– Effective organizational skills and strong detail orientation
– Superb listening skills with relationship-oriented approach
– Intellectual curiosity, capacity, and versatility to understand and promote the latest scientific research and thought leadership in sustainability across multiple disciplines
– Ability to work in a fast-paced, complex environment while handling multiple tasks and competing priorities
– Ability to work independently while supporting the efforts of an overall team
– Ability to work effectively and collaborate with a large, diverse staff network
– Ability to learn and effectively apply knowledge of university and college priorities and programs within a fund-raising effort
– Sound judgment, tact and discretion in handling highly confidential and sensitive information
– Ability to develop innovative and creative options to increase potential prospect base
– Ability to develop effective strategies to meet stated goals
– Ability to travel up to 35% of the time
This position is based in Ithaca, NY with the opportunity to work in a hybrid environment.
No Visa sponsorship is available for this position.
As part of the university’s comprehensive vaccination program, all Cornell employees are required to have and provide proof of an FDA-or WHO-authorized or approved COVID-19 primary vaccination or have obtained a university-approved disability/medical or religious exemption, regardless of their role and work location.
University Job Title: AAD Program Director I
Job Family: Alumni Affairs Development
Level: H
Pay Rate Type: Salary
Pay Range: $139,952.00 – $171,052.00
Company: Endowed
Contact Name: Laura Clark
Number of Openings: 1