Director OF Finance

Director of Finance and FacilitiesCornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Director of Finance and Facilities in our Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to support the university's fundraising and engagement efforts.Position SummaryThe Director of Finance and Facilities is a key leadership role responsible for shaping the financial strategy and facilities operations of Alumni Affairs and Development, overseeing everything from budget planning and gift accounting to space management and staff safety. This is an exciting opportunity for a strategic, detail-oriented leader to make a lasting impact by driving operational excellence, ensuring compliance, and supporting a mission-driven team dedicated to advancing the university's goals.Key ResponsibilitiesFinancial Operations: Direct AAD's $50M+ operating budget and financial strategy, ensuring compliance with University policies (procurement, travel, PCI, internal controls) while leading fiscal year-end close, budget forecasting, and quality assurance across financial and gift data.Facilities Management: Oversee all AAD building operations, including space planning, lease administration, safety/security protocols, ADA compliance, and emergency preparedness, while serving as liaison to University Real Estate, Environmental Health and Safety (EHS), and law enforcement partners.Gift Accounting & Foundation Leadership: Manage the Gift Accounting team and ensure compliance with GAAP, CASE, and IRS standards; oversee administration of the Cornell University Foundation, including audits, tax filings, and Board reporting as Cornell University Foundation (CUF) Secretary.Strategic Partnerships & Compliance: Serve as AAD's key liaison to central University offices (Budget Office, Internal Audit, Division of Financial Services (DFS), Payroll/Tax) and represent the division on University-wide committees to align operations with institutional standards.Team Leadership & Development: Supervise and mentor Finance, Facilities, and Gift Accounting staff, driving professional development, succession planning, and a culture of accountability and service excellence.Executive Support & Innovation: Advise senior AAD leadership on financial and facilities strategy, contribute to divisional strategic initiatives, and lead innovative, team-based approaches to meet evolving organizational needs.About Alumni Affairs and DevelopmentAt 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 QualificationsBachelor's degree with 7–10 years of experience in accounting, financial management, budgeting, and administration (or equivalent combination of education/experience).Proven progressive leadership experience with the ability to inspire, motivate, and empower staff; skilled in cultivating high-functioning teams, holding staff accountable, and fostering a positive organizational culture.Demonstrated success in developing and executing strategic plans, driving continuous improvement, and allocating resources effectively amid dynamically changing business needs.Strong ability to build effective relationships across all organizational levels, manage multiple priorities independently, and lead teams through organizational change.Excellent communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills, with sound professional judgment in handling confidential matters with discretion and integrity.Solid knowledge of financial industry regulations and best practices, along with demonstrated commitment to supporting diversity, equity, inclusion, access, and wellbeing in the workplace.Work LocationThis 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 BenefitsCornell 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.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.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.Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.