Leadership Gifts Officer

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Leadership Gifts Officer 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. The Leadership Gifts Officer (LGO) is an important member of the Annual and Leadership Giving Team. Reporting to the Director of Leadership Gifts, this role is responsible for raising Annual Fund dollars through donor retention, upgrading, and pipeline development. The LGO will carry a portfolio of prospects and donors with loyal giving histories and/or the potential to support the Annual Fund at a higher level. Key Responsibilities Manage a portfolio of 160–180 prospects with giving capacity of $25K–$249K. Conduct a minimum of 200 meetings annually, with at least 150 dedicated to Annual Fund solicitations. Regularly solicit and close annual gifts or multi‑year commitments totaling $25K to $249K. Maintain accurate contact reports, strategy updates, and donor intelligence into CRM by month‑end deadlines. Partner with major gift services staff to support acknowledgments, briefings, and presidential correspondence. Required Qualifications Bachelor’s degree and 3 to 5 years relevant experience or equivalent combination. Demonstrated success in relationship‑based work, preferably including solicitation, closing, or negotiations in a metric‑driven environment. Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft multi‑tier asks and adapt messaging to diverse audiences. Strong analytical skills and the ability to synthesize information to assess donor capacity, inclination, and appropriate next steps. Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members. Ability to maintain a valid driver’s license, travel domestically and abroad, and work evenings and weekends as needed. 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. Location and Work Arrangement This position is located in Ithaca, New York and is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 3 days per week and on‑campus 2 days per week. 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. 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 to 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. Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell. Visa Sponsorship Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. 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 (VEVRAA) 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. #J-18808-Ljbffr