Major Gift Associate

   

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Major Gift Associate in the David A. Duffield College of Engineering team within 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 Major Gift Associate (MGA) is a key member of Cornell Duffield Engineering’s development team, partnering with the Director of Development and Major Gifts Officers (MGOs) to advance fundraising priorities and build meaningful relationships with alumni, parents, and friends. The MGA combines strong writing and project management skills with prospect development, donor strategy, and stewardship to move major gift solicitations forward and support the college’s fundraising goals.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop written fundraising materials for diverse audiences, including compelling proposals, solicitation documentation, meeting briefings, gift agreements, fundraising priorities, stewardship communications, and other donor-facing materials.
• Partner with MGOs on donor strategy by supporting prospect identification, portfolio development, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship activities aligned with college and university priorities.
• In collaboration with MGOs, be accountable for delivery of complex fundraising initiatives and projects by managing timelines, advancing key action items, maintaining accurate documentation, and ensuring continuity throughout the solicitation and gift process.
• Develop and maintain in-depth knowledge of college and university priorities, translating complex programs and initiatives into clear, persuasive communications that demonstrate the impact of philanthropic support.
• Support pipeline development by researching and evaluating prospective donors for consideration by the Director of Development and MGOs.
• Be an active, contributing member of the team and division by attending meetings and events, providing ideas, and collaborating across the college and Alumni Affairs and Development division to advance the university’s work and strengthen relationships with donors.

 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3–5 years of relevant professional experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Exceptional written and oral communication skills, including demonstrated strength in persuasive and business writing.
• Strong organizational, project management, and planning skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines while maintaining attention to detail.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, exercise sound judgment, and handle sensitive and confidential information with discretion and professionalism.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to build productive working relationships with colleagues across the university, alumni, volunteers, and senior leaders.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computer software applications, databases, and information systems, along with the ability to research, synthesize, and communicate complex information accurately.

About the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering

Building on our 150-plus-year legacy as one of the nation’s preeminent engineering colleges, the Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering is a purpose-driven, inclusive community committed to developing the knowledge, capabilities, and people needed to forge a better future. Comprising more than 10 schools and departments, we are rooted in Ithaca, New York, with a growing presence in New York City and a global network of alumni and collaborators. Guided by our core values, our faculty and staff regularly engage across disciplines and intentionally bring together a range of perspectives as they lead and support ambitious efforts to tackle societal challenges, develop the next generation of leaders, and make a meaningful difference in the world.

About Alumni Affairs and Development

At 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.

Work Location

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely 2 days per week and on-campus 3 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:

Gift Associate II

   

Job Family:

Alumni Affairs Development

   

Level:

F

   

Pay Rate Type:

Salary

   

Pay Range:

$72,209.00 - $83,447.00

   

Remote Option Availability:

Hybrid

   

Company:

Endowed

   

Contact Name:

Rachel Colunio

   

Contact Email:

rg50@cornell.edu

   

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

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2026-10-20