Associate Director, Prospect Research

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Associate Director, Prospect Research 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.

Position Summary

Reporting to the Director of Prospect Development, the Associate Director, Prospect Research, leads a team of prospect research analysts and delivers actionable intelligence that advances Cornell's fundraising strategy. This role oversees research operations, due diligence, wealth analysis, prospect identification, and high-priority projects while serving as a strategic partner to fundraisers and senior leadership.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead, coach, and develop a team of six Prospect Research Analysts; manage assignments, workload, timelines, performance, and quality standards.

• Oversee gift acceptance due diligence in support of University Policy 3.1 and gift acceptance standards, including intake, documentation, assignment, and quality control.

• Conduct and oversee complex wealth assessments and capacity ratings, and establish consistent research methodologies, valuation models, documentation, and training.

• Partner with gift officers and senior leaders to translate complex information into clear, actionable insights that inform donor engagement and solicitation strategy.

• Lead cross-functional initiatives supporting parent engagement, international research, principal gifts, prospect identification, and division-wide fundraising priorities.

• Collaborate with Prospect Management to analyze pipeline health, identify opportunities, and improve research tools, processes, and service delivery.

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.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Demonstrated experience managing or mentoring staff, projects, or workflows in a professional setting.

• Experience conducting complex research and synthesizing information from multiple sources into clear, actionable insights.

• Strong analytical, critical thinking, written, and verbal communication skills, including the ability to advise diverse stakeholders.

• Proven ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines while exercising sound judgment and discretion with confidential or sensitive information.

• Proficiency with research tools, data systems, and CRM or relational databases, along with demonstrated experience connecting inclusion, belonging, and wellbeing practices to business goals.

Work Location

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