Principal Gifts Officer
Cornell UniversityAbout the role
Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Principal Gift Officer in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's development efforts.
Position Summary
The Principal Gift Officer (PGO) is a senior fundraising professional who advances Cornell's highest institutional priorities through both frontline fundraising and the coordination of strategic initiative fundraising efforts across the university. Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Principal Gifts, the PGO manages a portfolio of principal gift prospects while partnering with academic and university leaders to lead fundraising strategies that support cross university interdisciplinary initiatives. Through collaboration, relationship building, and strategic planning, this role helps align stakeholders around opportunities that inspire transformational philanthropic support.
Key Responsibilities
Manage a portfolio of 10–15 principal gift prospects and secure transformational commitments of $10M+ in support of institutional priorities.
Lead fundraising strategy and execution for university-wide strategic initiatives aligned with Cornell's academic and research priorities including artificial intelligence and climate research.
Partner with senior academic leaders, deans, directors, and development colleagues to develop fundraising goals and coordinated engagement plans.
Build and oversee fundraising plans, communications strategies, volunteer engagement efforts, and philanthropic roadmaps for strategic initiatives.
Coordinate prospect strategy and cultivation efforts across Alumni Affairs and Development, fostering collaboration among gift officers and university stakeholders.
Develop compelling cases for support and help position Cornell's strategic initiatives with donors, alumni, and friends of the university.
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 at least 10 years of relevant fundraising experience, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
Demonstrated success securing major and principal gifts in support of institutional priorities.
Experience managing complex projects involving multiple stakeholders and navigating organizational dynamics to achieve results.
Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with senior academic leaders, donors, and internal partners.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills, including the ability to develop compelling donor proposals and presentations.
Ability to travel domestically and internationally and work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.
Work Location
This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely three days per week and on campus two 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:
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