Major Gift Associate

Major Gift Associate Cornell University 72,209.00 - $83,447.00 United States, York, Ithaca Apr 02, 2026 The Major Gift Associate (MGA) is a key member of a newly formed "pod" staff structure, supporting the Brooks School of Public Policy, the Johnson Museum of Art, and the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning within Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division. Reporting to the Pod Leader, the MGA partners closely with Chief Development Officers (CDOs), Major Gift Officers (MGOs), and engagement staff to advance fundraising and engagement priorities across all three units. This role is integral to the pod's success, supporting the full arc of the donor lifecycle: from prospect identification and research to cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The MGA prepares compelling written materials, coordinates donor engagement activities, and ensures timely follow-through on critical advancement work. The ideal candidate brings a collaborative, service-oriented mindset, strong writing skills, and a genuine enthusiasm for working across multiple colleges and institutional priorities. 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. This position represents a unique opportunity to help launch an innovative model designed to maximize fundraising impact. Pod teams are grounded in defined goals, clear communication, mutual accountability, and a culture of experimentation, celebration, and continuous growth. Join our team of dedicated professionals committed to excellence and educational advancement at one of the world's leading universities. This 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. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. Cornell is an equal opportunity employer. For more information, visit hr.cornell.edu/eeo.

Key Responsibilities:

Support CDO and MGO gift strategies; this includes preparing high-quality written materials including proposals, donor briefings, prospect profiles, solicitations, gift documentation, and campaign-related content. Initiate and support prospect identification and research; generate recommendations to support MGO and CDO strategies. Coordinate donor engagement activities, campus visits, and unit-specific programming. Collaborate with CDOs, MGOs, and pod colleagues to develop and track consistent stewardship practices across all supported colleges and units. Prepare acknowledgments and recognition materials in accordance with pod protocols and tiered acknowledgment processes. Maintain an in-depth understanding of each college's fundraising priorities, programs, and initiatives to ensure all materials are accurate, tailored, and aligned with institutional goals.

Required Qualifications:

Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience, or equivalent combination. Demonstrated excellence in persuasive and business writing. Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively in a shared support model. Ability to manage competing priorities, work independently, and exercise sound judgment with highly confidential information. Strong organizational and project management skills, with a track record of meeting tight deadlines. Demonstrated commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging. Preferred qualifications include experience in higher education development, a working knowledge of fundraising concepts and principles, and experience supporting multiple leaders or organizational units.

Essential Working Conditions:

Typically lifts 10 to 20 lbs Normal concentration Limited exposure

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 The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates.

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EEO Statement:

Cornellwelcomes 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 seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply.

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