Director of Development, Student & Campus Life and Athletics

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Director of Development, Student & Campus Life and Athletics 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 SummaryThe Director of Development serves as a fundraising leader for Cornell's Student & Campus Life and Athletics division, helping to guide a comprehensive development program that advances key philanthropic priorities. Reporting to the Executive Director, this position serves as a key member of the division's fundraising leadership team and a trusted partner in advancing fundraising strategy and organizational goals. This individual provides leadership for fundraising operations, staff management, and major gift strategy while helping shape the direction, priorities, and future growth of the development program. As a close collaborator to the Executive Director, the Director plays a critical role in translating vision into fundraising success. Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Thought Partner * Serve as a trusted advisor to the Executive Director, helping shape fundraising strategy, organizational goals, and long-term growth opportunities across Student & Campus Life and Athletics * Partner with divisional leadership to identify opportunities, address challenges, and advance key initiatives * Contribute to strategic planning, goal setting, forecasting, and decision-making Operational Leadership * Provide leadership for the development program, ensuring alignment with divisional and university fundraising priorities * Supervise, coach, and develop a team of fundraising professionals, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance * Oversee fundraising operations, performance metrics, and key processes to ensure effective execution and achievement of fundraising goals Portfolio Management * Manage a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors, developing and executing strategies to cultivate, solicit, and steward philanthropic support while authentically engaging donors around the impact of athletics and student life programs * Partner with divisional leaders, coaches, alumni, volunteers, and donors to build meaningful relationships and advance fundraising priorities About Alumni Affairs and DevelopmentAt 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. About Student & Campus Life and AthleticsStudent & Campus Life (SCL) inspires transformation in all Cornell students on their journey of individual, academic and personal evolution. Our division is comprised of leading student affairs experts who support our campus on pressing student life matters including public service, health, wellbeing, connection and belonging, residential living, food services, sports, recreation, career services, and student activities and organizations including sorority and fraternity life. We provide support and services to roughly 25,000 undergraduate, graduate, and professional students on multiple campuses in the U.S. and abroad. Required Qualifications * Bachelor's degree and 7-10 years of experience in development, alumni affairs, public affairs, marketing, business development, public relations, or related fields, or equivalent combination of education an