Assistant Dean of Alumni Affairs and Development, Cornell Brooks School of Public Policy

Cornell University seeks an experienced advancement professional for the role of Assistant Dean of Alumni Affairs and Development, located in Ithaca, NY. This role supports the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy and presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts.

Position Summary

The Assistant Dean provides strategic leadership for alumni engagement and fundraising at the Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy. This role partners closely with the Dean and senior university advancement leaders to drive philanthropic support for the school's priorities. The Assistant Dean serves as a key member of the Dean's leadership team and manages a portfolio of major gift prospects.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Fundraising

• Develop and implement strategic fundraising plans aligned with school priorities and interdisciplinary initiatives.
• Set and evaluate campaign and annual fundraising goals in collaboration with the Dean and university advancement leadership.
• Manage a portfolio of 15-25 major gift prospects with capacity to give $250,000 or more.

Faculty & Academic Engagement

• Serve as chief liaison to department chairs, program directors, center and institute leaders, and faculty on development matters.
• Coordinate faculty involvement in donor engagement, events, and travel related to advancement.

Volunteer & Advisory Council Management

• Lead the Brooks School Dean's Advisory Council, including agenda setting, member recruitment, and stewardship.
• Support volunteer committees for professional master's programs and collaborate with center/institute directors on working groups.

University Advancement Collaboration

• Partner with university advancement teams (Principal Gifts, Major Gifts, Gift Planning, Annual Fund, etc.) to ensure Brooks School priorities are well represented.
• Collaborate with Corporate and Foundation Relations to support faculty and school initiatives.

Team Leadership & Administration

• Manage and coach a small team, fostering a positive and inclusive work environment.
• Provide ongoing feedback and performance evaluation aligned with division best practices.
• Develop and manage the school's alumni affairs and development budget.

About Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy

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 with 7-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising and leadership experience.
• Proven success in major and principal gift fundraising.
• Strong strategic planning, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience leading and managing a development team.
• Ability to work collaboratively across a complex institutional framework.
• Familiarity with social science disciplines is preferred.

Work Location

• This position is eligible for 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

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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

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Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage people from historically underrepresented and/or marginalized identities to apply. Consistent with federal law, Cornell engages in affirmative action in employment for qualified protected veterans as defined in the Vietnam Era Veterans' Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA) and qualified individuals with disabilities under Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. We also recognize a lawful preference in employment practices for Native Americans living on or near Indian reservations in accordance with applicable law.