Description
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
The Cornell Jeb E. Brooks School of Public Policy, launched in fall 2021, harnesses the University’s broad disciplinary excellence in public policy, along with its innovative teaching, research, and engagement programs, to solve pressing global challenges. The school’s prestigious faculty apply an interdisciplinary and problem-oriented focus to wide-ranging public policy issues as they explore how government choices intersect with people’s lives. The school’s initial areas of focus are in data science and technology policy; environmental and sustainability policy; health policy; global security; inequality and social policy; the politics and economics of development; and race, racism, and public policy.
https://publicpolicy.cornell.edu/about-us/
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.
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
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 include tuition-free Extramural Study and Employee Degree Program, tuition aid for external education, and Cornell Children's Tuition Assistance Program. Learn more about our extensive educational benefits: Education Benefits | Working at Cornell
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
Requirements
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.
