"Assistant Dean of Alumni Affairs and Development, College of Architecture, Art, and Planning"

Position Summary

The Assistant Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development serves as the chief development officer for the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning (AAP), providing strategic leadership for fundraising and alumni engagement initiatives that advance the college's academic mission and priorities. This role partners closely with the Dean, faculty, college senior leadership, and central Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) to set annual and campaign goals, manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects, and cultivate relationships with highly engaged alumni and donors.

The Assistant Dean collaborates within AAD's shared service model and works with the leader of a team of advancement professionals to execute development and alumni engagement strategies that support AAP's priorities across its Ithaca, NYC, and international programs.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategy and alumni engagement efforts for Cornell AAP in alignment with the dean's strategic priorities.
• Set and achieve annual fundraising goals and contribute to university-wide campaign initiatives.
• Manage a portfolio of major and principal gift prospects capable of $250K+ gifts, ensuring thoughtful cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Build strong relationships with alumni, donors, faculty, and volunteer leaders; effectively communicate AAP's priorities and opportunities.
• Understand the college's academic programs and research to align donor interests with funding needs.
• Oversee and guide strategy in collaboration with the shared services pod, providing constructive feedback and supporting a positive, inclusive working environment.
• Partner with central AAD teams (Major Gifts, Principal Gifts, Gift Planning) and represent AAP in university-wide initiatives and activities.
• Prepare reports, manage the AAD budget for AAP, and ensure appropriate stewardship of gifts and endowed funds.
• Plan and execute Advisory Council and volunteer board meetings for AAP and related programs.

About College of Architecture, Art, and Planning

Cornell AAP is about acts of transformation. We are committed to reimagining and reshaping the world in new ways, every day. A vital college at one of the nation's foremost research universities, Cornell AAP brings faculty, staff, and students together from around the world to take up some of today's most urgent challenges and advance research, inquiry, and collaborative approaches to designing, making, and doing that make a more just and resilient future.

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 7-10 years of progressively responsible fundraising experience, including major and principal gift work and leadership responsibilities.
• Proven success developing and executing comprehensive fundraising strategies.
• Demonstrated ability to build collaborative relationships across a complex, matrixed organization, including with faculty and academic leadership.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, and written/verbal communication skills.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines, make sound judgments, and represent the college professionally with donors and volunteers.
• Proficiency with fundraising CRM/database systems and Microsoft Office tools.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion, and fostering a culture of belonging.
• Ability to travel regularly.

Work Location

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.