Gift Planning Officer

Gift Planning Officer

Alumni Affairs and Development | Cornell University

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Gift Planning Officer in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to partner with donors, colleagues, and professional advisors to secure planned and complex gifts in support of Cornell's academic and institutional priorities.

Position Summary

The Gift Planning Officer is a fundraising professional responsible for developing and closing a high volume of planned and complex gifts while stewarding gift planning donors and supporting college- and unit-based fundraising teams across the university. This role manages relationships with alumni, parents, and friends with giving potential ranging from $10,000 to $10M or more and regularly collaborates with major and principal gift officers to advance gifts from estates, life income agreements, real estate, and other complex assets. Success in this role requires strong financial acumen, collaborative partnership, and the ability to communicate technical concepts clearly to a wide range of audiences.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and close a high volume of planned and complex gifts, both independently and in collaboration with college and unit colleagues.
• Manage and advance relationships with prospects capable of planned gifts ranging from $10,000 to $10M+.
• Collaborate with major, principal, and annual fund officers to structure and close gifts from estates, life income agreements, real estate, and other complex assets.
• Serve as a liaison to assigned colleges and units, providing technical expertise, strategy support, and colleague education.
• Participate in donor visits, collaborative strategy sessions, and stewardship activities to advance gift planning opportunities.
• Contribute to cohesive marketing and stewardship efforts for planned giving through partnership with internal colleagues.
• Attend events and travel as needed to support fundraising and stewardship goals.

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 seven to ten years of relevant experience required, minimum of three years in planned giving or a related field, such as trusts and estates or wealth planning experience required.
• Well-developed knowledge of financial markets and the business world.
• Extensive knowledge of estate, gift and income tax regulations within the context of charitable giving.
• Demonstrated ability in financial analysis and quantitative reasoning.
• Ability to communicate technical material in lay terms, both verbally and written. Demonstrated experience in transacting real estate with an emphasis on evaluating individual real estate transactions to determine suitability prior to invoking the mechanics of the process.
• Accuracy and attention to detail.
• Must have strong interpersonal skills. Must be able to work with all levels of the University, as well as with donors, alumni, alumni volunteers, professional advisors.
• Experience working directly with people from diverse racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
• Ability to cultivate and develop inclusive working relationships with students, faculty, staff, and community members.

Work Location

This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees typically perform this role remotely three days per week and on-campus two days per week. The university reserves the right to modify, suspend, revoke or terminate the hybrid work arrangement at any time.