Cornell University welcomes applications for the position of Assistant Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development for the College of Architecture, Art, and Planning, based in Ithaca, NY. This is an exceptional opportunity to lead advancement efforts in one of Cornell’s most innovative and globally engaged colleges.
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
The College of Architecture, Art, and Planning at Cornell University (Cornell AAP) includes the departments of Architecture, Art, City and Regional Planning, the Paul Rubacha Department of Real Estate, jointly led by AAP and the SC Johnson College of Business, the multi college Department of Design Tech, and the Cornell Mui Ho Center for Cities. The college spans three locations in Ithaca, New York City, and Rome, Italy, each with world-class facilities and cutting-edge technologies.
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.
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
Follow this link to learn more about the Total Rewards of Working at Cornell: Total Rewards | Working at Cornell.
Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
University Job Title:
AAD Program Director I
Job Family:
Alumni Affairs Development
Level:
H
Pay Rate Type:
Salary
Pay Range:
$157,418.00 - $192,400.00
Remote Option Availability:
Hybrid
Company:
Endowed
Contact Name:
Laura Clark
Contact Email:
lhc66@cornell.edu
Job Titles and Pay Ranges:
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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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2026-03-11