Executive Director, Annual and Leadership Giving
 Cornell University | |
6.6B+ on a $5B goal, and will culminate with the Cornell's first $1B+ fundraising year. Serving as the bridge between Cornell and its alumni, parents, friends, and supporters, the division advances the institution's mission by building meaningful relation
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tuition assistance
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 United States, New York, Ithaca | |
 Apr 30, 2026 | |
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Cornell University's Alumni Affairs and Development division plays a central role in fostering lifelong engagement and philanthropic support across the university's global community. The university's To Do the Greatest Good capital campaign ends this June, having raised $6.6B+ on a $5B goal, and will culminate with the Cornell's first $1B+ fundraising year. Serving as the bridge between Cornell and its alumni, parents, friends, and supporters, the division advances the institution's mission by building meaningful relationships and inspiring investment in Cornell's people, programs, and future. Its work reflects the belief that every gift makes a difference. Cornell's annual fund is an increasingly vital source of philanthropic support that touches every corner of the university.
Cornell's Alumni Affairs and Development division offers candidates an opportunity to contribute meaningfully to a highly respected, innovative, and mission-driven organization where engagement and philanthropy have a direct and lasting impact. Annual fund gifts help support many of Cornell's top priorities, including financial aid, educational excellence, research, and a wide range of initiatives that improve lives far beyond campus. This support is especially important in helping Cornell remain a place where all students can thrive and feel a strong sense of belonging. Cornell's annual fund plays a critical role in closing the gap, preserving affordability and accessibility, and ensuring students from all financial backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their ambitions and make the most of the Cornell experience. The Executive Director (ED) of Annual and Leadership Giving is the senior institutional leader accountable for the strategy, performance, and continuous evolution of Cornell University's annual and leadership giving program. The ED is responsible for overseeing the annual and leadership giving model at Cornell and for ensuring that it delivers sustained growth in unrestricted, broad-based, and leadership giving with a strategic focus on growing the annual fund, strong donor retention, upgrading donor investment, and maintaining a healthy pipeline. This role sets the overall direction, defines success, aligns resources across the team verticals, and makes ongoing strategic adjustments in response to performance, donor behavior, and institutional priorities. Reporting to the Senior Associate Vice President for Alumni Affairs and Development, the ED manages a dynamic team of approximately 23, including five program leads, and provides strategic leadership for the team and across central and unit-based annual giving functions ensuring that all team leads and verticals operate cohesively to achieve shared and measurable goals and desired outcomes. The ED also works closely with the Annual Fund National Chair and other trustees to advance the overall strategy and drive fundraising success. The ED actively engages as a senior leader in efforts to advance the goals, mission, and values of the Division. Required Qualifications
Preferred Qualifications
Work Location This position is eligible for a hybrid work arrangement. Employees may 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's Alumni Affairs and Development Division has recently partnered with Boyden Executive Search. To nominate a candidate or to apply to this posting, please contact Holly Wolk, Senior Associate, atHWolk@boyden.com Visa sponsorship is not available for this position. University Job Title: Annual Fund Director IIJob Family: Alumni Affairs DevelopmentLevel: IPay Rate Type: SalaryPay Range: $174,916.00 - $213,786.00Remote Option Availability: HybridCompany: EndowedContact Name: Sage PeakeContact Email: sp2443@cornell.eduJob Titles and Pay Ranges: 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:
To learn more about Cornell's non-union staff job titles and pay ranges, see Career Navigator. Union Positions The hiring rate of pay for the successful candidate will be determined in accordance with the rates in the respective collective bargaining agreement. To learn more about Cornell's union wages, see Union Pay Rates. Current Employees: If you currently work at Cornell University, please exit this website and log in to Workday using your Net ID and password. Select the Career icon on your Home dashboard to view jobs at Cornell. Online Submission Guidelines: Most positions at Cornell will require you to apply online and submit both a resume/CV and cover letter. You can upload documents either by "dragging and dropping" them into the dropbox or by using the "upload" icon on the application page. For more detailed instructions on how to apply to a job at Cornell, visit How We Hire on the HR website. Employment Assistance: For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email mycareer@cornell.edu. If you require an accommodation for a disability in order to complete an employment application or to participate in the recruiting process, you are encouraged to contact Cornell Office of Civil Rights at voice (607) 255-2242, or email at accommodations@cornell.edu. Applicants that do not have internet access are encouraged to visit your local library, or local Department of Labor. You may also request an appointment to use a dedicated workstation in the Office of Talent Attraction and Recruitment, at the Ithaca campus, by emailing mycareer@cornell.edu. Notice to Applicants: Please read the required Notice to Applicants statement by clicking here. This notice contains important information about applying for a position at Cornell as well as some of your rights and responsibilities as an applicant. EEO Statement: Cornellwelcomes 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 seeksjob candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. Wehire based on merit, andencourage 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. 2026-04-29 | |