Heralded as an “Ivy League university with a Big Ten heart,” Cornell University has earned a reputation as one of the top ten research institutions in the world. Cornell Engineering, the largest and most prestigious engineering school in the Ivy League, is laser-focused on answering the challenges of tomorrow and has set an ambitious goal of $500 million towards the University’s recently announced five-year, $5 billion campaign To Do the Greatest Good. The College’s alumni are known to be among the University’s most dedicated, engaged, and generous givers.
Cornell Engineering’s fundraising totals in the last three to five years illustrate its upward thrust. Two schools were named at the College in the past five years in recognition of $50 million gifts. The College’s almost $60 million in new gift commitments in FY21 is among its highest single-year fundraising total, particularly considering the impacts of the global pandemic. The College has the third-largest alumni population of Cornell’s colleges and is among the most philanthropically capable.
The Opportunity
Reporting to the Associate Vice President for Colleges and Units and partnering with one of Cornell’s most experienced fundraising deans, Dr. Lynden Archer, the Associate Dean for Alumni Affairs and Development will join a highly ambitious and collaborative culture that values diversity, inclusion, and a sincere belief that people and family come first. With unwavering integrity, diplomacy, and humility, the Associate Dean will lead a high-performing team of talented fundraising professionals at a momentous time for Cornell Engineering.
The Associate Dean is responsible for planning and implementing an integrated approach to development and alumni relations programs that maximizes support for the College of Engineering, which encompasses 10 departments and schools. They will serve as chief development officer for, and manager of, the College’s alumni affairs and development program, with responsibility for securing private philanthropic support in excess of $60 million, and aspirationally $100 million annually. The Associate Dean can manage their own portfolio while also providing strategic vision on the overall direction of the College’s principal gift activity, major gifts work, and alumni affairs program.
The ideal candidate will be an entrepreneurial, creative, and strategic fundraising professional that is energized to join and lead a team that has experienced incredible successes and secured historic gifts, on track to achieve future fundraising records.
