Description:
The Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) department at Cornell Tech is seeking a talented Development Associate (DA) to join its growing and dynamic team. The DA will help raise significant philanthropic support for Cornell Tech as part of a university-wide campaign to advance the mission, goals, programs, and physical expansion of the campus. In this role, the DA will support the management of a portfolio of principal and major gifts from renowned philanthropists, including globally recognized business and technology leaders. The DA will report to the Director of AAD (Director) for Cornell Tech and will work closely with the Associate Vice President (AVP) for AAD for Cornell Tech and the Northeast Corridor, as well as other members of the six-person AAD team.
Key Responsibilities:
- Support the management of prospect portfolios at the principal and major gifts level, ensuring the completion of essential cultivation and stewardship activities within a rapidly evolving environment.
- Develop and implement highly personalized communications for and engagements with prospects and donors in collaboration with AAD and Cornell Tech colleagues. This includes writing and producing presentations, proposals, stewardship reports, and concepts that convey new research and campus initiatives, as well as high-level planning and logistical support for new donor cultivation events and programming.
- Provide exceptional project management skills by planning and executing meetings for the Cornell Tech Council, the campus's highest level advisory body, and the Cornell Tech Campaign Committee.
Core Qualifications:
- Possess a Bachelor's degree and 3-5 years of relevant experience or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Exhibit strong time and project management skills, with the ability to work independently and prioritize multiple projects and competing deadlines effectively.
- Demonstrate exceptional writing skills, with the ability to distill complex academic content into accessible language for diverse audiences.
- Show sound judgment and a proven track record of handling sensitive and confidential data and information in a professional and ethical manner.
- Display adaptability and flexibility in working with evolving priorities, demonstrating an appetite for a high-growth, fast-paced work environment that encourages creative problem-solving and experimentation.
- Excel in communication, relationship-building, and interpersonal skills, fostering collaborations with individuals across the university's campuses and external partners.
- Have experience in producing high-quality deliverables within deadline-driven, high-performing environments.
- Exhibit proficiency in using computer software applications, databases, networked information systems, and the internet.
- Possess directly related experience, such as major or principal gifts support, project management, and/or communications experience.
- Demonstrate knowledge of higher education philanthropy practices and processes.
- Show a preference for and interest in technology.
- Experience with graphic design is a plus.