Discovery Officer

Cornell University welcomes candidates for the position of Discovery Officer (Major Gift Officer II) in our Alumni Affairs and Development division, based in Ithaca, NY. This role presents an exceptional opportunity to contribute to the university's advancement efforts.

Position Summary

As a Discovery Officer, you will be a key player on the front-line fundraising team responsible for strengthening Cornell’s major gift pipeline by identifying, qualifying, and engaging prospective donors. This role plays a critical part in expanding the pool of donors capable of making commitments of $250,000 or more through high-volume discovery work and strategic portfolio development.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and qualify new major gift prospects using existing CRM systems, research tools, and strategic outreach aligned with university priorities.
• Conduct approximately 200 prospect meetings annually, including at least 150 discovery visits with new prospects.
• Manage a portfolio of ~50 qualified prospects with capacity for $10,000+ gifts and multi-year commitments up to $1M.
• Cultivate and solicit prospects, advancing them toward major gift officer portfolios.
• Partner with colleagues across colleges and units to align prospect interests with institutional priorities.
• Document strategies, interactions, and outcomes in CRM systems to ensure accurate pipeline tracking and reporting.
  
  

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 3–5 years of experience in fundraising, sales, or a related field.
• Strong communication, relationship-building, and persuasive skills.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently in a goal-driven environment.
• Experience working with data, CRM systems, and research tools to inform strategy.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively across teams and stakeholders.
• Willingness to travel and engage with prospects in person, including occasional evenings and weekends.
  
  

Work Location (Hybrid)

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, well-being, 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

Gifts Officer II

Job Family

Alumni Affairs Development

Level

F

Pay Rate Type

Salary

Pay Range

$81,806.00 - $95,072.00

Remote Option Availability

Hybrid

Company

Endowed

Contact Name

Laura Clark

Contact Email

[email protected]

Job 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

• Prior relevant work or industry experience
• Education level to the extent education is relevant to the position
• Unique applicable skills
• Academic Discipline
  
  

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.

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Employment Assistance

For general questions about the position or the application process, please contact the Recruiter listed in the job posting or email [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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 [email protected].

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EEO Statement

Cornell welcomes 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 seeks job candidates who will contribute to a climate that supports students, faculty, and staff of all identities and backgrounds. We hire based on merit, and encourage 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.

2026-04-02