Administrative Coordinator, Alumni Affairs and Development, Engineering

About the role

Cornell University is looking for an Administrative Coordinator to join the Duffield College of Engineering-the largest engineering program among the Ivies. Our Engineers are solving some of the world's most important challenges, big and small - from space exploration, to climate change, to nanomedicine. The College's Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) team is seeking a highly organized, collaborative, and detail‑oriented Administrative Coordinator to support our fundraising and alumni engagement efforts. This role is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast‑paced, mission‑driven environment and enjoys working behind the scenes to make meaningful connections possible. Under the supervision of the Director of Development and in close partnership with Major Gift Officers (MGOs) and colleagues across the College, the Administrative Coordinator plays a vital role in managing data, supporting donor and alumni engagement, coordinating logistics, and ensuring smooth day‑to‑day operations. The position blends administrative excellence, communication, data management, and event and travel coordination in support of advancing the College's philanthropic goals.

Responsibilities

• Prospect Management & Donor Support
• Partner daily with Major Gift Officers, the Associate Dean, and the Director of Development to support prospect activity
• Conduct research on alumni and donors to inform engagement and cultivation strategies
• Maintain and update a high volume of prospect and donor data with accuracy and confidentiality, navigating multiple databases and dashboards with fluency
• Assist with pipeline development and annual MGO work planning
• Support one‑on‑one alumni visits, including preparing itineraries and logistics
• Track regional travel by the Dean, department chairs, and school directors
• Contribute to data analysis projects that enhance donor engagement and understanding
• Communication & Stewardship
• Coordinate alumni engagement and stewardship initiatives in collaboration with Alumni Engagement and University Donor Relations partners
• Prepare gift reports for the Engineering AAD team and academic units
• Assist in creating stewardship reports and materials that recognize and thank donors
• Administrative Support
• Coordinate routine and complex calendar requests for MGOs for individual and team meetings as needed
• Support high‑level volunteer groups, including the Engineering College Council and Campaign Executive Committee
• Complete PeopleSoft entries related to alumni engagement and development activities
• Prepare and distribute standard and ad hoc reports to support decision‑making
• Events & Travel
• Support MGO travel by assisting with booking and logistics, itinerary creation, calendaring, preparation of materials, and completing post-travel reimbursements
• Participate in and support alumni events organized by Engineering AAD, both on campus and regionally, which may include occasional evening and weekend hours and infrequent overnight travel
• Assist with logistics for alumni campus visits as needed, ensuring a seamless experience for participants
• Professional Growth & Team Engagement
• Participate in university‑required compliance and professional development trainings
• Stay current with emerging technologies and best practices relevant to the role
• Actively contribute ideas and recommendations to strengthen team effectiveness
• Support special projects and additional responsibilities as assigned
• What We Need
• A cover letter and resume outlining your interest and how your experience and goals align with the potential for mutual success in the role are required for consideration.
• Associate's degree with 2 to 4 years of relevant experience or equivalent combination.
• Must be an excellent writer and be able to edit other people's written documents.
• Must be able to work independently.
• Must be discrete, exercise sound judgment, have demonstrated the ability to work with highly sensitive information, and maintain confidentiality.
• Must be detail oriented, organized, and able to work on mul

Benefits

Additional Information

About Cornell Alumni Affairs and Development, Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering The Cornell David A. Duffield College of Engineering's Alumni Affairs and Development (AAD) team advances the Duffield College of Engineering's mission by building lifelong relationships with alumni, donors, and friends while securing philanthropic support that fuels teaching, research, and public engagement. Through engagement, stewardship, and fundraising, AAD helps ensure Cornell's long-term excellence and impact.

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