AI’s Impact on Advancement Teams

About The Episode:

LINK: https://it.cornell.edu/sandboxai

‍

In this episode of Advancement Amplified: AI for IA, host Dan Giroux sits down with Andrew Gossen, Executive Director of Communications, Marketing, and Participation at Cornell University, to explore how AI is reshaping advancement teams. Andrew shares insights on AI’s impact on marketing, fundraising, and engagement, as well as how institutions can balance efficiency with the human connection that remains at the heart of advancement. From predictive analytics to AI-powered donor insights, this conversation highlights key strategies for leveraging AI in higher education advancement.

‍

Key Takeaways

• AI Adoption in Advancement Is Still Emerging – While AI’s potential is clear, many institutions are still figuring out how to implement it effectively.
• Generative AI and Predictive Analytics Are Game-Changers – AI can automate content creation, analyze engagement data, and refine outreach strategies at scale.
• Personalization at Scale Is the Goal – AI-driven tools can help institutions better segment and engage their audiences while maintaining a human touch.
• AI Frees Up Time for Relationship-Building – Automating administrative tasks allows advancement professionals to spend more time connecting with donors.
• Culture and Training Matter – AI adoption requires a mindset shift, continuous learning, and collaboration across advancement and IT teams.

‍

The Evolution of AI in Higher Ed Advancement

Cornell University has been at the forefront of AI exploration in advancement since 2018. Andrew Gossen explains that while AI has been on the radar for years, the release of generative AI tools like ChatGPT has significantly accelerated conversations. Unlike previous technological shifts, such as the rise of social media, institutions are proactively engaging with AI rather than resisting it. However, many teams are still struggling to determine how AI will fundamentally change their workflows and engagement strategies.

‍

Harnessing AI for More Effective Marketing and Engagement

One of the most immediate and tangible uses of AI in advancement is in marketing and communications. AI-driven marketing automation allows institutions to test different content strategies, analyze audience responses, and refine outreach in real-time. At Cornell, the integration of AI with advanced marketing platforms has created opportunities to A/B test content at scale, reducing the manual effort required by staff. This enables institutions to reach donors and alumni with more relevant, personalized messaging—without overburdening their teams.

‍

AI’s Role in Fundraising: More Insight, Less Administrative Work

For gift officers, one of AI’s biggest advantages is its ability to consolidate and analyze donor data. AI can aggregate trip reports, past gift agreements, and engagement history to generate comprehensive donor profiles in seconds—something that would otherwise take hours of manual research. This allows advancement professionals to spend less time on administrative tasks and more time cultivating relationships with prospects. When used effectively, AI can enhance, rather than replace, the human interactions that drive successful fundraising.

‍

Overcoming Barriers to AI Adoption in Advancement

Despite AI’s potential, institutions face challenges in implementation, including:

• Data Security Concerns – Ensuring donor data remains protected when using AI tools is a top priority.
• Institutional Risk Tolerance – Some universities are hesitant to fully embrace AI due to regulatory and reputational risks.
• The Need for Demonstrable ROI – Widespread AI adoption will likely accelerate when institutions can clearly quantify its impact on engagement and fundraising.

Cornell has addressed some of these concerns by developing an AI Innovation Sandbox, a secure environment where teams can experiment with AI tools while maintaining data integrity. Additionally, an AI Innovation Lab pairs students with departments to explore new AI-driven solutions for university operations. These initiatives help Cornell stay ahead of the curve while mitigating risks.

‍

The Future of AI in Advancement: Where Are We Headed?

Looking ahead, Andrew is most excited about AI’s potential to drive hyper-personalized engagement at scale. With AI-powered audience segmentation, institutions can better understand donor motivations and deliver more relevant outreach. Rather than relying on outdated annual giving strategies, AI enables real-time experimentation, allowing advancement teams to continuously refine their messaging and approach.

As AI capabilities evolve, institutions that invest in experimentation and innovation will be better positioned to engage the next generation of donors. The key is to integrate AI in ways that enhance—rather than replace—the relationships that make advancement work so impactful.

‍

Enrollify is produced by Element451 — the next-generation AI student engagement platform helping institutions create meaningful and personalized interactions with students. Learn more at element451.com.

‍

Attend the 2025 Engage Summit!

The Engage Summit is the premier conference for forward-thinking leaders and practitioners dedicated to exploring the transformative power of AI in education.

Explore the strategies and tools to step into the next generation of student engagement, supercharged by AI. You'll leave ready to deliver the most personalized digital engagement experience every step of the way.

👉🏻 Register now to secure your spot in Charlotte, NC, on June 24-25, 2025!