Development Program Specialist

Brown University; Providence (RI); Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Job summary

Brown University is seeking a Development Program Specialist to serve as the operational lead for the Director, Regional Development (NY). The role designs, plans, and executes engagement activities for major and leadership giving, coordinating with Advancement, Alumni Relations, and academic partners to advance fundraising priorities across the NY and Eastern Seaboard regions.

The DPS supports onboarding and guidance for Development Associates and Coordinators, ensuring adherence to processes

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in fundraising, development, customer relations, nonprofits, higher education, or related administration.

Responsibilities

• Lead operational activities for the Director, Regional Development (NY).
• Plan and manage principal, major, and leadership giving engagement events.
• Train and guide Development Associates and Coordinators for regional prospect work.
• Collaborate with Advancement leadership, Alumni Relations, and faculty to align activities with University priorities.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data management

Problem-solving

Communication

Team collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft PowerPoint

Google Workspace

CRM system

Job description

Development Program Specialist

Brown University

Job Description

The Development Program Specialist (DPS) serves as the operationallead for the Director, Regional Development (NY) in cultivation,solicitation, and stewardship goals for major and principal-levelfamilies; the comprehensive design, development, planning,management, and execution of principal, major, and leadershipgiving engagement activities that support the fundraising goals ofthe NY and Eastern Seaboard regional programs (areas assigned bymanagement as determined) within the Division of Advancement;training, onboarding, and guidance to Development Associates andDevelopment Coordinators to support regional engagement andprospect work and ensure consistency in adhering toprocesses.

This position requires in-depth knowledge of the University, itsinitiatives, and its internal and external constituents tostrategically advance high-impact development activities promotingUniversity priorities in alignment with prospect interests and toensure the University leadership is effectively and efficientlyengaged with top prospects based on continually evolving variables,including timing, readiness, relative prioritization acrossmultiple portfolios, and awareness of other evolving philanthropicdiscussions. The incumbent needs to be well-informed about numerouskey donor relationships to adjust to shifting priorities andexercise judgment in prioritizing activities that directly impactUniversity leadership and top prospects. The DPS routinelyinteracts with a variety of University colleagues, includingAdvancement leadership, Alumni Relations, Development, variousacademic departments, and faculty members.

This position is located in Providence, RI.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education andexperience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a related field, such asfundraising, development, customer relations, nonprofits, highereducation, and/or high-level administrative support.

Job Competencies

• Excellent analytical, data management, and problem-solvingskills.
• Strong organizational and planning skills with the ability to initiate, collaborate, implement, monitor, evaluate, and advance funding proposals that support program activities and contribute to Advancement's overall goals and objectives and the University's fundraising enterprise.
• Superior interpersonal skills with proven ability to effectively interact and collaborate with varied constituencies in a professional manner, exhibiting excellent written and oral communication skills, team-building skills, and demonstrating tact, poise, and diplomacy while working with a wide variety of personalities.
• Ability to apply sound judgment and proven responsible decision-making skills; tact and discretion are required to handle highly confidential information from alumni, parents, students, families, donors, and prospects.
• Experienced and comfortable with both Windows applications, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint, as well as Google, including Calendar, Drive, Docs, and Slides. Proficient with audio/visual and presentation platforms (Zoom, Microsoft Teams or WebEx, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Experience using a customer relationship management (CRM) system is preferred.
• Experience with database systems as well as writing/editing/proofreading skills.
• Must be able and willing to work occasional evenings and weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Knowledge of BSR Advance, or a similar CRM.
• Experience using AI-powered tools to support proposal writing, build presentations, and administrative workflows.
• Some exposure to data analytics and reporting tools to help interpret trends, track engagement, and support strategic decision-making.
• Some experience in synthesizing and presenting data clearly through reports, dashboards, spreadsheets, and PowerPoint presentations.

Background Check

All offers of employment are contingentupon a successful criminal background check and educationverification satisfactory to Brown.

Benefits of Working at Brown

Read more about the benefits ofworking at Brown here.

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working atBrown.

The designated Position WorkLocation for each position determines the approved modality of work. Positions are classified based on the operational and business needs of the department and may be designated as on-site, hybrid, or remote.

Employees with a designated position work location as remote must reside and perform their work in a state where Brown University is registered to do business. Brown University is a registered employer in the following states: Rhode Island, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Maryland, Massachusetts, New York, New Hampshire, New Jersey, North Carolina, Washington, D.C.

Please note that to be considered for a staff position at Brown University, you must submit a separate application for each position you wish to be considered for. Applications are reviewed only for the specific position to which they are submitted and are not automatically considered for future openings.

Department: Advancement

Grade: Grade 10

Worker Type: Employee

Worker Sub-Type: Regular

Time Type: Full time

Scheduled Weekly Hours: 37.5

Position Work Location: Hybrid

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

Still Have Questions?

If you have any questions you may contact [e-mail].

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

Brown University provides equal opportunity and prohibits discrimination, harassment and retaliation based upon a person's race, color, religion, sex, age, national or ethnic origin, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, or any other characteristic protected under applicable law, in the administration of its policies, programs and activities. The University recognizes and rewards individuals on the basis of qualifications and performance. The University maintains certain affirmative action programs in compliance with applicable law.