Development Program Specialist

Brown University; Searchlight Township (NV); 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), guiding major gift programs and coordinating cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship for top donors in NY and the Eastern Seaboard.

The role includes designing engagement activities, training Development Associates and Coordinators, and ensuring consistent adherence to fundraising processes while collaborating with Advancement leadership, Alumni Relations,

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in fundraising, development, or related fields.
• Experience supporting and coordinating fundraising programs is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Serve as operational lead for the Director, Regional Development (NY) in cultivation and stewardship efforts.
• Design, develop, and manage engagement activities for major and principal donors across NY and the Eastern Seaboard.
• Train onboarding Development Associates and Coordinators to ensure process consistency.
• Collaborate with Advancement leadership, Alumni Relations, and faculty to advance fundraising goals.

Skills

Analytical skills

Data management

Problem solving

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience

Tools

CRM software

Job description

Job Description:

The Development Program Specialist (DPS) serves as the operational lead for the Director, Regional Development (NY) in cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship goals for major and principal-level families; the comprehensive design, development, planning, management, and execution of principal, major, and leadership giving engagement activities that support the fundraising goals of the NY and Eastern Seaboard regional programs (areas assigned by management as determined) within the Division of Advancement; training, onboarding, and guidance to Development Associates and Development Coordinators to support regional engagement and prospect work and ensure consistency in adhering to processes.

This position requires in-depth knowledge of the University, its initiatives, and its internal and external constituents to strategically advance high-impact development activities promoting University priorities in alignment with prospect interests and to ensure the University leadership is effectively and efficiently engaged with top prospects based on continually evolving variables, including timing, readiness, relative prioritization across multiple portfolios, and awareness of other evolving philanthropic discussions. The incumbent needs to be well-informed about numerous key donor relationships to adjust to shifting priorities and exercise judgment in prioritizing activities that directly impact University leadership and top prospects. The DPS routinely interacts with a variety of University colleagues, including Advancement leadership, Alumni Relations, Development, various academic departments, and faculty members.

This position is located in Providence, RI.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum of 4 years of experience in a related field, such as fundraising, development, customer relations, nonprofits, higher education, and/or high-level administrative support.

Job Competencies

• Excellent analytical, data management, and problem-solving skills.
• 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 contingent upon a successful criminal background check and education verification satisfactory to Brown.

Benefits of Working at Brown:

Please review additional information on the Benefits of Working at Brown.

Recruiting Start Date:

2026-09-17

Job Posting Title:

Development Program Specialist

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

Submission Guidelines:

The designated Position Work Location 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.

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship.

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

Brown is an E-Verify Employer.

EEO Statement:

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.