Development Programs Manager

Babson College; Wellesley (MA); On-site; USD 123,375 - 137,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

3 weeks of vacation

Flexible work hours

Paid parental leave

Job summary

Babson College is seeking a Development Programs Manager to design and deliver impactful development programs that enhance engagement with alumni and donors.

This role involves leading programmatic vision, managing relationships with stakeholders, and ensuring alignment with institutional goals.

Strong organizational skills, experience in advancement programs, and the ability to navigate complex conversations are essential. The position offers a competitive salary and benefits package.

Qualifications

• 8-10+ years of experience in advancement or development programs.
• Proven ability to lead programs with multiple stakeholders.
• Strong judgment and diplomacy in conversations.
• Experience in personal solicitation and strategic event programming.
• Highly organized and able to work in a fast-paced environment.

Responsibilities

• Design and lead Babson Connect Worldwide programs.
• Develop agendas and content strategies.
• Cultivate and manage relationships with committee members.
• Drive sponsorship strategy and engagement.
• Collaborate with leadership for program alignment.

Skills

Program management

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic event programming

Relationship management

Diplomacy

Project management

Collaboration

Technology proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Development Programs Manager is responsible for designing, leading, and delivering complex, high‑impact development programs that advance Babson College’s philanthropic goals and strengthen engagement with global alumni, donors, and institutional leaders.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Conceive, develop, and drive the programmatic vision for Babson Connect Worldwide (BCW), a multi‑day international convening that advances Babson’s philanthropic priorities and global engagement strategy.
• Lead agenda development, content strategy, and speaker themes to support learning, idea exchange, donor engagement, and philanthropy.
• Identify and evaluate international destinations for BCW, applying cultural fluency and strategic judgment to ensure locations support program objectives, audience engagement, and advancement outcomes.
• Lead the development and execution of signature Advancement programming that aligns with presidential travel, fundraising initiatives, and donor‑engagement trips, ensuring cohesive experiences that elevate institutional visibility and philanthropic impact.
• Provide programmatic leadership across all BCW components, with a defined scope focused on strategy, while partnering closely with Donor Experience Events and Marketing teams for logistics, communications, and production.
• Establish, manage, and lead a high‑level Advisory Committee composed of major and principal gift prospects.
• Cultivate relationships with committee members; guide discussions; influence outcomes; and, when necessary, push back to maintain alignment with Babson’s priorities.
• Drive sponsorship strategy and engagement for BCW, including individual and corporate partners.
• Manage ongoing relationships, facilitate regular touchpoints, and ensure sponsor participation supports both the program and broader advancement goals.
• Ensure BCW progresses toward long‑term sustainability, including diversified sponsorship support, strong attendance, and demonstrable advancement outcomes.
• Research, recruit, and engage site‑specific committee members and partners, convening focus sessions to surface ideas, opportunities, and partnerships that strengthen the BCW program year‑over‑year.
• Manage additional high‑profile development programs and engagements as assigned, including board‑related initiatives and signature institutional moments.
• Collaborate with Donor Experience (Events, Marketing and Stewardship) to provide strategy and programmatic leadership for these additional high‑profile development programs and engagements.
• Partner closely with Babson leadership and advisory committees to shape program topics, speaker strategy, and overall direction, ensuring alignment with institutional goals and campaign priorities.
• Serve as the primary strategic lead for committee engagement and decision‑making.
• Collaborate with Donor Experience and College Marketing to ensure messaging, positioning, and visibility efforts align program strategy and target audiences.
• Engage senior leadership, including the President and President’s Council, to ensure a coordinated “One Babson” approach across signature engagements and maximize institutional impact.
• Oversee program‑level registration strategy, reporting, and stakeholder updates.
• Work within established program budgets for BCW and related initiatives, partnering closely with the Events team to ensure alignment with financial parameters and advancement objectives.
• Lead programmatic planning and engagement strategy for the Global Advisory Board’s annual multi‑day destination experience, ensuring meaningful content, strong participation, and advancement outcomes.
• Assume additional responsibilities consistent with a senior development program role in a complex advancement organization.

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

• Bachelor’s Degree.
• 8‑10+ years of experience in advancement, development programs, executive education, convenings, or complex stakeholder‑driven initiatives.
• Proven ability to lead sophisticated programs with multiple stakeholders and competing priorities.
• Previous experience in strategic event programming.
• Experience in personal solicitation.
• Strong judgment, diplomacy, and confidence navigating challenging conversations.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and other constituents.
• Ability to envision and propose new methods to perform tasks that support ET&A; work independently to solve problems; look for opportunities to take on responsibility; take thoughtful risks and accept new initiatives to achieve results.
• Ability to anticipate and embrace change; willingness to acquire new skills and tackle challenging tasks; flexible in changing conditions.
• Strong technology skills, including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Highly organized, strategic thinker with the ability to drive outcomes in a fast‑paced environment.
• Ability to establish credibility and confidence with stakeholders.
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, and ability to engage with all levels within the college.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in planning, administration, and fiscal management.
• Exceptional presentation skills and strong project management skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as part of a team.
• Flexibility and willingness to assume new tasks and special projects.

HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK

Requires travel and staff events as necessary, domestically and internationally. Requires work onsite a minimum of 3 days a week (Monday and a minimum of 2 other days; additional requirements based on outlined department policy). The on‑campus requirement is subject to modification based on organizational need. Must have had a valid unrestricted U.S. Driver’s License for one year, and maintain an insurable driving record as determined by the College’s insurer’s criteria. Must successfully complete and pass the College’s vehicle training program within the first 60 days of employment; annual or more frequent review of employee’s driving record as required. Requires occasional nights and weekends.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE

Ability to translate strategy into operational objectives and tactics.

PAY AND BENEFITS

This is an exempt position with a pay range of $123,375 - $137,083. The role is also eligible for bonuses based on performance and budget. Babson College offers a comprehensive benefits package for full‑time employees working at least 28 hours per week, including medical, dental, vision, group life and long‑term disability insurance, business travel accident insurance, and mental health benefits. Time off includes 3 weeks of vacation annually, 2 weeks of sick time, 1 week of paid family illness time, 6 weeks of paid parental leave, and 12 paid holidays per year.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Babson College is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce.