Director of Development

Babson College; Wellesley (MA); On-site; USD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Learning and development opportunities

Outstanding benefits

Wellness programs

Job summary

Babson College is seeking a Major Gifts Officer to manage a portfolio of high net-worth individuals, building strong philanthropic relationships. Responsibilities include developing strategies for soliciting gifts of $100,000 and above, conducting face-to-face meetings, and collaborating with college leadership.

The ideal candidate will have a Bachelor’s Degree, 10-15 years of fundraising experience, and exceptional communication and organizational skills. Join us to make a significant impact and contribute to Babson’s mission!

Qualifications

• Minimum of 10-15 years of experience fundraising in major gifts.
• Demonstrated effectiveness with diverse populations.
• Ability to establish credibility and confidence with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 350+ high net-worth individuals.
• Develop strategies for cultivating and soliciting donations.
• Conduct 18-20 face-to-face meetings per month.

Skills

Fundraising in major gifts

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 350+ high net‑worth individuals, building deep philanthropic relationships and soliciting gifts of $100,000 and above.
• Develop and implement strategies for cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding major gift prospects, successfully moving them through the qualification and cultivation processes to solicitation.
• Conduct a minimum of 18-20 face‑to‑face meetings per month.
• Prepare proposals for gift solicitations based on annual goals.
• Partner with College leadership, development colleagues, faculty, trustees, and other volunteers to identify opportunities for prospect engagement within the college.
• Prepare written briefings and solicitation strategies for senior leadership and faculty visits with prospective donors, as well as follow‑up documentation and correspondence.
• Collaborate with Advancement colleagues to engage and expand the pool of volunteers and prospective donors and coordinate solicitation strategies and campaign activities to increase Alumni participation in annual giving.
• Solicit and drive alumni participation in annual giving.
• Attend advancement events, including student orientation, commencement, reunion and regional/local cultivation events.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required.

YOUR TEAM WILL INCLUDE

Student Assistants

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

• Bachelor’s Degree
• A minimum of 10‑15 years of experience fundraising in major gifts
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and other constituents
• Ability to establish credibility and confidence with stakeholders
• Exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, and the ability to engage all levels within the college
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with business alumni
• Ability to work independently and formulate creative strategies for major gifts advancement
• Exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills
• Flexible and willing to assume new tasks and special projects
• Ability to envision and propose new methods to perform tasks that support ET&A; take thoughtful risks; and accept new and ongoing initiatives, objectives, and solutions to gain sought‑after results
• Ability to anticipate and embrace change; demonstrate willingness to achieve, acquire, and utilize new skills and challenging tasks; and be flexible in changing conditions
• Must have strong computer skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint)
• Ability to successfully contribute to the Advancement team
• Extensive experience in the successful solicitation of six and seven figure gifts
• The integrity, intellectual depth, and confidence to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external stakeholders
• A deep appreciation for Babson’s mission, goals, and culture and the proven ability to create engagement and fundraising strategies tied to the mission and strategic priorities

HOW AND WHERE YOU WILL WORK

• Must have had a valid unrestricted U.S. Driver’s License for one year and maintain an insurable or satisfactory driving record; must successfully complete and pass the College’s vehicle training program within the first 60 days of employment; annual or more frequent review of driving record according to insurer criteria; and complete safety training as required by management.
• Flexibility and willingness to travel as a representative of Babson.
• All faculty and staff authorized to work on campus must be fully vaccinated against COVID‑19, including any appropriate boosters. Proof of vaccination upon hire or within 21 days of becoming eligible for a booster is required. Contact Human Resources for medical accommodation or religious exemption requests.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE

Prior fundraising experience in an academic environment preferred.

ABOUT US

We’re all different. We’re all Babson. Babson College is a world‑class business school, empowering entrepreneurial leaders to create great economic and social value – everywhere. Here you’ll find a collaborative, collegial team environment designed to include and motivate every individual. It’s a rewarding and invigorating workplace – an exciting launch pad for anyone who wants to make a real impact in higher education. We provide everything you need to achieve your goals, including learning and development opportunities, outstanding benefits, rich rewards, wellness programs, and a genuine dedication to creating a diverse, multicultural and inclusive community.