Development Programs Manager

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.

• 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.

• 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…