Economic Development Director Jobs in Needham, MA

IntroductionBabson College is a world-class business school, empowering entrepreneurial leaders to create great economic & social value. It's 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 opportunities, outstanding benefits, rich rewards, wellness programs, & a genuine dedication to creating a diverse, multicultural & inclusive community.
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OverviewThe Director, Development (Domestic) is a key member of the Babson Development team, responsible for advancing major gift strategy and outcomes across a U.S.-based portfolio. This role focuses on engaging, cultivating, and soliciting high-capacity alumni, parents, and friends of the College to secure significant philanthropic investments in support of Babson’s strategic priorities.
The Director will manage a portfolio of approximately 350+ prospects and is expected to build strong, trust-based relationships that result in gifts of $100,000 and above.

• 5-7 years $124,149-$137,944;
• 7+ years $152,128-$197,772

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.   

• Insurance Coverage: Medical, dental, vision, group life and long-term disability insurance, business travel accident insurance, and mental health benefits.
• Time Off: Starting at 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. President’s holidays are determined each year. 
• Retirement: Participation in a 403(b) retirement plan with mandatory employee contributions and a 4:1 employer match.
• Additional Benefits: Wellbeing programs, virtual fitness platform, and employee assistance program.

All questions or concerns about this posting should be directed to the Office of Human Resources at hr@babson.edu.

Responsibilities

• Manage a portfolio of approximately 350+ high net-worth individuals, primarily based in the United States, 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 fundraising 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 in coordinating solicitation strategies and campaign activities to increase Alumni participation in annual giving.
• Attend advancement events, including student orientation, commencement, reunion and regional/local cultivation events.
• Assume additional responsibilities as required.

Requirements

WHAT EDUCATION AND SKILLS YOU WILL NEED

• Bachelor’s Degree. 
• 10–15 years of progressive experience in major gift fundraising, preferably within higher education or a similarly complex environment.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure gifts.
• Demonstrated effectiveness in working with a diverse student body, faculty, staff, and other constituents.
• Ability to establish creditability and confidence with stakeholders.
• Must have exceptional collaboration and interpersonal skills, and the ability to be effective engaging with all levels within the college.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively with our talented business alumni.
• Ability to work independently and particularly to formulate creative strategies for major gifts advancement.
• Must have exceptional organizational, verbal, and written communication skills.
• Must be flexible and willing to assume new tasks and special projects.
• Must have strong technology skills including proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Access, PowerPoint).
• Ability to envision and propose new methods to perform tasks that support Entrepreneurial Thought & Action; 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 is flexible in changing conditions.
• Ability to successfully contribute to the Advancement team.
• Ability to operate with professionalism, discretion, and sound judgment in all interactions.
• Must possess the integrity, intellectual depth, and confidence to effectively engage and partner with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Must have 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

• Flexibility and willingness to travel as a representative of Babson.
• Must have had a valid unrestricted U.S. Driver’s License for one year, and maintain throughout employment an insurable (as determined by the College’s insurer’s criteria) or a 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 employee’s driving record based on the College insurer’s criteria; and safety training as required by management.
• 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.  Please note, the first 90 days of employment are five days onsite.

ADDITIONAL SKILLS YOU MAY HAVE

• Prior fundraising experience in an academic environment preferred.