How Blackbaud Is Building A Purpose-Driven Workplace Culture In Hyderabad

In an era when tech talent is increasingly selective about where they work, Blackbaud is making a bold bet: that culture, purpose, and employee experience can be competitive advantages in attracting and retaining the best minds. As the global leader in social impact software opens its expanded Hyderabad office—marking one year since establishing operations in India—the company is deliberately architecting a workplace philosophy that transcends typical perks.

At the heart of this philosophy sits Rajiv Gajria, VP and MD of Blackbaud India. His mandate is clear: employee experience is Blackbaud’s differentiator. Echoing this view, Kyle Crager, Senior VP and Deputy Head of HR at Blackbaud, underscores that in a market where engineering talent has multiple offers and purpose-driven work is increasingly non-negotiable, Blackbaud is intentionally doubling down on what makes people want to stay and grow.

Blackbaud's culture is built on collaboration, innovation, and community. In just its first year, Blackbaud India achieved 100% employee engagement in CSR activities—a striking metric reflecting genuine buy-in rather than mandated participation. The team hosted four volunteer-led initiatives within three months, embedding the philosophy that technology and generosity go hand in hand.

Gajria frames hiring as values-first. The company seeks professionals who are curious, skilled, and purpose-driven—people who want to solve problems that matter at scale. In Hyderabad's competitive GCC talent market, Blackbaud positions itself differently: as a place where your work directly impacts millions of nonprofits, educators, and social impact organisations globally.

Where many tech companies treat employee development as a budget line item, Blackbaud is investing deeply in leadership development, learning, and inclusion as strategic infrastructure. Gajria emphasizes ensuring every employee feels connected to the company's values and empowered to grow their career while making measurable impact.

For professionals in their late twenties and thirties-the engineers, product managers and designers Blackbaud is hiring-this distinction matters. The traditional career ladder is less compelling than the opportunity to lead, learn, and contribute to something larger than themselves. By creating an environment where growth and impact are inseparable, Blackbaud becomes a destination rather than a stepping stone.

The Hyderabad team, built in just one year, is explicitly described as diverse and high-performing. In a sector where women remain underrepresented in engineering and product roles, Blackbaud is structuring its India operations with intentionality. For prospective employees—particularly women and underrepresented talent—this signals that inclusion isn't aspirational; it's structural. The company is continuing to hire across product, design, engineering, and operations, with Hyderabad listed as the primary location for these roles globally.

Hyderabad's vibrant technology culture and world-class ecosystem align closely with Blackbaud's purpose. Kevin Gregoire, Executive VP and COO, notes this presence strengthens Blackbaud's position as a global leader and helps the company lead the social impact market into the age of AI. For the city, Blackbaud's expansion signals continued momentum as a global innovation hub. For professionals in Hyderabad, it represents an opportunity to work on core products serving 100+ countries, embedded in a company culture that treats employee experience, diversity, and purpose as non-negotiable.

Globally, Blackbaud processes over $100 billion raised, granted, or managed through its platforms every year. For millions of nonprofit users Blackbaud's software is essential infrastructure.