Job Overview:

The Director of Development serves as a key member of the leadership team and is responsible for designing, leading, and executing a comprehensive fundraising and philanthropic strategy to advance the mission and long-term sustainability of the organization. 

The Director of Development role oversees all aspects of development, including fundraising events, major gifts, annual giving, institutional giving (foundations and grants), corporate partnerships, planned giving, donor engagement, and capital campaigns. The role is both strategic and externally focused, requiring a highly visible leader who can build strong relationships with donors, board members, community leaders, and key stakeholders. 

Key Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute a multi-year, data-driven fundraising strategy aligned with organizational goals, with a focused scope on programs that are not supported by federal, state, or other service contracts. 
• Lead and manage all fundraising programs, including annual fundraising events, major gifts, annual appeal, grants, corporate giving, and planned giving.
• Oversees team members; Development Coordinator, Grants Coordinator, and Events Coordinator. 
• Partner closely with the CEO and other leadership team members to cultivate, solicit, and steward high-level donors and prospects.
• Convert one-time gifts into durable, mission-aligned relationships. 
• Serve as the primary architect of capital campaigns and large-scale fundraising initiatives.
• Build, mentor, and lead development staff, fostering a culture of accountability and collaboration.
• Strengthen donor engagement strategies to enhance retention, growth, and lifetime value.
• Oversee development operations, including CRM systems, donor analytics, reporting, and compliance.
• Collaborate with marketing and communications department to align messaging, branding, and storytelling with fundraising efforts.
• Represent the organization externally at events, conferences, and community engagements.
• Ensure ethical fundraising practices and compliance with all relevant regulations and standards.
• Provide monthly status report to Chief Executive Officer. 

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business administration, communications, or a related field required; equivalent combination of education and relevant professional experience may be considered in lieu of a degree. 
• 7+ years of progressive fundraising and leadership experience.
• Proven track record of securing major gifts and leading successful fundraising campaigns.
• Experience working with and supporting a Board of Directors.
• Strong strategic thinking, leadership, and team management skills.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building abilities.
• Familiarity with donor databases, fundraising analytics, and modern development technologies.

Preferred Skills & Knowledge

• Experience in scaling fundraising programs in a growing organization.
• Certified Fund-Raising Executive (CFRE) credential not required but advantageous. 
• Knowledge of the Phoenix philanthropic and corporate landscape.
• Background in managing and executing fundraising events.
• High emotional intelligence and ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Entrepreneurial mindset with a results-oriented approach.

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