Director of Development

AKRE-Associates; Tucson (AZ); On-site; USD 80,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Salary 80-90K

Health insurance

Retirement plan

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Professional development

Meaningful work

Job summary

AKRE-Associates in Tucson, AZ seeks a Director of Development to lead fundraising, donor relations, and community partnerships for a mission‑driven nonprofit serving children and teens. The role shapes revenue strategy, oversees campaigns, and collaborates with the Executive Director and Board to meet income goals.

The ideal candidate is a storyteller and strategic fundraiser who builds lasting relationships with donors and partners to sustain programs and growth in Southern Arizona.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in a related field.
• 2+ years of nonprofit fundraising, development, donor relations, or related experience.
• Proven success securing major gifts, sponsorships, grants, or fundraising revenue.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with donor databases and CRM systems.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills.
• Passion for serving children, teens, and families.

Responsibilities

• Lead fundraising strategies, campaigns, and revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward donors, sponsors, and community partners.
• Manage donor communications, recognition, and engagement.
• Build a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Identify opportunities to increase donor retention and acquisition.
• Develop relationships with foundations and corporate giving partners.
• Track and report funding outcomes.
• Lead fundraising events, campaigns, and community outreach initiatives.
• Represent the organization at networking and community events.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities and community partnerships.
• Partner with leadership to advance organizational goals and forecast fundraising metrics.
• Support marketing and communications for fundraising activities.

Skills

Fundraising

Donor relations

Communication

Project management

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree preferred

Tools

CRM systems

Job description

Director of Development

Our client is a mission‑driven nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and teens build confidence, resilience, leadership skills, and personal strength through impactful sports programs and community engagement. Their work empowers young people to overcome challenges, discover their potential, and thrive in all areas of life.

We are seeking a passionate and relationship‑focused Director of Development to lead fundraising efforts, expand community partnerships, and help ensure the long‑term sustainability of our client’s mission.

Position Summary

The Director of Development serves as a key member of the leadership team and is responsible for planning, implementing, and overseeing all fundraising and development activities. This individual will cultivate donor relationships, manage fundraising campaigns and events, and work closely with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to achieve revenue goals.

The ideal candidate is an enthusiastic storyteller, strategic fundraiser, and relationship builder who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of children and teens.

Responsibilities

Fundraising & Donor Relations

• Develop and execute annual fundraising strategies and revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward individual donors, corporate sponsors, and community partners.
• Manage donor communications, recognition, and engagement efforts.
• Build and maintain a portfolio of major gift prospects and donors.
• Identify opportunities to increase donor retention and acquisition.

Corporate Giving

• Develop relationships with foundations and corporate giving partners.
• Track and report all funding outcomes.

Events & Community Engagement

• Lead fundraising events, campaigns, and community outreach initiatives.
• Represent the organization at networking and community events.
• Develop sponsorship opportunities and community partnerships.

Leadership & Strategy

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board of Directors to advance organizational goals.
• Provide regular fundraising reports, metrics, and forecasting.
• Support strategic planning and long‑term growth initiatives.
• Assist with marketing and communication efforts related to fundraising activities.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• 2+ years of nonprofit fundraising, development, donor relations, or related experience.
• Proven success securing major gifts, sponsorships, grants, or fundraising revenue.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Experience working with donor databases and CRM systems.
• Ability to build meaningful relationships with donors, community leaders, and stakeholders.
• Highly organized with strong project management skills.
• Passion for serving children, teens, and families.

Compensation & Benefits

We value our team members and offer a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• Competitive base salary of 80-90K
• Employer‑paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees
• Retirement savings program
• Paid time off (PTO)
• Paid holidays
• Professional development opportunities
• Meaningful work that positively impacts children and teens throughout our community

Why Join Us?

This is an opportunity to help transform the lives of young people while building meaningful relationships throughout Southern Arizona. If you are energized by fundraising, community engagement, and making a lasting difference, we encourage you to apply.