Associate Director of Development

Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty. 

As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.

The Associate Director of Development is a key leader within the Development team, serving as both a high-level donor strategist and an operational partner in campaign execution. Acting as the second in command to the Director of Development & Alumni Relations, this role plays a central part in driving individual giving, deepening donor relationships, and leading innovative funding partnerships that advance the organization's mission.

This position blends strategic thinking with implementation agility, offering a unique opportunity to shape community-based initiatives, major giving campaigns, and alumni engagement programs.

Donor Strategy & Engagement

• Develops and implements giving strategies for mid-level donors ($1k-$25k)
• Builds long-term relationships through personalized stewardship and cultivation plans
• Oversees planned giving, donor upgrade pathways, and targeted solicitation efforts
• Partners with the Director to shape donor communication frameworks and campaigns
• Assists Director with major donor strategies

Strategic Partnerships

• Leads efforts to identify, build, and maintain strategic relationships across the community
• Works closely with external partners, alumni networks, and corporate sponsors
• Designs partnership models that align with institutional priorities and donor interests

Campaigns & Grant Development

• Leads the strategy and execution of select giving campaigns and initiatives
• Manages grant applications, proposals, and reporting. Authors and leads team on execution of grants.
• Collaborates with team members to align fundraising efforts across channels

Organizational Leadership

• Acts as a thought partner and strategic advisor to the Director of Development & Alumni Relations
• Supports planning processes, team-wide goal setting, and cross-functional collaboration
• Serves as a mentor and connector within the development team

• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit fundraising or donor strategy
• Proven success cultivating and closing mid-to-high level gifts
• Exceptional relationship-building, communication, and project leadership skills
• Experience with grant writing, campaign management, and CRM systems (e.g., Raiser's Edge, Salesforce)
• Experience with higher education and/or healthcare fundraising

Minimum Education

/Certifications Bachelor's degree in field related to area of assignment.

Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds.  Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Communicate to perform essential functions.

All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.

SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus. 

* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.

About Sonoran University:

Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.

The University's College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.

To serve the University's mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition's Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.

The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.

The University's Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.
 

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Benefits:

At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow

Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.
 Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.
 Every team member benefits from paid sick time, access to Aflac, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest — with shipping available
 Enjoy delicious savings at Early Bird Vegan, our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month.
 

Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.
 Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through Bonusly, our employee recognition program packed with gift cards and prizes.
 Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart.
 With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other