Director of Development

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionJoin Our Mission: If you are passionate about making a difference and have experience in philanthropy, strategic fundraising, and relationship-building, join us in fulfilling the mission of LSS-SW to support and empower our community's most vulnerable members, and our vision of “A future where all people thrive.”Position Overview:The Director of Development leads LSS-SW’s Fund Development team in advancing our mission through philanthropic support that strengthens and sustains our programs. This role provides strategic direction for annual fundraising efforts and ensures alignment with organizational priorities. The Director of Development is ideal for a leader who can implement and grow comprehensive annual fundraising plans while strengthening relationships with donors, stakeholders, and community partners to ensure long-term financial sustainability.Expected Travel: This position is based in our Tucson office with regular travel to program sites and events throughout Arizona.Key Responsibilities:Fund Development Strategy & Revenue GrowthDevelop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with LSS-SW’s mission, strategic plan, and organizational priorities.Establish fundraising goals, strategies, and timelines; monitor progress and adjust approaches to achieve revenue targets.Monitor philanthropic, nonprofit, and fundraising industry trends and proactively advise leadership on emerging risks, opportunities, and environmental changes.Participate in donor cultivation, solicitation, and partnership activities to support long-term financial sustainability.Donor Engagement, Stewardship & Fundraising EventsDesign and oversee donor engagement and stewardship strategies that strengthen relationships and encourage sustained philanthropic support.Plan, coordinate, and oversee fundraising and donor engagement events, including budgeting, timelines, logistics, vendor coordination, and post-event evaluation.Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external partners to ensure events are mission-aligned, well-executed, and financially effective.Participate in donor recognition, appreciation, and stewardship activities and visit program sites to support impact storytelling.Fund Development Operations, Systems & ComplianceEnsure accurate, confidential donor records and oversee timely gift processing, receipting, and acknowledgements.Maintain integrity of fundraising databases and reporting systems to support transparency and decision-making.Ensure compliance with ethical fundraising standards, applicable laws, and organizational financial policies.Develop, manage, and monitor the fund development budget and oversee external fundraising consultants.Leadership, Board Partnership & Organizational CollaborationLead, mentor, and support fund development team members in alignment with organizational values and performance expectations.Support the Board Philanthropy Committee, including staffing support and preparation of agendas and materials.Collaborate with the CEO and Executive Team to establish fundraising goals and strategies aligned with organizational priorities.Prepare and present fundraising reports to senior leadership and the Board; participate as a member of the Senior Team.Qualifications:Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and professional experience.Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, or sales, including demonstrated success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and relationship management.Experience planning and leading fundraising and donor engagement events, including coordination, budgeting, and post-event evaluation.Working knowledge of philanthropic giving vehicles, including donor-advised funds, qualified charitable distributions, and basic estate planning concepts.Experience maintaining accurate and confidential donor records, including documenting donor agreements, engagement activity, and correspondence in a donor database (e.g., Virtuous), with the ability to manage records independently.Other Requirements:Maintain a valid AZ Driver License, acceptable motor vehicle record, and reliable transportation throughout duration of employmentAbility to travel to Phoenix for weekly department meetings, along with other Phoenix or office-based events when necessary.Maintain Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance CardMust clear all required background checks prior to hire and maintain compliance with any periodic checks throughout employment.Physical Demands:While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be required to sit or stand for long periods of time. The employee frequently is required to use hands to hold objects and operate office equipment. The employee may be required to occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 lbs.Reasonable Accommodation Statement: We are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.