Director of Development

About the role

Position: Director of Development Location: Phoenix, AZ

Overview: This is an opportunity for an accomplished development leader to help shape the philanthropic foundation of a major new educational and cultural initiative. The Director of Development will lead fundraising strategy across a significant capital project, endowment, major gifts, annual giving, and institutional partnerships, while building the systems and relationships needed for long-term sustainability. Working closely with the Executive Director and Board, this leader will translate a compelling mission into meaningful philanthropic engagement and help establish a culture of philanthropy grounded in education, civic responsibility, and community impact.

Requirements

• 8–12 years of progressive nonprofit development experience, preferably within a cultural, educational, historical, or other mission-driven organization.
• Bachelor's degree required; advanced degree in nonprofit management, philanthropy, business, public administration, communications, Jewish studies, history, or a related field preferred.
• Demonstrated success securing six- and seven-figure philanthropic commitments.
• Meaningful capital campaign experience strongly preferred.
• Strong understanding of major gifts, donor cultivation, stewardship, foundation relations, and development operations.
• Exceptional written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Experience working effectively with senior executives, Board members, and high-capacity donors.
• CFRE or comparable professional credential is a plus.
• A demonstrated respect for Holocaust history and the educational and ethical responsibilities associated with this work.
• Key Responsibilities:
• Strategic Development & Capital Campaign
• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to achieve multi-year capital, endowment, and operating fundraising goals.
• Lead strategy for principal and major gifts of $50,000+, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship.
• Develop campaign messaging, case statements, and donor materials aligned with the organization's mission and vision.
• Advise the Board on fundraising priorities, prospect strategy, and campaign progress.
• Develop strategies for sustaining philanthropic momentum beyond the anticipated 2027 opening.
• Major Gifts & Donor Relations
• Manage and grow a portfolio of high-capacity individual donors and prospects.
• Create personalized engagement strategies for major and principal gift opportunities.
• Oversee naming opportunities and donor recognition initiatives.
• Establish thoughtful stewardship practices that foster long-term donor relationships and reflect the significance of the mission.
• Foundation & Corporate Engagement
• Identify, cultivate, and solicit foundations and corporations whose priorities align with educational, civic, community, security, and capital initiatives.
• Oversee grant proposal development, submission, and reporting.
• Build and maintain long-term institutional partnerships.
• Annual Giving & Community Fundraising
• Develop annual giving strategies that increase donor participation and strengthen the fundraising pipeline.
• Lead community-based fundraising initiatives and special campaigns.
• Strengthen donor retention, engagement, and upgrade strategies.
• Development Operations

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