Development Director

Sonoran Prevention Works•Tempe, AZ

6d•$75,000 - $95,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Director of Development is a senior leadership position at SPW, responsible for leading the organization’s comprehensive fundraising strategy. This role will design and manage fundraising initiatives across annual campaigns, grants, and major donor programs, ensuring that resources align with SPW’s mission to prevent overdose and improve community health. The Director of Development reports directly to and will work closely with the Chief Executive Officer and designated organizational leadership to sustain and grow revenue, with the expectation of building an annual fundraising program that generates at least $250,000 in annual revenue by the end of Year 3. While this position does not currently directly supervise staff, it may manage contractors who provide development-related support.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in nonprofit management, business, communications, public health, or related field, or equivalent professional experience.
At least 4 years (six strongly preferred) of fundraising experience, with demonstrated success in grants, campaigns, and individual giving.
Proven ability to secure five- and six-figure gifts from individuals or institutions.
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills for donor-facing materials.
Proficiency in donor databases (CRM systems), segmentation, reporting, and Microsoft Office/Google Suite.
Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a leadership team.
Commitment to community-centered fundraising and advancing dignity and inclusion for people who use drugs.

Nice To Haves

Experience using EveryAction (SPW’s donor CRM database).
Certified Fund Raising Executive (CFRE) designation.
Experience with planned giving strategy and execution.
Familiarity with Arizona’s philanthropic and public health landscape.
Master’s degree in nonprofit management, public administration, or related field.
Spanish language proficiency.
Lived or shared experience connected to SPW’s mission is a valued asset.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement the annual fundraising plan in alignment with SPW’s organizational goals.
Oversee annual fund campaigns such as Giving Tuesday, year-end appeals, workplace giving, and seasonal initiatives.
Manage donor database (CRM) accuracy, gift entry, acknowledgements, and financial reporting.
Support the development of SPW’s annual report in partnership with communications and program staff and leadership.
Create development-related content for email newsletters, social media, and donor communications.
Lead SPW’s private foundation and corporate grant strategy, including prospect research, proposal development, submission, and reporting.
Collaborate with program staff to identify funding priorities and craft compelling cases for support rooted in overdose and disease prevention.
Build and steward relationships with foundations and corporate funders, ensuring strong communication and alignment with SPW’s mission.
Maintain a grants pipeline and calendar to ensure timely submissions and compliance with funder requirements.
Build and manage a major gifts program, including identification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of donors.
Manage donor portfolios for the CEO, leadership, and Board of Directors, supporting their engagement in fundraising.
Partner with staff, leadership, and Board of Directors on cultivation events, house parties, and donor stewardship opportunities.
Build and steward relationships with individual and corporate sponsors to grow unrestricted revenue and long-term donor partnerships.
Serve as a member of SPW’s senior leadership team, contributing to organizational strategy and long-term planning.
Partner with the CEO and leadership to align fundraising goals with organizational priorities and strengthen a culture of philanthropy.
Manage contractors or consultants supporting development activities.
Represent SPW externally with donors, funders, partners, and at community events.