Director of Philanthropy

Who We Are

Arizona Center for Empowerment (ACE) is a community-led and driven organization committed to raising new leadership in Arizona by confronting the most pressing needs of its often-underserved communities. Its sister organization, Living United for Change in Arizona (LUCHA), is led by changemakers advancing social, racial, and economic transformation.

At ACE, we work to create a more inclusive and just standard of equality in the state of Arizona through civic engagement and strategic efforts on issues such as immigration, democracy and voting rights, living wages, and education. By increasing opportunities for education, leadership development, technical assistance, and training, ACE supports the work of community organizations and leaders who are transforming their communities to create a more sustainable future for all Arizona families.

At LUCHA, we organize low- and moderate-income and minority families to take action on the issues most important to them and advance the cause of social and economic justice for all.

Position Summary

We are seeking an accomplished fundraising leader to join our leadership team as Director of Philanthropy. The ideal candidate will be a strong relationship-builder and strategist who leads major gifts (gifts of $10,000+ per year) and helps drive the long-term fundraising strategy for both ACE and LUCHA. You will work closely with the Executive Director and Board to build a sustainable, diversified funding base aligned with our mission and values.

What You'll Do

High Level Strategy & Leadership

• Lead development and execution of the organization's multi-year fundraising strategy, including major gifts of $10,000+ and organizational annual goals.
• Serve as a member of the leadership team, collaborate with the Executive Director and senior staff on aligning fundraising with programmatic and strategic priorities.
• Engage Board members in fundraising efforts, helping cultivate and engage them as fundraisers and ambassadors.
• Oversee grant-proposal strategy and institutional giving, working with staff to identify, pursue, and report on major grants.

Major Gifts & Donor Portfolio

• Cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major donors ($10,000+ annual level) and high-potential prospects.
• Build and maintain strong donor relationships, both existing and new, ensuring meaningful engagement and stewardship.
• Collaborate on the preparation of solicitation materials, donor communications, and annual reports.
• Use donor data and insights to identify untapped donor pools and growth opportunities.

Operations & Development Systems

• Oversee the development team's implementation of systems to track fundraising performance, donor engagement, and pipeline development.
• Work with finance and operations to ensure accurate revenue projections, grant compliance, and tracking of fundraising goals.
• Assist in refining donor policies, gift acceptance practices, and internal procedures that support professional development operations.

Team & Organizational Growth

• Support the recruitment, development, and management of development staff and volunteers as needed.
• Partner with Communications and Program staff to ensure fundraising messaging is aligned with organizational narrative and impact.
• Foster a culture of fundraising across the organization, encouraging staff and board to engage in and support philanthropic efforts.

To Succeed in This Role

• Demonstrated success in major gift fundraising, ideally securing gifts at $10,000+ level.
• Strong strategic thinker and leader; ability to develop and articulate fundraising strategy and align it with organizational goals.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills; persuasive and clear in donor interactions.
• Highly organized and detail-oriented; able to manage multiple priorities with minimal oversight.
• Commitment to the mission and values of ACE/LUCHA and proven ability to work in socially-just, community-driven settings.
• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent combination of education and experience); minimum of 5-7 years of fundraising experience preferred.
• Flexibility to work evenings, weekends, and some travel as needed.

Your Earnings and Other Perks

• Salary range: $85,000-$150,000 DOE
• Wellness stipend
• $25,000 life insurance benefit
• Employer covers 100% of health, vision, and dental insurance for the employee only
• Complimentary access to therapy
• Company-paid holidays and paid winter break
• Hybrid workplace (Arizona-based) with in-person event involvement
• Generous parental leave after one year
• A passionate, diverse, creative team