Executive Director, Foundation

Position Summary: In consultation with the Gila River People Foundation (GRPF) Board and the Chief Executive Officer, the Foundation Executive Director provides strategic leadership, operational oversight, and fundraising direction to the advance the mission of the Foundation in support of Native American Healthcare Initiatives. This role is responsible for developing and implementing comprehensive fundraising strategies, including major gifts, grants, endowments, and trust-base giving programs that strengthen the long-term financial stability of native healthcare services.

The Executive Director leads a team dedicated to philanthropic development and donor engagement while building strong relationships with community leaders, philanthropic organizations, corporate partners, and individual donors. Will serve to support the GRPF Board of Directors and improve the visibility of the foundation in the community. Additionally, the Executive Director responds to inquiries from departments, the community, and/or external agencies and supervises the Philanthropy department.

Critical Tasks:

Fundraising & Development:

• Partner with the Philanthropy Director to lead fundraising initiative including capital campaigns and major gift solicitations.
• Directly manage the identification, cultivation, and solicitation of major prospects.
• Establish and grow endowment and trust-based giving programs that ensure long-term financial sustainability
• Oversee donor recognition and stewardship programs to ensure long-term retention.
• Ensure all gifts are utilized according to donor restrictions and aligned with the mission.

Strategic & Operational Leadership:

• Develop and implement long-term strategic plans in alignment with Gila River Health Care and Gila River People Foundation mission.
• Implement board-established policies and long-term strategic plans.
• Oversee all operations including fiscal management, personnel, and organizational development.
• Ensure compliance with local, state, and federal laws, including IRS 501(c)(3) regulations and HIPAA for health records.

Grant Management & Community Engagement:

• Oversee the grant-making process, evaluating proposals and monitoring the impact of funded programs.
• Serve as the key public ambassador to the media, healthcare community, and public officials.
• Strengthen kinship with tribal leadership, healthcare stakeholders, communication organizations, and philanthropic networks.
• Ensure culturally respectfully engagement with the community and foundation partners.

Board Relations:

• Work closely with the Board of Directors to establish guidelines and policies.
• Manage the Board recruitment, orientation, and committee activities.
• Ensures confidentiality of all privileged and proprietary GRHC / Foundation information.

Stewardship:

• Ensure responsible stewardship of donor contributions and compliance with philanthropic best practices.
• Oversee donor communications, recognition programs, and impact reporting.
• Manage budgets related to fundraising operations and development programs.

Required Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's degree is required; a Master's degree is preferred.
• A minimum of seven (7) years of experience in fundraising, including at least three years specializing in foundation or donor relationship management, is required.
• Experience with philanthropy and/or working with nonprofit boards.
• Demonstrated success securing major gifts, grants, and philanthropic partnerships.
• Be a member of a federally recognized tribe preferred.
• Experience in the healthcare sector preferred.
• Experience in leading fundraising teams and managing development operations.