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Position Summary

The Director of Philanthropy is a key member of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona's Philanthropy team, responsible for managing and growing a portfolio of Leadership Givers, Major Donors, planned giving prospects, and philanthropic partners. This strategic, revenue-generating role develops, cultivates, solicits, and stewards individual philanthropic relationships that advance United Way's mission and fundraising priorities.

Working collaboratively across the Advancement Department within the Philanthropy team, the Director develops and executes strategies that increase donor acquisition, retention, and philanthropic investment while delivering an exceptional donor experience. The Director serves as a trusted ambassador for United Way, building meaningful relationships with donors, volunteers, professional advisors, and community leaders to strengthen long-term engagement and support.

Success in this role requires strategic thinking, exceptional relationship management, initiative, and the ability to manage multiple priorities while advancing integrated fundraising goals across major gifts, annual giving, corporate philanthropy, planned giving, and leadership giving.

This is a full-time, exempt position reporting to the Vice President of Philanthropy. United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is committed to building an educated, thriving, and equitable community by eliminating racial, ethnic, and socioeconomic disparities.

United Way offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, 401(k), HRA, paid time off, 13 paid holidays, and professional development opportunities. For more information about our organization, see www.unitedwaytucson.org.

Salary: $65,000

Responsibilities

Individual Philanthropy & Donor Engagement

• Manage and grow a portfolio of Leadership Givers, Major Donors, planned giving prospects, and individual philanthropic partners.
• Develop and implement cultivation, solicitation, stewardship, and recognition strategies that increase donor engagement, retention, and philanthropic investment.
• Identify, qualify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing major gift prospects through all stages of the donor lifecycle.
• Build and maintain trusted relationships with donors, volunteers, professional advisors, and community leaders to strengthen long-term philanthropic partnerships.

Major Gifts & Revenue Growth

• Develop and execute individualized fundraising strategies to meet or exceed annual revenue goals.
• Cultivate and secure multi-year philanthropic commitments that strengthen long-term donor investment and organizational sustainability.
• Manage donor portfolios using moves management and data-informed fundraising practices.
• Conduct meaningful donor visits, cultivation meetings, and compelling solicitation conversations to deepen relationships, inspire philanthropic investment, and secure major gifts.
• Lead and execute fundraising initiatives supporting the Community Impact Fund, Planned Giving, Leadership Giving, and other strategic fundraising priorities.

Fundraising Strategy & Operations

• Partner with the Vice President of Philanthropy to establish fundraising goals, performance metrics, portfolio strategies, and reporting.
• Ensure timely donor acknowledgments, stewardship communications, and impact reporting.
• Maintain accurate donor records, gift documentation, and portfolio activity within the CRM.
• Monitor fundraising performance and recommend strategies that strengthen donor retention and revenue growth.

Leadership & Collaboration

• Serve as a collaborative, mission-driven leader, fostering a culture of accountability, partnership, and excellence.
• Initiate, communicate, and collaborate effectively across Advancement Department teams, including Philanthropy, Corporate Philanthropy, Marketing & Communications, and Community Engagement, to execute integrated fundraising strategies.
• Foster strong cross-functional partnerships with Data Processing, Finance, Community Development, and other internal teams to advance fundraising initiatives and organizational priorities.
• Coordinate and support fundraising and donor stewardship events while actively participating in annual United Way engagement events, affinity group activities, volunteer engagement, and community/impact events.
• Represent United Way as a trusted community ambassador, advancing organizational priorities, cultivating strategic partnerships, and strengthening the organization's visibility and impact.
• Perform other duties as assigned to advance fundraising objectives, departmental priorities, organizational goals, and strategic initiatives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education and experience, with seven or more years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, development, sales, business development, or a related field.
• Proven success in major gifts, fundraising, relationship management, sales, or business development.
• Strong communication, presentation, and relationship-building skills with the ability to engage diverse stakeholders.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and CRM database systems; fundraising software experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain confidentiality, exercise sound judgment, and resolve challenges professionally.
• Commitment to the mission, vision, and values of United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona with a collaborative, results-driven approach.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends, and travel throughout the Tucson metropolitan area.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and have daily access to reliable transportation.

Physical Requirements

This role requires frequent movement throughout office and community environments, including attending meetings, events, and work activities both on-site and off-site. The position may involve periods of standing, walking, bending, reaching, and lifting or carrying materials up to 30 pounds. Regular use of a computer and standard office equipment is required. Occasional local travel may be required.

Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by individuals assigned to this job. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required of personnel so classified in this position.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY STATEMENT

The United Way of Tucson and Southern Arizona is an equal opportunity employer. We champion diversity, equity, and inclusion. We take action to ensure equal opportunity and all candidates are considered without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, or any other legally protected status.