Chief Development Officer

Are you an experienced, mission‑driven fundraising leader ready to accelerate impact for Arizona youth?

Junior Achievement of Arizona is seeking an innovative, relationship‑centered, and results‑driven Chief Development Officer (CDO) to lead our development strategy and guide a high-performing team toward achieving our organizational fundraising goal of $7+ million annually. If you thrive at the intersection of vision and execution — where strategic leadership meets hands‑on major donor work — this role offers both challenge and remarkable purpose.

For over 65 years, JA has empowered young people with the skills to succeed in work and life. We are a collaborative, passionate team that believes deeply in our mission and in one another. If you want meaningful work that leaves a lasting mark on tens of thousands of Arizona students each year, we’d love to meet you.

About the Role

The Chief Development Officer is a key member of the executive leadership team and serves as the organization’s fundraising strategist, community ambassador, and helps culture‑building. You will drive a comprehensive development program encompassing major gifts, corporate and foundation partnerships, annual giving, grants, and special events — while personally managing a robust pipeline of high‑value donors.

You will lead a team and foster a high‑trust, high‑accountability environment that reflects our organizational values. Your leadership will directly influence JA’s long‑term vision, sustainability, and growth.

Who You Are

You are a seasoned fundraiser, strategic executive, and champion for youth. You pair big‑picture vision with disciplined execution, modeling excellence, integrity, and empathy in every relationship.

You excel in:

• Major donor strategy & solicitation — Proven success securing large gifts and building long-term, transformational donor relationships.
• Executive leadership —Forecasting, budgeting, risk mitigation, and organization-wide strategy.
• Business & data fluency — Use analytics, financial modeling, and ROI insights to inform decisions and uncover new opportunities.
• Relationship building — Cultivate authentic connections with donors, board members, and community leaders.
• Team leadership — Lead diverse teams with clarity, empathy, and accountability.
• Complexity navigation — Manage competing priorities, organizational dynamics, and ambiguity with confidence.
• Resilience — Adapt quickly, handle rejection with professionalism, and maintain a positive, solution-oriented mindset.
• Fundraising innovation — Identify emerging markets, new revenue streams, and creative partnership models.

You bring a positive, can‑do approach — and when challenges arise, you're first to step in.

What You’ll Do

As CDO, you will design and lead a multi‑channel development strategy that drives JA’s long-term sustainability and growth.

Strategic & Executive Leadership

• Partner with the CEO and leadership team in organization-wide planning and decision-making.
• Build and refine a diversified fundraising strategy to achieve or exceed the $7M+ annual goal.
• Use data, forecasting, and market insights to shape strategy and identify new opportunities.

Major Donor & Corporate Partnerships

• Personally manage a high-value donor portfolio, driving renewal and increased giving annually.
• Cultivate corporate partnerships and steward senior executives.
• Convert one-time gifts into durable, mission-aligned relationships.

Team Leadership & Development Operations

• Lead a team of six (four direct reports), fostering alignment, accountability, and growth.
• Set goals, metrics, and performance expectations across fundraising functions.
• Build a culture of collaboration, responsiveness, and shared ownership.

Grants, Events, & Pipeline Oversight

• Oversee grant strategy, proposal development, compliance, and reporting.
• Guide the events team to meet revenue goals and strengthen community engagement.
• Maintain and optimize a high-performing pipeline for yourself and the full team.

Community Engagement & External Relations

• Represent JA with confidence, warmth, and professionalism in business and community settings.
• Serve as a compelling spokesperson for JA’s mission, values, and impact.

Qualifications

• 10+ years of progressive fundraising experience with a proven record of securing major gifts and leading high-performing teams.
• Demonstrated success in raising $5M+ annually (individually or through a team).
• Strong business acumen, including financial analysis, budgeting, and forecasting.
• Expertise in major gifts, corporate partnerships, grants, and fundraising events.
• Exceptional communication, writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with poise and professionalism.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools.
• Passion for JA’s mission and commitment to youth empowerment.

Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.

Work Environment

Hybrid work environment. Occasional local travel required for donor meetings and events.

To Apply

Elizabeth Clements, VP of People & Technology

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