Director of Development
Company: Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest
Location: Tucson
Posted on: February 21, 2026
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Job Description:
Job Description Job Description Join Our Mission: If you are
passionate about making a difference and have experience in
philanthropy, strategic fundraising, and relationship-building,
join us in fulfilling the mission of LSS-SW to support and empower
our community's most vulnerable members, and our vision of “ A
future where all people thrive .” Position Overview: The Director
of Development leads LSS-SW’s Fund Development team in advancing
our mission through philanthropic support that strengthens and
sustains our programs. This role provides strategic direction for
annual fundraising efforts and ensures alignment with
organizational priorities. The Director of Development is ideal for
a leader who can implement and grow comprehensive annual
fundraising plans while strengthening relationships with donors,
stakeholders, and community partners to ensure long-term financial
sustainability. Expected Travel: This position is based in our
Tucson office with regular travel to program sites and events
throughout Arizona. Key Responsibilities: Fund Development Strategy
& Revenue Growth Develop, implement, and evaluate comprehensive
annual and multi-year fundraising plans aligned with LSS-SW’s
mission, strategic plan, and organizational priorities. Establish
fundraising goals, strategies, and timelines; monitor progress and
adjust approaches to achieve revenue targets. Monitor
philanthropic, nonprofit, and fundraising industry trends and
proactively advise leadership on emerging risks, opportunities, and
environmental changes. Participate in donor cultivation,
solicitation, and partnership activities to support long-term
financial sustainability. Donor Engagement, Stewardship &
Fundraising Events Design and oversee donor engagement and
stewardship strategies that strengthen relationships and encourage
sustained philanthropic support. Plan, coordinate, and oversee
fundraising and donor engagement events, including budgeting,
timelines, logistics, vendor coordination, and post-event
evaluation. Collaborate with internal stakeholders and external
partners to ensure events are mission-aligned, well-executed, and
financially effective. Participate in donor recognition,
appreciation, and stewardship activities and visit program sites to
support impact storytelling. Fund Development Operations, Systems &
Compliance Ensure accurate, confidential donor records and oversee
timely gift processing, receipting, and acknowledgements. Maintain
integrity of fundraising databases and reporting systems to support
transparency and decision-making. Ensure compliance with ethical
fundraising standards, applicable laws, and organizational
financial policies. Develop, manage, and monitor the fund
development budget and oversee external fundraising consultants.
Leadership, Board Partnership & Organizational Collaboration Lead,
mentor, and support fund development team members in alignment with
organizational values and performance expectations. Support the
Board Philanthropy Committee, including staffing support and
preparation of agendas and materials. Collaborate with the CEO and
Executive Team to establish fundraising goals and strategies
aligned with organizational priorities. Prepare and present
fundraising reports to senior leadership and the Board; participate
as a member of the Senior Team. Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree
in nonprofit management, business, or a related field, or an
equivalent combination of education and professional experience.
Minimum of five (5) years of progressively responsible experience
in fundraising, development, or sales, including demonstrated
success in donor cultivation, solicitation, and relationship
management. Experience planning and leading fundraising and donor
engagement events, including coordination, budgeting, and
post-event evaluation. Working knowledge of philanthropic giving
vehicles, including donor-advised funds, qualified charitable
distributions, and basic estate planning concepts. Experience
maintaining accurate and confidential donor records, including
documenting donor agreements, engagement activity, and
correspondence in a donor database (e.g., Virtuous), with the
ability to manage records independently. Other Requirements:
Maintain a valid AZ Driver License, acceptable motor vehicle
record, and reliable transportation throughout duration of
employment Ability to travel to Phoenix for weekly department
meetings, along with other Phoenix or office-based events when
necessary. Maintain Level 1 Fingerprint Clearance Card Must clear
all required background checks prior to hire and maintain
compliance with any periodic checks throughout employment. Physical
Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee may
be required to sit or stand for long periods of time. The employee
frequently is required to use hands to hold objects and operate
office equipment. The employee may be required to occasionally lift
and/or move up to 50 lbs. Reasonable Accommodation Statement: We
are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with
disabilities to perform the essential functions of this
position.
Keywords: Lutheran Social Services of the Southwest, Maricopa , Director of Development, PR / Public Relations , Tucson, Arizona