MAJOR GIFTS FUNDRAISER

JAAZ is seeking a seasoned, dynamic leader to serve as Major Gifts fundraiser who focuses on 30k+ donations. This role is ideal for a strategic relationship-builder and accomplished fundraiser who can secure significant new revenue through community partnerships while advancing JAAZ’s mission to prepare Arizona learners to succeed in work and life. The successful candidate will bring strong negotiation skills and a proven ability to generate $1M+ annually through personal portfolio management and cross-functional collaboration in support of a $7M+ organization. 

The ideal candidate is a positive, resilient leader who thrives in new donor cultivation and long-term stewardship. They are energized by building authentic relationships, motivated by results, and deeply committed to creating opportunities for Arizona’s young people through mission-aligned partnerships. 

About the Role 

This position a key member of the fundraising team and helps shape JAAZ’s fundraising strategy, community presence, and culture. This role will develop and manage a comprehensive development portfolio that includes major gifts, long-term donor stewardship, and strategic partnerships. 

Our leaders foster a high-trust, high-accountability environment grounded in collaboration, responsiveness, and shared purpose. 

Who You Are 

You are an accomplished relationship-builder with a background in major gifts, business development, consultative sales, or a related revenue-generating field. You know how to identify opportunities, build trust with senior decision-makers, navigate complex conversations, and turn new relationships into long-term partnerships. 

You excel in: 

• Major donor strategy and solicitation —This is a builder role and does not include an established portfolio. The successful candidate will create and grow a high-value portfolio from the ground up by prospecting, opening doors, cultivating relationships, and converting opportunities into sustained philanthropic support. 

• Business and data fluency — Uses analytics, sound judgment, and market insight to guide decisions and uncover growth opportunities. 

• Relationship building — Cultivates authentic, trusted partnerships with donors, business leaders, board members, and community stakeholders. 

• Team collaboration — Works with clarity, empathy, accountability, and a strong commitment to shared success. 

• Navigating complexity — Manages competing priorities, organizational dynamics, and ambiguity with confidence and professionalism. 

• Resilience — Responds to challenges with optimism, adaptability, and a solution-oriented mindset. 

• Fundraising innovation — Identifies new markets, revenue streams, and partnership models that deepen mission impact. 

You bring a positive, can-do approach and are quick to step in, solve problems, and support others when challenges arise. 

What You’ll Do 

• Personally grow and manage a high-value donor portfolio with a focus on long-term engagement. 

• Cultivate and steward partnerships, senior executives, and community leaders as champions of JAAZ’s mission. 

• Convert one-time gifts into sustained, mission-aligned relationships that increase impact over time. 

• Represent JAAZ with confidence, warmth, and professionalism across business, philanthropic, and community settings. 

• Serve as a compelling ambassador for JAAZ’s mission, values, and impact across Arizona. 

Qualifications 

• 5+ years of progressive experience in major gifts, fundraising, business development, consultative sales, or relationship-based account management, with a demonstrated record of cultivating new relationships and achieving ambitious revenue goals. 

• Demonstrated success raising $1M+ annually  

• Strong business acumen and comfort working with metrics, strategy, and revenue goals. 

• Demonstrated expertise in major gifts, consultative sales, business development, strategic partnerships, donor or client stewardship, and pipeline management. 

• Exceptional communication, writing, presentation, and interpersonal skills. 

• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with professionalism and sound judgment. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools. 

• A genuine passion for JAAZ’s mission and a commitment to empowering young people across Arizona. 

Bilingual (Spanish) a plus.  

Work Environment 

This is a hybrid role with occasional local travel for donor meetings, partnership development, and events. 

To Apply

Send a cover letter and resume to:
Elizabeth Clements, VP of People & Technology
📧 elizabethc@jaaz.org