Director of Philanthropy

Location: Phoenix, AZ — primarily on-site; evenings/weekends as required

Reports to: Executive Director

FLSA: Exempt | Full‑time

Salary: $140,000–$160,000 (DOE)

Ballet Arizona is the Southwest’s premier, non-profit ballet institution, dedicated to educating, creating, and performing remarkable classical and contemporary ballet.

Position summary

The Director of Philanthropy is a senior fundraising leader responsible for developing and executing strategies to grow contributed revenue across individual giving, major & principal gifts, foundations, corporations, government, planned giving, events, and campaigns. The Director manages the Philanthropy team, partners with senior leadership and the Board, and advances donor engagement, stewardship, and long‑term financial sustainability.

Key responsibilities

• Lead identification, qualification, cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship of major and principal gift prospects; personally, manage a high‑value major‑gift portfolio.
• Oversee all fundraising programs: annual fund, major & principal gifts, corporate/foundation relations, grants, planned giving, events, and campaign work.
• Develop and implement 3‑year departmental plans and performance reporting; set clear goals and KPIs for the team.
• Support and coach the Executive Director, Artistic Director, Board, and volunteer leadership in fundraising activities and solicitations.
• Ensure robust operations: CRM/data integrity, moves management, gift/pledge processing, donor acknowledgments, and restricted gift stewardship.
• Recruit, train, mentor, and evaluate philanthropy staff; foster a culture of continuous learning and accountability.
• Produce donor communications, proposals, and stewardship materials; present fundraising metrics to leadership and the Board.
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold gift acceptance standards and the Donor Bill of Rights.

Success measures (examples)

• Grow contributed revenue and major gifts year over year.
• Improve donor retention and upgrade rates.
• Meet campaign and annual fundraising targets; maintain accurate donor data and reporting.

Required qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree.
• Minimum 8 years of senior fundraising experience, including proven major‑gift leadership.
• Demonstrated record managing significant contributed revenue programs.
• Experience with integrated fundraising/ticketing databases; strong digital literacy and Excel skills.
• Proven leadership and staff management experience.
• Authorization to work in the U.S.

Preferred qualifications

• CFRE certification.
• Track record leading teams that raised $3M+ annually.
• Tessitura experience.
• Spanish proficiency.
• Experience working in the arts.

Team Direct reports

Associate Director of Philanthropy; Corporate & Foundation Manager; Events & Volunteer Manager.

Work environment

Primarily office-based with required attendance at performances, donor events, and community sites. Evenings, weekends, and local travel required.

Compensation & benefits Salary: $140,000–$160,000 (DOE). Ballet Arizona offers benefits including health insurance, paid time off, and professional development (details provided to finalists).

How to apply

Submit a letter of interest, resume, and contact information at www.balletaz.org or email HR@balletaz.org. Please, no phone inquiries. Applications reviewed on a rolling basis; position open until filled.

Ballet Arizona is an equal opportunity employer committed to inclusive, culturally responsive fundraising and a diverse workplace.