Description
Sonoran University of Health Sciences shapes a healthier future by supporting students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, by enhancing the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and by discovering effective treatments for humanity grounded in the healing power of nature. Our vision is a world that embraces the healing power of nature. Located in Tempe, Arizona, the overall environment is vibrant and dynamic, with passionate students, staff, and faculty.
As a private institution, Sonoran University is dedicated to fostering a supportive, inclusive community for all. Sonoran community members embody and promote inclusive excellence (IE*). This includes a commitment to respecting diverse perspectives and continually advancing your understanding and practices around equity, belonging, and support for all students, employees, patients, and our greater community. You will contribute to a campus culture that embraces our core values.
Job Description/Summary:
The Associate Director of Development (AAD) provides strategic and operational leadership for Sonoran University’s core fundraising programs, with a particular focus on growing mid-level giving between $1,000 and $15,000. This role oversees the annual fund, sponsorships, grants coordination, donor communications, and the fundraising CRM to strengthen systems, increase donor participation and revenue, and support a strong culture of philanthropy.
The ADD leads fundraising strategies, campaigns, and stewardship efforts designed to generate annual fund to mid-level revenue at scale and to prepare donors for future major gift engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Fundraising Strategy and Program Oversight
Lead the strategy, planning, and execution of Sonoran University’s annual fund and mid-level donations.
Design and manage segmented, multichannel fundraising strategies that move donors from entry level giving into sustained mid-level support.
Oversee sponsorship fundraising in collaboration with Events and Marketing.
Manage the grants pipeline, proposal timelines, submissions, and reporting in partnership with the Development team, Finance, and other involved departments.
Support campaign planning and selected campaign initiatives by developing tools, timelines, internal coordination, and reporting.
Collaborate with the Senior Director to ensure clear pathways for identifying and transitioning qualified donors from annual fund to mid-level and into major gift cultivation.
Systems, Data, and Operations
Provide functional leadership for the fundraising CRM, ensuring accurate data entry, coding standards, segmentation, moves tracking, and reporting.
Develop dashboards and reports that track giving performance, donor retention, upgrade rates, and revenue trends.
Oversee Development team and Business Office relationship to ensure accurate gift processing, acknowledgments, and compliance.
Oversee stewardship and acknowledgment workflows to ensure donors receive timely, personalized communications that reflect impact and gratitude.
Team Leadership and Collaboration
Supervise the Development Coordinator and Senior Development Specialist, providing clear priorities, coaching, and professional development.
Establish fundraising calendars, workflows, and project plans that support efficient execution of appeals, sponsorships, and grants.
Collaborate closely with Alumni Relations, Events, Marketing, Academic leadership, and Clinic leaders to align engagement and fundraising efforts.
Communications and Stewardship
Partner on donor communications including appeal messaging, impact reporting, stewardship pieces, and web content.
Develop stewardship strategies that improve donor retention, increase average gift size, and strengthen long term engagement.
Coordinate donor recognition and sponsorship benefits with accuracy and consistency.
Representation
Represent Sonoran University at internal events and selected external events in support of Development goals.
Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Strong understanding of annual giving and mid-level fundraising strategy, including segmentation, donor journeys, and upgrade pathways.
Demonstrated ability to generate philanthropic revenue through campaigns and programs rather than individual portfolios.
Proficiency with fundraising CRMs and donor data analysis.
Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple initiatives simultaneously.
Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Collaborative leadership style with experience supervising staff.
High level of integrity, discretion, and attention to detail.
Experience Required
Bachelor’s degree required.
5+ years of progressively responsible experience in fundraising, advancement operations, or development programs.
Demonstrated experience with annual giving, mid-level fundraising, sponsorships, or grants management.
Experience supervising staff or leading cross functional projects.
Higher education or mission driven nonprofit experience strongly preferred.
An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
Education Requirements
Minimum Education/Certifications Bachelor’s degree in field related to area of assignment.
Working Environment
Activities are performed in an environmentally controlled office setting subject to extensive periods of sitting, keyboarding and manipulating a computer mouse. Required to stand for varying lengths of time and walk moderate distances to perform work. Frequent bending, reaching, lifting, pushing and pulling of up to 25 pounds. Regular activities require ability to quickly change priorities which may include and/or are subject to resolution of conflicts. Communicate to perform essential functions.
This position requires occasional evening and weekend work in support of fundraising initiatives and events.
Background/Screening
All candidates offered a position at SONORAN UNIVERSITY undergo a background and drug screen prior to hire. All employees must show documentation of vaccinations or provide titer results for measles prior to first day of work (unless religious or medical exemption is on file). Employment is contingent upon satisfactory outcome of all screens required of this position.
SONORAN UNIVERSITY is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, age, disability, or any other legally protected status.
SONORAN UNIVERSITY is a smoke free campus.
* Inclusive Excellence is the standard set by an organization to intentionally integrate diversity, inclusion, and equity into its organizational pursuit of excellence.
About Sonoran University:
Sonoran University of Health Sciences is a non-profit and internationally recognized higher education institution dedicated to shaping a healthier future. Guided by our mission to support students as they train to excel as healthcare professionals, enhance the health and wellbeing of our patients and communities, and discover effective treatments grounded in the healing power of nature. We uphold our core values: We shape the future, we love, we achieve excellence, we are resilient, and we do the right thing.
The University’s College of Naturopathic Medicine, College of Nutrition, and School of Mental Health offer evidence-based programs designed to shape a healthier tomorrow by preparing the next generation of healthcare professionals.
To serve the University’s mission, the Sage Foundation for Health supports several Community Clinics focused on providing free naturopathic medical care to local underserved communities within the Phoenix Metro area. The College of Nutrition’s Virtual Center for Personalized Nutrition aims to eliminate traditional barriers to nutritional care by providing personalized and evidence-based care delivered at no cost via telehealth.
The Ric Scalzo Institute for Botanical Research is a state-of-the-art molecular biology/phytochemistry laboratory seeks to improve therapies for global health concerns by exploring traditional medicine at the cellular, molecular, and cultural level to create novel botanical solutions that support people, plants, and planet.
The University’s Clinical Care branch operates two open-to-the-public clinics at the Tempe Campus. The Medical Center provides naturopathic healthcare for a wide range of patients including but not limited to; family medicine, nutrition and digestive health, mental health and well-being, dermatologic conditions, endocrine and auto-immune concerns, and acute symptoms. The Neil Riordan Center for Regenerative Medicine focuses on non-opioid solutions to pain and pain management utilizing treatments ranging from cupping and acupuncture to regenerative injection therapies. The Medicinary is the largest natural pharmacy in Arizona, offering an expansive collection of the highest quality, professional-grade supplements, herbs, and natural health products. Every purchase made at the Medicinary helps support the Sage Foundation and its mission to provide free healthcare to those in need.
Nurture your knowledge, visit sonoran.edu
Benefits:
At Sonoran University, we achieve excellence and shape the future by fostering a workplace where you can thrive and grow!
Our benefits go above and beyond to support your health, happiness, and lifestyle.
Qualifying employees enjoy comprehensive medical, dental, and vision plans, vacation time, 12 paid holidays, a 401(k) plan with a discretionary match, and employer-sponsored life, AD&D, and long-term disability coverage.
Every team member benefits from paid sick time, access to Aflac, and exclusive perks like free office visits at our Medical Center and Neil Riordan Center, plus discounts at the largest medicinary in the Southwest — with shipping available!
Enjoy delicious savings at Early Bird Vegan, our onsite café, or unwind in our fully equipped employee breakroom with a full kitchen, coffee, and new snacks every month.
Prioritize your wellness with free personalized nutritional care, a yoga studio, a fitness center, and covered parking.
Explore a wealth of knowledge in our library, rock your Sonoran pride on Casual Wednesdays, and be celebrated through Bonusly, our employee recognition program packed with gift cards and prizes.
Want more? Access exclusive deals on attractions, shows, shopping, and more through Tickets At Work and LifeMart.
With a flexible hybrid work environment and an inspiring culture, Sonoran University is where passion and purpose meet to create a workplace like no other!
