Company Description:

Friends of the Children – Phoenix is part of a national network of Friends of the Children chapters across the United States. Friends of the Children connects children – all of whom have unique talents – to a paid, professional mentor called a Friend. We hire and train Friends whose full-time jobs are to support our youth to succeed, despite the extremely challenging situations most experience, from as early as age 4 through high school graduation – 12+ years, no matter what. 

Founded by Duncan Campbell 32 years ago in Portland, Oregon, our model is distinct, courageous and proven. See Duncan Campbell’s Ted Talk here.

We redefined youth mentoring by creating the first and only long-term professional mentoring program in the country. Friends are experts in building sustained and nurturing relationships with youth. Our model is evidence-informed and research-based, and we have proven long-term outcomes to show it works. 

• Today, 7 Friends (Mentors) are serving 51 youth and their caregivers in 7 schools throughout the Roosevelt School District in South Phoenix, AZ. 
• Two-Generation (2GEN) approach: Support, Equip, Promote, Connect, Create
• To date, third-party research has found that 83% of our youth graduate from high school, 93% avoid the juvenile justice system, and 98% avoid early parenting.

Mission: Impacting generational change by empowering youth, who are facing the greatest obstacles, through relationships with professional mentors. 

Budget Size: $1 Million

Position Description: 

Friends of the Children is seeking a passionate, committed leader to use their cultural knowledge, expertise, vision, and connection to the community to lead and grow Friends of the Children in Phoenix, Arizona.

Our model is proven to impact generational change by empowering youth who are facing the greatest obstacles through relationships with salaried professional mentors for 12+ years, no matter what.

As Executive Director for the Phoenix chapter that launched in 2022, you will work with community leaders, schools, non-profit partners, and investors to have a significant impact on foster care and intergenerational poverty in Arizona. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Be a passionate advocate for children and families facing life’s greatest challenges
• Effectively communicate the urgency of our mission and the success of our outcomes
• Be a dynamic and engaging spokesperson for the organization
• Excel at networking and fundraising with major donors, corporate leaders, foundations, and the communities we serve
• Serve a key role in advancing diversity, equality & inclusion and antiracism 
• Work with community leaders, caregivers, families, and children, understanding the unique disparities amongst the communities served
• Have good business acumen, an entrepreneurial spirit, and a soft heart for kids
• Ask donors for financial support, lead strategic planning, review financial statements, and oversee program evaluation
• Be fiercely committed to creating a culture of belonging and equity
• Ensure that every aspect of the organization's mission is executed with full engagement of the staff, youth, families and communities

• Bachelor’s degree required
• Three years’ experience in non-profit or similar fundraising capacity, in progressively responsible roles with demonstrated fundraising and development results
• Three years’ experience in management/supervisory roles
• AZ resident for at least five years with the ability to leverage existing relationships within the community
• Self-starter with a minimum of three years’ progressively responsible work experience in database and fundraising software management

Why consider the opportunity?

• Work with an engaged, motivated Board that works hard, gives generously, and assists with fundraising.
• Lead a team of talented employees who are passionate about working together to create an extraordinary and impactful organization.
• Strong, cohesive National team committed to innovation and high standards.
• Respect for work-life harmony for yourself and others. You'll bring your full self to work and lead by example by integrating work and personal life with attention to self-care.
• Lead an exceptional organization that helps children facing incredible odds change their life story every day.
• This hybrid position has excellent benefits, competitive salary, and bonus potential.

Please email your resume to Ashton Thomas at athomas@duffygroup.com. 

Ashton Thomas

Senior Executive Recruiter

Duffy Group