POSITION: Development Associate
LOCATION: Arizona
SALARY: Up to $75,000 (depending on experience)

The Arizona Center for Investigative Reporting, a statewide nonprofit (501c3) newsroom based in Phoenix, seeks an energetic and motivated individual to help lead AZCIR’s fundraising efforts at a critical time of growth for the newsroom. We’re looking for a highly organized, detail-oriented development or marketing professional to support our Executive Director as the newsroom embarks on an ambitious capacity-building campaign. 

This people-focused position will be responsible for growing and sustaining donor support, expanding the newsroom’s major donor program and preparing the ground for the capital campaign. This is a new position at a moment of great momentum for the organization, so you’ll play an integral role in the newsroom’s future.

AZCIR’s mission is to hold powerful people and institutions accountable by exposing injustice and systemic inequity. We believe deeply in quality over quantity and engagement over clicks. We take the time to get our reporting right, with nuance and sophistication, to both inform and drive community conversations that lead to real change. Since 2012, our newsroom has done just that, with our journalism serving as a catalyst for local and statewide reforms—improvements that have bettered Arizona communities. 

If you believe deeply in the role journalism can play in democracy, especially now, we want to hear from you. 

As a key member of the organization’s business team, you’ll drive the creation and implementation of a strategic development plan, and ensure we have the appropriate tech stack to support it. You’ll focus simultaneously on foundation funding as the organization builds a robust major donor program to better sustain our work in the long term. You’ll also help steward relationships with existing donors and take time to listen to new and prospective ones. And, you’ll work collaboratively with the Executive Director to better connect our donors with AZCIR’s journalism and the team of journalists who produce it.

Strategic Development

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, staff and Board to develop and organize an annual fund development plan for all fundraising and marketing activities.
• Research and identify prospects for solicitations to increase our donor base. Prepare background reports on donor giving and interests, and develop proposals for donor consideration.
• Evaluate overall results of the fund development plan, and recommend modifications or new approaches to support development goals.
• Prepare regular reports on development progress and organizational outcomes, for internal and external stakeholders.

Fund Development 

• Cultivate major gift prospects, develop proposals and grant applications, and establish ongoing partnerships with donors and foundations.
• Steward donor relationships and manage record-keeping, ensuring effective administrative and operational support functions are in place; manage and maintain a donor database.
• Develop fundraising materials to support solicitations and increase understanding of philanthropic gifts.

We know there are great candidates who may not exactly fit the role we’ve described, or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. We’re looking for builders and connectors, and we’re willing to talk with any candidate whose values and ambition align with our own. 

AZCIR seeks to build an inclusive organization grounded in respect for differences. We support all aspects of diversity and provide equal employment opportunity to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, marital status, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability or status as a veteran in accordance with applicable nondiscrimination laws.

Pay commensurate based on experience. This position comes with medical benefits, 401K, and paid vacation and sick leave. To apply, please send your resume, references and a cover letter articulating why you’d be a good fit for this new role in our newsroom to AZCIR Executive Director Brandon Quester (admin@azcir.org).

We know there are great candidates who may not exactly fit the role we’ve described, or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that’s you, please don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself. We’re looking for builders and connectors, and we’re willing to talk with any candidate whose values and ambition align with our own.

Strategic Development

• Work collaboratively with the Executive Director, staff and Board to develop and organize an annual fund development plan for all fundraising and marketing activities.
• Research and identify prospects for solicitations to increase our donor base. Prepare background reports on donor giving and interests, and develop proposals for donor consideration.
• Evaluate overall results of the fund development plan, and recommend modifications or new approaches to support development goals.
• Prepare regular reports on development progress and organizational outcomes, for internal and external stakeholders.

Fund Development 

• Cultivate major gift prospects, develop proposals and grant applications, and establish ongoing partnerships with donors and foundations.
• Steward donor relationships and manage record-keeping, ensuring effective administrative and operational support functions are in place; manage and maintain a donor database.
• Develop fundraising materials to support solicitations and increase understanding of philanthropic gifts.

To apply, please send your resume, references and a cover letter articulating why you’d be a good fit for this new role in our newsroom to AZCIR Executive Director Brandon Quester (admin@azcir.org).