Area Executive Director

At ALSAC you do more than make a living; you make a difference.

Job Description

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for making a lasting impact? Do you thrive on crafting strategy, cultivating high-value relationships, and driving transformational growth? Join ALSAC-St. Jude as ourArea Executive Director for Fundraising and Development, where you’ll lead with purpose, shape our strategic vision, and drive philanthropic success across a dynamic region.

Key Responsibilities

1. Strategic Leadership & Vision

• Set and communicate a compelling vision aligned with organizational and territorial goals.

• Lead cross-functional teams to drive long-term growth and innovation.

• Translate high-level strategies into actionable, measurable plans.

• Inspire teams through vision casting and strategic storytelling.

2. Fundraising & Donor Engagement

• Architect and execute comprehensive fundraising strategies across major gifts, planned giving, corporate partnerships, events, and sponsorships.

• Cultivate and steward ultra-high-net-worth and high-net-worth donors with a deep understanding of philanthropic motivations and trends.

• Develop compelling narratives that connect donors to the mission and impact of St. Jude.

3. Operational & Financial Acumen

• Oversee budgeting, forecasting, and resource allocation to maximize fundraising ROI.

• Apply data analytics and performance metrics to inform strategic decisions and optimize operations.

• Scale development operations for efficiency and sustainability.

4. Stakeholder Relationship Management

• Build and maintain trusted relationships with internal divisions, donors, volunteers, corporate partners, and community leaders.

• Navigate complex organizational structures to foster collaboration and integration.

• Serve as a visible and respected ambassador of ALSAC-St. Jude in the community.

5. Area & Market Expertise

• Leverage deep knowledge of local economic, cultural, and philanthropic landscapes to tailor strategies.

• Pilot and scale innovative initiatives that respond to area-specific opportunities and challenges.

• Align area efforts with national campaigns and territory-wide goals.

6. Leadership Development & Team Building

• Mentor and coach fundraising professionals, fostering a culture of servant leadership, diversity, and inclusion.

• Attract, retain, and develop top talent to build high-performing teams.

• Promote continuous learning and strategic agility across the area.

7. Principal & Major Donor Engagement

• Personally manage a portfolio of principal and major donors, ensuring strategic cultivation and stewardship.

• Expand donor engagement through personalized experiences and mission-driven storytelling.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; Master’s degree preferred.

• Minimum of 6 years of progressive fundraising experience, including senior leadership roles.

• Proven success in cultivating and stewarding major and principal gifts.

• Exceptional diplomacy and relationship-building skills with high-net-worth individuals and influential stakeholders.

• Strong financial acumen and operational leadership experience.

• Expertise in community development and philanthropic ecosystems.

• Excellent communication and public speaking skills.

• Ability to lead through ambiguity and drive results independently.

•  Travel Requirements: Be prepared to travel throughout the area of AZ, NM, and NV 30-40%, including occasional weekends and nights + 4-5 visits to Memphis.

• Driver's License: A valid driver's license is required for this role. The position comes with a company car equipped with AAA membership, insurance coverage, a maintenance plan, and a fuel card for convenience. This car is also eligible for personal use, providing you with the flexibility to enjoy its benefits beyond work hours. For more details about this valuable benefit, please inquire during the interview process.

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Benefits & Perks

The following Benefits & Perks apply to Full-Time Roles Only.

We’re dedicated to ensuring children and their families have every opportunity to enjoy life’s special moments. We’re also committed to giving our staff excellent benefits so they can do the same.

• Core Medical Coverage: (low cost low deductible Medical, Dental, and Vison Insurance plans)​
• 401K Retirement Plan with 7% Employer Contribution
• Exceptional Paid Time Off
• Maternity / Paternity Leave
• Infertility Treatment Program
• Adoption Assistance
• Education Assistance
• Enterprise Learning and Development
• And more

ALSAC is an equal employment opportunity employer. 

ALSAC does not discriminate against any individual with regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, disability, veteran status, genetic information or other protected status.

No Search Firms:

ALSAC does not accept unsolicited assistance from search firms for employment opportunities.  All resumes submitted by search firms to any ALSAC employee or ALSAC representative via email, the internet or in any form and/or method without being contacted and approved by our Employee Experience team and without a valid written search agreement in place will result in no fee being paid if a referred candidate is hired by ALSAC.