Chief Executive Officer

• Vision for the CEO

The incoming CEO should be passionate about working with our southside partners, leveraging the broader Tucson community, and optimizing internal infrastructure to grow education and community funds that are equitable and transformative.

We are looking for a leader who leads from within the community, someone who understands the southside not as a geography, but as a people. A leader who brings urgency and care in equal measure, who can cultivate donors and hold space for families receiving food assistance, who can navigate a board meeting and roll up their sleeves at a community cleanup. Someone who sees the new strategic plan as their first major act of co-creation with the community.

• Key Responsibilities

1. Leadership & Strategic Planning

Lead the development and execution of a new multi-year, community-centered strategic plan in partnership with the Board, staff, and community stakeholders

Provide visionary, values-aligned leadership that advances Sunnyside Foundation's mission across education, emergency relief, and community investment priority funding areas

Serve as the Foundation's primary spokesperson, engaging public, civic, and donor partners on behalf of its mission and the people it serves.  

Continue to grow a culture of learning, accountability, and belonging within the organization

2. Fundraising & Development

Lead and grow the Foundation's community-centered fundraising strategy, including Gives Week, individual donor cultivation, corporate partnerships, and grants

Steward and grow existing donor relationships; cultivate new donors in alignment with the Foundation's values and community-first approach

Collaboratively write grants and raise dollars with partner organizations for students, teachers, and families on Tucson's southside

Oversee and continue expanding the $1 million scholarship endowment and other legacy giving opportunities

Create fundraising events that are accessible, community-celebrating, and fun, in the spirit of Gives Week

3. Fiscal Management

Oversee the full organizational P&L; ensure budget is met or exceeded annually

Manage expenses within budget; work directly with CPAs on annual reviews and accounting needs

Report monthly financial progress to the Board of Directors

Ensure long-term fiscal sustainability through diversified revenue streams and responsible stewardship of the endowment

4. Community Relationships & Partnerships

Build and maintain deep relationships with SUSD leadership, community-based organizations, policymakers, philanthropic partners, civic leaders and stakeholders

Ensure Sunnyside Foundation maintains its accessible, warm, and encouraging brand; show up at events large and small

Grow and deepen strategic partnerships, including FUGA, Regeneración, Gabe Gallegos Memorial Foundation, the University of Arizona Southside Engagements, and others

Seek and cultivate media, marketing, and co-sponsorship opportunities that amplify the Foundation's presence and reach in partnership with SF's Communications Manager

Work closely with SUSD leadership to develop collaborative programs and funds for teachers, students, and families

5. Team Management & Culture

Directly supervise the Director of Operations and Communications & Outreach Manager

Foster a culture of diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging; maintain high staff morale and retention

Set clear organizational goals and support staff in achieving them; conduct meaningful annual performance conversations

6. Board Relations & Governance

Partner closely with the Board of Directors to advance the strategic vision; provide monthly updates on progress toward objectives and budget

Support board recruitment and cultivation; ensure the board has the information and engagement needed to govern effectively

Respond to board inquiries with transparency and timeliness

7. Compliance & Risk Management

Ensure the Foundation maintains good standing and complies with all applicable local, state, and federal laws

Maintain appropriate organizational protections and policies to mitigate risk

Oversee proper administration of the scholarship endowment, Juntos Fund, and all restricted funds

• Qualifications / Experience

The successful candidate will be a dynamic, strategic, collaborative leader, committed to the vision and mission of Sunnyside Foundation, with demonstrated leadership and fundraising experience in the non-profit sector. The following will generally define the ideal candidate:

1. Community-Focused: the ability to lead the organization from behind and from within the community. Experience working in coalitions, grassroots organizations, committees, and other collaborative settings.
2. We especially welcome bilingual candidates with authentic ties to Tucson’s southside, those who have lived here, served here, or have family in our geographic serving area.
3. Creative Problem Solver: the ability to simultaneously think big, lead with urgency and aspirations, and understand reality and the bold moves needed to strengthen pathways that bring funding into our community.
4. Demonstrated racial equity and inclusion competencies: ability to manage a growing team, stakeholders, and partners with a racial equity and inclusive lens.
5. Fundraising: Proven fundraising ability with corporate, foundation, and individual donors coupled with a skill set to think long-term sustainability. Experience writing grants and/or overseeing grant writing staff or consultants.
6. Authentic Communicator: A skilled listener and storyteller who communicates with clarity, warmth, and conviction to diverse internal and external audiences including board and staff members, business, policymakers, philanthropic partners, and social sector leaders.