Director, Programmatic Expansion

Join the Candelen Team – Empowering Early Childhood, Together

At Candelen, we believe in the boundless potential of every child and the power of adults to nurture that growth. We are a nonprofit organization dedicated to strengthening families, educators, and communities so that all children have the foundation they need to succeed. With a passionate team and innovative programs, we bring lasting impact to the lives of young children across Arizona and beyond.

We’re growing - and we’re looking for talented, mission-driven individuals to grow with us.

Position: Director, Programmatic Expansion

Department: Administration
Reports to: Chief Impact Officer
Status: Full-Time, Exempt

Location: Hybrid – Phoenix, AZ
 

About the Role
The Director, Programmatic Expansion’s key responsibility will be to develop, cultivate and expand relationships with community leaders, government leaders, strategic partners and individual donors within the early childhood sector throughout Arizona and to help the organization expand key and new programs to secure funding with a growth mindset. The major objective of the job is to collaboratively provide planned, cohesive and multi-year funding growth aligned with Candelen’s Strategic Plan strategies, Executive Team and the Board of Directors in accordance with the mission, purpose, philosophy, and values of Candelen. 

If you’re someone who thrives in a collaborative, values-driven environment and wants to make a meaningful difference in early childhood outcomes - this could be the role for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong relationships with community and government leaders, strategic partners and individual donors in the early childcare sector in Arizona.
• Cultivate and implement fund development plans to meet annual and long-term strategic plan goals.
• Analyze planned, braided and multi-year funding growth performance outcomes, KPI’s and prepare regular reports for the Executive Team and the Candelen Board of Directors.
• Research fund development opportunities and write compelling proposals to expand and support the implementation and evaluation of current and proposed new programs.
• Manage reporting, compliance, and relationships with funders while maintaining accurate data and reporting records.
• Ensure consistent messaging that reflects Candelen’s mission, purpose, philosophy and values.
• Other duties as assigned.

Who We’re Looking For

Required Education and Competencies

• Bachelor’s Degree in Nonprofit Management, Public Relations, Communications, Education, or Marketing. Equivalent and relevant work experience can be in lieu of degree requirement.
• Five years’ experience working in non-profit management or leadership.
• Ability to travel throughout the state, have a current/valid driver’s license and vehicle insurance. 
• Ability to meet background check requirements upon initial hire and for the duration of employment.

Knowledge 

• Understand funding cycles, compliance, and relationship management with individual, corporate and government funders. 
• Ability to analyze fund development growth performance metrics and trends.
• Ability to research, write, and manage proposals and reports.
• Proficiency in generating reports for internal and external stakeholders.
• Nonprofit branding, storytelling, and campaign messaging.

Skills 

• Proven experience in developing and executing short/ long-term fund development plans.
• Proven experience in working with rural, metro and state-wide organizations throughout Arizona.
• Analyze data to inform strategy and track performance. 
• Proficient in writing various types of compelling funding proposals.
• Skilled in identifying and securing funding opportunities.
• Align fund development goals with Candelen’s mission, purpose, philosophy and values.

Abilities

• Build and maintain strong, trust-based relationships with partners, individual donors, Candelen’s team members and Board Members. 
• Design and implement successful fund development strategies for both individual and institutional donors. 
• Set long-term development goals that align with organizational priorities.
• Manage multiple project timelines and reporting deadlines simultaneously.
• Maintain strong time management practices and focus upon project details. 

Preferred Qualifications

• Master's degree in Public Administration, Educational Leadership, Business Administration, or Nonprofit Management.

Why Candelen?

At Candelen, we care about our team just as much as we care about the communities we serve. Here’s a glimpse at what we offer:

• Competitive salary and transparent compensation practices.
• Generous paid time off, including holidays and wellness days.
• Flexible Employer-paid benefits for medical, dental, and vision.
• Retirement plan with employer contribution.
• Ongoing professional development opportunities.
• A collaborative, inclusive, and supportive team culture.