The University of Arizona Cancer Center (AZCC) is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center headquartered in Arizona and one of just 57 across the United States. With more than 170 members and multiple statewide locations, AZCC is dedicated to alleviating the burden of cancer through groundbreaking research, clinical excellence, and community engagement. Its mission focuses particularly on serving Arizona’s underserved populations, including Hispanics and Native Americans.
AZCC’s research portfolio includes three major scientific programs—Cancer Biology, Prevention and Control, and Clinical and Translational Oncology—supported by seven Shared Resources and innovative initiatives such as the Cancer Engineering Initiative, the Ginny L. Clements Breast Cancer Research Institute, and the Skin Cancer Institute. The Center is recognized nationally for its pioneering discoveries in bone marrow transplants, firefighter occupational health, and cancer prevention for Indigenous communities. Anchored by Banner – University Medicine, AZCC is a regional and national model for innovation, collaboration, and health equity.
The Opportunity
The Senior Director of Development will serve as the lead fundraising professional for the University of Arizona Cancer Center, reporting jointly to the Cancer Center Director and the Senior Vice President for Health Sciences Development at the University of Arizona Foundation. This individual will drive philanthropic growth to advance AZCC’s cutting-edge research, clinical programs, and education in cancer medicine.
The Senior Director will manage a portfolio of 50–70 qualified prospects, cultivating and securing major and principal gifts of $50,000 and above, with an expectation of closing six- and seven-figure commitments.
Responsibilities include building and strengthening relationships with grateful patients, donors, and philanthropic partners; designing and implementing personalized cultivation and stewardship strategies; collaborating with faculty and clinicians to translate complex science into compelling donor cases; and engaging volunteer leaders to expand the donor pipeline.
This is an exceptional opportunity for a proven fundraising leader to build on the University of Arizona Foundation’s record of raising more than $300 million annually and AZCC’s history of securing $7–$10 million annually for research and programmatic priorities. The successful candidate will demonstrate strong strategic vision, creativity, and entrepreneurial drive, while inspiring trust and collaboration across a complex academic health system.
With revenue expectations of at least $3 million annually after onboarding, the Senior Director will play a central role in advancing AZCC’s mission to reduce the burden of cancer and improve health equity across Arizona and beyond.
