Chief Executive Officer

About Sunnyside Foundation

Established in 1991 by graduates of the Sunnyside Unified School District, Sunnyside Foundation is deeply rooted in Tucson's southside community. It focuses on investing in education, supporting families, and fostering community growth through diverse programs and partnerships. The foundation envisions a community where all southside families have lifelong educational opportunities. Positioned at the nexus of education, community, and policy, the foundation is expanding with a new strategic plan and increasing community impact.

The Opportunity

The next Chief Executive Officer will lead the foundation into a new era of growth and influence, building upon strong financial health with an annual budget near $1.3 million. The CEO will oversee priority funds including Excellence in Education, Emergency Relief, and Community Investment, working closely with a dedicated board and staff. This role emphasizes honoring the foundation's legacy, deepening community roots, and advancing a strategic vision that benefits Tucson's southside families and students.

Programs and Partnerships

• Excellence in Education Fund: Supports students and educators through scholarships, grants, professional development, and career education initiatives.
• Emergency Relief Fund: Provides essential assistance such as food distributions, utility aid, cash support for crisis situations, and specialized support for undocumented and mixed-status families.
• Community Investment Fund: Encourages community-driven development via collaborations with local organizations and the University of Arizona, involving diverse residents in youth programs and neighborhood renewal.
• Annual Gives Week: Key fundraising event combining community participation and donor engagement to support ongoing efforts.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the development and implementation of a community-driven multi-year strategic plan in collaboration with stakeholders.
• Provide visionary leadership aligned with the foundation's mission across all priority funding areas.
• Serve as the primary representative, engaging with public, civic, and philanthropic partners to advance the mission.
• Promote a culture of learning, inclusion, accountability, and belonging within the organization.
• Drive fundraising initiatives including individual donors, corporate sponsorships, grant writing, and community events.
• Oversee and steward the $1 million scholarship endowment and other legacy gifts.
• Manage organizational finances to meet budget goals, work with accounting professionals, and report financials to the board.
• Build and nurture strong partnerships with school district leadership, community groups, policymakers, and media.
• Supervise key staff members and foster a diverse, equitable, and motivated workplace.
• Partner closely with the board to guide governance, support recruitment, and ensure transparency.
• Maintain compliance with applicable laws and safeguard organizational assets and funds.

Qualifications

• Proven strategic and collaborative leadership experience in non-profit settings.
• Strong fundraising skills across corporate, foundation, and individual donors; grant writing experience preferred.
• Deep understanding of community engagement, with preference for candidates connected authentically to Tucson's southside, including bilingual capabilities.
• Demonstrated commitment to racial equity, diversity, and inclusion in team and stakeholder management.
• Excellent communication skills to effectively engage diverse audiences including board members, partners, and community members.
• Capacity to creatively solve problems and adapt strategies to community needs and organizational goals.

Compensation and Benefits

• Salary range between $90,000 and $110,000, based on experience.
• Fully employer-paid individual health insurance; optional dependent coverage at employee cost.
• Voluntary vision and dental plans.
• Simple IRA plan with 2% employer contribution.
• 18 paid holidays annually.
• Up to 80 hours of paid time off accrued annually, increasing with tenure.
• Up to 24 hours sick leave accrued annually.

Additional Information

The foundation operates with a small team of approximately 4.75 full-time equivalent staff. It is headquartered in Tucson, AZ, with a hybrid work model allowing remote work part-time. Reporting is directly to the Board of Directors. Sunnyside Foundation affirms equal opportunity employment, embracing diverse backgrounds and perspectives without discrimination.