Chief Executive Officer - Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation

Job Announcement: Chief Executive Officer - Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation

Executive search firm Joyful Jobs is recruiting a Chief Executive Officer on behalf of the Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation.

The Southern Arizona AIDS Foundation (SAAF) is a Tucson-based nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting health, well-being, and social justice for people living with HIV, LGBTQ+ individuals, and communities impacted by marginalization. SAAF offers a comprehensive range of programs and services, including HIV prevention and care, housing assistance, case management, mental health counseling, youth and LGBTQ+ support services, and community education. Driven by a mission to cultivate inclusive and affirming spaces, SAAF works to reduce health disparities and support underserved populations through advocacy, outreach, and compassionate care.

Position Summary

SAAF seeks a visionary, community-engaged Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization into its next phase of impact and growth. Reporting to the Board of Directors, the CEO provides strategic and operational leadership across all facets of the organization, including finance, development, programming, and human resources. The CEO plays a critical external-facing role in cultivating community partnerships, leading fundraising efforts, championing equity-based advocacy, and fostering a collaborative and inclusive internal culture. This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced nonprofit executive committed to health equity, LGBTQ+ justice, and harm reduction.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide strategic leadership to maintain financial health, mission alignment, and long-term sustainability.

• Cultivate diverse funding sources, including grants, contracts, and individual donors.

• Oversee program development, compliance, and evaluation to ensure community-centered, data-informed services.

• Foster a positive, inclusive, and trauma-informed workplace culture that supports staff development and well-being.

• Represent SAAF in public forums, media, and advocacy spaces; build relationships with stakeholders and government entities.

• Serve as the primary liaison to the Board of Directors, supporting governance, transparency, and strategic growth.

Core Competencies

• Fundraising & Development: Demonstrated success developing and executing sustainable funding strategies.

• Leadership: Ability to inspire and manage high-performing teams and create a positive organizational culture.

• Advocacy & Community Engagement: Skilled in representing marginalized communities in policy, media, and partner forums.

• Strategic Vision: Ability to align operations with long-term goals and community needs.

• Financial Oversight: Strong fiscal management and grant compliance expertise.
   

Education, Qualifications, and Abilities 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Business, Administration, Organizational Management or other relevant degree.

• At least 7 years of nonprofit leadership experience, including budget management, financial reports and strategy, and fundraising.

• Knowledge of grant compliance, reporting, and development. 

• Access to reliable transportation, a valid AZ Driver’s License and insurable driving record. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working within HIV/AIDS, harm reduction, or LGBTQ+ service organizations or deep familiarity with SAAF’s mission and communities is strongly preferred.

• Master’s Degree or Law Degree – JD, MBA, MPA, or similar

• 10+ years of progressive leadership experience.

• Experience working with a board of directors, including financial reports and policy development.

• Advanced proficiency in Microsoft Office suite, databases, and financial software.

Working Conditions

This is a sedentary role within a professional office environment, with occasional travel required between SAAF campuses and partner sites. Reasonable accommodations will be made for qualified individuals.

Affirmative Action & Inclusion

SAAF is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer. We strongly encourage applications from people who are LGBTQ+, BIPOC, have lived experience with HIV/AIDS or harm reduction services, have experienced housing insecurity, or belong to other marginalized groups.

About Tucson, Arizona

Less than 2 hours south of Phoenix, Tucson offers the perfect blend of vibrant city life and stunning natural landscapes, making it a compelling place to work and live. Nestled in the Sonoran Desert and surrounded by five mountain ranges, the city boasts over 350 days of sunshine annually and easy access to 165+ miles of hiking, biking, and horseback trails, including Saguaro National Park and the scenic “Loop” trail network. Escape to the beach in Rocky Point, Mexico with just a 4-hour trip, or see snow (sometimes even enough to ski) on Mount Lemmon during the winter with only an hour-long drive. The cost of living remains below the national average—about 3–4% cheaper, with particularly affordable housing and groceries. Tucson is also nationally recognized as a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, offering a rich culinary scene—from historic Sonoran-style Mexican spots like El Charro Café and El Güero Canelo to farm-to-table and innovative dining experiences. Beyond food, Tucson thrives with arts, culture, and outdoor festivals—plus proximity to world-class wellness retreats, universities, and tech growth—all within a welcoming and diverse community. Tucson truly offers something for everyone. Young adults benefit from the dynamic energy of the University of Arizona, nationally ranked programs, and a youthful downtown scene filled with music, art, and nightlife. Families enjoy a variety of excellent charter and magnet schools and family-friendly attractions like Reid Park Zoo and the Arizona-Sonora Desert Museum. Retirees are drawn to Tucson’s serene desert setting, mild winters, and strong communities, including popular retirement and active adult living developments. Candidates relocating from outside Arizona are sure to find Tucson’s blend of affordability, lifestyle, and cultural vitality both refreshing and rewarding.

Interview process and timeline:

The application period will be open until July 9th, 2025 and phone interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis throughout the application period. Selected top candidates will undergo Zoom and/or in-person interviews from mid-July through early September. The selected leader can expect to begin employment in October 2025.

View the full job description here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1B7XVYq6T_u4kLZa3w1zk4ewbrC62L8Wp/view?usp=sharing. 

Apply through link on this page (resume and cover letter required).

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.