Executive Director

Position Profile

The State Forty Eight Foundation (SFEF) is seeking a passionate and dynamic Executive Director (ED) to lead a mission-oriented and community-driven organization committed to serving Arizona’s emerging entrepreneurs. The ideal candidate is entrepreneurial, comfortable shifting between high-level strategy and hands-on execution, and thrives in a quick-paced, growth-oriented startup environment.

About SFEF

At the State Forty Eight Foundation (SFEF), we are building a community of empowered entrepreneurs who are committed to improving the quality of life across Arizona. We believe in the power of Arizona’s people, its culture, and its future, and we’re looking for an exceptional Executive Director to help lead us into the next chapter of growth and impact.

We fund programs and ideas that uplift local communities and promote social good across the state. As we continue to grow, we’re searching for a dynamic, entrepreneurial, and mission-driven leader who is ready to drive meaningful change and build partnerships that matter.

What You’ll Do

• Lead With Vision — Be the voice and visionary leader helping shape strategy of the organization in collaboration with the Board of Directors.
• Cultivate Partnerships Engagement — Build and sustain partnerships with Arizona organizations and engage business leaders to drive awareness to and support for the Foundation.
• Drive Fundraising Growth —Develop and execute a fundraising strategy to grow our $1M budget including major gifts, grants, corporate sponsor ships, and individual giving while identifying new revenue streams for long-term sustainability.
• Oversee Impactful Programming Events — Ensure programs and events meet community needs while providing meaningful education and resources to Arizona entrepreneurs.
• Manage Inspire Team — Lead a passionate and high performing team to ensure all Foundation goals are met

You’re Likely a Fit If …

• You’re entrepreneurial and resource-conscious with a “roll up your sleeves” mentality.
• You are passionate about building community and supporting local entrepreneurs.
• Raising money, building partnerships, and evangelizing a brand energizes you.
• You thrive when no two days are the same and you must pivot from high level strategy to execution within the hour.
• Collaboration and consensus building are your love languages, allowing you to leverage and steer a diverse set of internal and external stakeholders.

This Isn’t For You If…

• You require structure and intense oversight to succeed.
• You’re used to having a large team to execute.
• Working a room and talking to high-level leaders scares you.
• You find managing events and programs exhausting and cumbersome.
• You are not committed to changing the trajectory of Arizona entrepreneurs.

Table Stakes (Minimum Requirements)

• A minimum of 3-5 years in nonprofit leadership, with experience in fundraising, program management, and community engagement.
• A proven ability to manage and grow a multi-million-dollar budget.
• A strong network in Arizona’s nonprofit, philanthropic, and business communities.
• Excellent written, verbal, and public speaking skills, you’re a natural at building relationships and speaking passionately about the mission.
• A sense of humor, resilience, and a “can-do” attitude that inspires others to do the same

Compensation

• Up to $100,000 base salary depending on experience (DOE) with competitive benefits.

Interested Candidates

• Send resume, Linked In profile link, and three bullet points as to why you’re the perfect candidate to SFEF board president, Sentari Minor, at