NICHOLE CASSIDY
Phoenix
Summary
Dynamic fundraising leader with a proven track record at One Arizona, driving coalition development and resource alignment. An expert in institutional fundraising and relationship building, I have successfully secured millions in funding while fostering equity-centered growth and strategic planning. Committed to enhancing organizational sustainability through innovative donor engagement strategies.
Overview
13
13
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Strategic Partnerships
ONE ARIZONA
Phoenix
07.2025 - Current
- Senior executive team leader responsible for strengthening collective fundraising, resource alignment, and long-term sustainability across a 27+ organization statewide civic engagement coalition.
- Design and lead ecosystem-wide development capacity-building initiatives, including training, tools, templates, and shared fundraising infrastructure for partner organizations.
- Identify and cultivate shared funding opportunities that align coalition partners with local and national institutional funders.
- Serve as a primary liaison to coalition partners on resource development, ensuring that partner needs inform strategic planning and fundraising priorities.
- Develop cross-ecosystem budgeting and tracking systems to identify funding gaps, align resources, and inform collective planning.
- Support executive leadership in aligning organizational strategy, budgetary trends, and development priorities to advance long-term sustainability, and equity-centered growth.
Development Director
Chispa Arizona (League of Conservation Voters)
Phoenix
03.2023 - 07.2025
- Led comprehensive fundraising strategy for a statewide environmental justice and civic engagement organization focused on building power within Latinx communities.
- Developed and implemented a multi-year fund development strategy inclusive of individual giving, institutional funding, grants, and membership revenue.
- Oversaw all grant research, writing, reporting, and stewardship for foundation and corporate funders; created dashboards and systems to track deadlines and deliverables.
- Built and managed individual giving and membership programs, stewarding donors ranging from $500-$50,000 and increasing retention and engagement.
- Partnered with organizing and communications teams to integrate fundraising with grassroots organizing, civic engagement, and advocacy efforts.
- Implemented donor CRM infrastructure (EveryAction) and improved data integrity, reporting accuracy, and revenue forecasting.
- Strengthened organizational culture of philanthropy and supported leadership in budget planning and financial accountability.
Senior Director of Development
WOMEN'S MARCH
10.2022 - 03.2023
- Led and executed a national donor program that generated approximately 25% of the organization's annual budget.
- Identified and pursued new major donor and institutional fundraising opportunities.
- Planned and executed fundraising initiatives, campaigns, and donor engagement strategies.
- Built and maintained strong relationships with high-level donors and funding partners.
Deputy Director
Equality Arizona
Phoenix
11.2021 - 09.2022
- Optimized organizational systems, processes, and policies to improve operational effectiveness and internal communications.
- Led resource planning, payroll, performance management, and professional development processes.
- Served as liaison to legal counsel on contracts, governance, and compliance matters.
- Partnered with the CEO to develop and monitor organizational and departmental goals.
Development Director
Mijente
03.2020 - 10.2021
- Set and executed a comprehensive development strategy, supporting annual revenue goals exceeding $6M.
- Expanded grassroots, major donor, and institutional fundraising programs across digital, direct mail, events, and campaigns.
- Led all grant writing, reporting, and stewardship efforts.
- Built donor cultivation and moves management systems to support long-term relationship building.
Director of Philanthropy & Operations
ACLU OF Arizona
Phoenix
11.2015 - 03.2020
- Raised $3.1M through major gifts, including six- and seven-figure solicitations, and planned gifts.
- Led the foundation's fundraising strategy and grant management.
- Advanced organizational race, equity, and inclusion initiatives, and board development.
Director of Development
Chrysalis Shelter Services
Phoenix
04.2013 - 11.2015
- Managed a five-person development team, raising $2.7M annually.
- Led major donor, foundation, and corporate fundraising efforts.
- Contributed to organizational culture and leadership through policy and process development.
Education
Zoology - Pre-Med
Washington State University
Pullman, WASkills
- Institutional fundraising
- Major donor management
- Coalition and partnership development
- Grant writing and reporting
- Fundraising strategy
- Grant management
- Budget development
- Resource alignment
- Relationship building
- Strategic planning and budget management
- Donor CRM systems (EveryAction, Salesforce, Raiser's Edge)
- Equity-centered leadership and organizational systems
References
Available upon request
Timeline
Director of Strategic Partnerships
ONE ARIZONA
07.2025 - Current
Development Director
Chispa Arizona (League of Conservation Voters)
03.2023 - 07.2025
Senior Director of Development
WOMEN'S MARCH
10.2022 - 03.2023
Deputy Director
Equality Arizona
11.2021 - 09.2022
Development Director
Mijente
03.2020 - 10.2021
Director of Philanthropy & Operations
ACLU OF Arizona
11.2015 - 03.2020
Director of Development
Chrysalis Shelter Services
04.2013 - 11.2015
Zoology - Pre-Med
Washington State University