Chief of Development

Description

Dear Candidate,

Thank you for taking the time to learn more about NPHY and our Chief of Development opportunity.

My name is Arash Ghafoori, and I've had the privilege of serving as NPHY's CEO for more than 15 years. During that time, I've watched our organization grow from a relatively small nonprofit into Nevada's leading provider of services for young people experiencing homelessness. More importantly, I've learned that organizations don't become stronger simply because they grow. They become stronger because they're willing to evolve.

That's where NPHY is today.

Over the past several years, our programs, community partnerships, and impact have grown tremendously. As that happened, it became clear to me that our organizational structure needed to grow too. For a long time, we were fortunate to have exceptional leaders who continually took on more responsibility. Looking back, I probably should have invested in this next step sooner. Instead of continuing to stretch great people even further, we made the decision to create three dedicated executive departments from our former Community Development & Engagement team:
Development, Impact, Systems, & Policy (ISP), and Communications & Advocacy (CA). I genuinely believe this positions NPHY for the next chapter of its growth.

That brings me to you.

This isn't a replacement search. It's an opportunity to become the first Chief of Development in this new structure and help shape what the department becomes over the next several years.

You'll inherit a strong foundation: talented staff across the board, a successful grants program, and executive colleagues who know this organization well and want this position to succeed. But you'll also have the opportunity—and responsibility—to build what's next. We're looking for someone who can strengthen what already works while bringing fresh ideas, new strategies, and the systems needed to diversify and grow our fundraising for years to come.

One thing that's important for you to know about me is how I view development.

Fundraising has never been just about dollars. At its best, it connects people to something meaningful. It gives donors, volunteers, partners, and community members the opportunity to become part of changing a young person's life. That's the kind of development program I want us to continue building, and I hope it's the kind of work that excites you too.

I'm also looking for a leader who's willing to do both the strategic work and the hands‑on work. Someone who's just as comfortable discussing long‑term fundraising strategy as they are writing a complex grant, meeting with a donor, coaching a team member, or helping solve a problem when deadlines are tight. That's the kind of leadership our organization values.

If you decide to apply, I'd ask one favor.

Don't use your cover letter to summarize your resume. I'll already have your resume. Instead, use it to help me understand you. Tell me why this opportunity caught your attention. Tell me about the work you're most proud of. Tell me what kind of leader you strive to be and why you believe you're the right person to help build NPHY's next chapter.

After more than 15 years leading this organization, I've come to believe that while experience and technical ability are essential, humility, curiosity, integrity, and a genuine commitment to the mission matter just as much.

If that resonates with you, I hope you'll apply.

Thank you again for your interest in NPHY. I appreciate the time and thought that goes into pursuing an executive opportunity like this, and I look forward to learning more about you.

Warmly,

Arash Ghafoori
Chief Executive Officer
Nevada Partnership for Homeless Youth

P.S. You may recognize this…