About the Trust

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust is a private foundation dedicated to helping people in need, protecting animals and nature, and enriching community life. The Trust supports programs in Indiana and Arizona and partners with nonprofits and community leaders to drive lasting impact.

The Opportunity

The Vice President of Programs is an executive leadership role responsible for shaping and leading the Trust’s grantmaking strategy and program operations. Reporting to the president and CEO and serving on the executive team, the vice president oversees all program staff and collaborates closely with trustees, partners, and peer funders to advance the Trust’s mission with clarity, rigor, and impact.

This role is well‑suited for a collaborative leader who pairs strategic thinking with strong people leadership and operational discipline. Successful candidates will bring established professional relationships, a strong understanding of the Phoenix philanthropic and nonprofit ecosystem, and an eagerness to build the same in Indianapolis.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and continuously refine grantmaking strategies across all giving areas.
• Oversee the full grants lifecycle, including proposal review, due diligence, recommendations, monitoring and evaluation.
• Provide direct leadership to the program team, including supervision, mentoring, performance management and professional development.
• Partner with the President and CEO and Trustees on program priorities and strategy.
• Represent the Trust externally with nonprofit partners, philanthropic peers and professional networks.
• Oversee signature initiatives, including the Nina Mason Pulliam Legacy Scholars Program, environmental initiatives, and animal welfare initiatives in Indiana and Arizona.
• Stay informed about emerging trends and innovations in philanthropy relevant to the Trust’s work.

Working Environment

The Trust currently utilizes a hybrid schedule, working in-office at least three days a week and remotely for the rest. The position requires some travel (less than 10%), including periodic trips to Indiana and/or professional conferences. 

Qualifications and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree and professional experience in philanthropy, nonprofit leadership, public policy or a related field.
• Ten or more years of senior‑level experience in community-focused program development, grantmaking, evaluation or nonprofit leadership.
• Previous experience supervising, mentoring, and developing professional staff is a strong plus, particularly in complex or multisite organizations.
• Demonstrated ability to set strategic direction and lead collaborative, high‑performing teams.
• Strong knowledge of grantmaking best practices and legal/regulatory considerations.
• Demonstrated experience working in the Phoenix/Maricopa County community, with established relationships and a strong understanding of local systems, leaders and issues
• Excellent judgment, communication skills, and ability to synthesize diverse perspectives into sound decisions.

Candidates interested in this position are invited to submit a résumé and cover letter outlining their interest in the role and alignment with the Trust’s mission. Please email application materials to [email protected].

The Nina Mason Pulliam Charitable Trust is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals from all backgrounds to apply.