About the Ruth Nelson Family Foundation

The Ruth Nelson Family Foundation is a private, independent grantmaking organization dedicated to advancing transformative philanthropy in Oklahoma, with a focus on Tulsa County.

Established in 1984 and guided by the legacy of Ruth Nelson, a devoted social activist and philanthropist, the Foundation has supported critical areas of need, including healthcare for underserved populations, women’s health, education, the arts, and end-of-life care. With a commitment to equity, humility, and integrity, the Foundation partners with nonprofit organizations to address gaps in services and make a lasting impact.

As we build our team and infrastructure, we are looking for a strategic and mission-aligned Program Director to guide the development and implementation of the Foundation’s programmatic strategy. This is a unique opportunity to shape a philanthropic strategy from the ground up.

Position Summary

The Program Director will be responsible for developing and implementing RNFF’s program strategy, managing a growing portfolio of grants, and guiding a small program team toward operational and impact excellence. This individual will serve as a key thought partner to the Executive Director and will play a central role in leveraging the Foundation’s resources to catalyze meaningful, systemic change. The Program Director will also have deep knowledge of the Tulsa County philanthropic and nonprofit community.

Key Responsibilities

📌 Strategy Development

Guide the design and evolution of RNFF’s programmatic strategies in alignment with the Foundation’s mission and values.
Translate broad vision into clear priorities, frameworks, and funding approaches.
Monitor trends and opportunities in the Foundation’s issue areas to ensure relevance, responsiveness, and innovation.

⚙️ Operational Excellence

Establish and refine internal processes to ensure efficient and effective grantmaking, documentation, and program execution.
Develop systems for learning, reflection, and data-informed decision-making.
Set and monitor annual goals and performance indicators for the program team.

💸 Grants Portfolio Management

Oversee the lifecycle of all program grants, from sourcing and due diligence to reporting and evaluation.
Ensure grantee relationships are rooted in trust, transparency, and shared learning.
Regularly assess portfolio performance, identifying gaps, successes, and opportunities for greater impact.

👥 Staff Supervision & Team Leadership

Manage and mentor program staff, fostering a supportive, accountable, and high-performing team culture.
Provide leadership development opportunities and create a space for staff to grow and thrive.
Support cross-team collaboration with grants administration, communications, and operations.

🤝 Relationship-Building & Representation

Cultivate strong relationships with nonprofit leaders, funder peers, policymakers, and community stakeholders.
Represent RNFF at conferences, events, and collaborative tables, elevating the Foundation’s presence and voice.
Act as a connector and convener within and beyond the Foundation’s priority issue areas.

🎯 Issue Area Expertise

Provide strategic insight on the issues facing Tulsa County and how the Foundation can leverage solutions via grantmaking.
Bring deep knowledge and curiosity about the Foundation’s core areas of investment.
Stay abreast of research, innovations, and best practices relevant to the Foundation’s mission.
Serve as a resource to the Executive Director and Trustees on emerging trends, risks, and opportunities.

💥 Strategic Use of Resources

Identify high-leverage opportunities to use RNFF’s dollars, influence, and partnerships to drive systemic change.
Recommend and design new initiatives, collaborations, and special projects that extend the Foundation’s reach.
Collaborate with finance and grants management to ensure thoughtful, equitable, and compliant allocation of funds.

Qualifications

7–10 years’ experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, or public sector leadership position.
Proven success in developing and implementing strategies, managing community partnerships, and leading high-performing teams.
Deep knowledge of at Tulsa community issues, opportunities, and philanthropy.
Strong leadership, facilitation, and relationship-building skills.
Exceptional organizational, analytical, and written communication abilities.
A collaborative, humble, and equity-driven approach to leadership.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with trust-based or participatory grantmaking models.
Background in nonprofit program evaluation.
Understanding of systems-change work.
Familiarity with private foundation operations, compliance, and governance.
Knowledge of affordable housing policy & grantmaking

We love working with people who are:

Self-directed and willing to do whatever it takes to get the job done
Team players who collaborate with coworkers and community partners
Creative, curious, and engage in continuous learning
Passionate about issues of social, economic, and racial justice
Active listeners
Positive and have a great sense of humor

Compensation & Benefits

Salary: $150,000-$210,000 annually, commensurate with experience

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter outlining your interest in the role and alignment with RNFF’s Application Portal. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis. If you need technical assistance, please reach out to rnff@ruthnelsonfamilyfoundation.org

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