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 [email protected]