Summary
Description
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
The Colorado Trust is a private foundation that partners with organizations statewide to drive positive change and empower every Coloradan to thrive. Health equity means every Coloradan can reach their full health potential, free from socially determined disadvantages. Through its partnerships and funding, The Colorado Trust supports organizations that provide direct services, public education, policy advocacy, and community-informed solutions.
The Vice President of Grants will oversee all grantmaking and grants management functions at The Colorado Trust. Reporting to the President & Chief Executive Officer and serving as a member of the senior leadership team, the Vice President will guide the largest department at the foundation, shaping and stewarding grantmaking strategies in alignment with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. This leader will collaborate closely with the CEO and the Board of Trustees, ensuring clarity and consistency in decision-making and supporting a strong connection between governance and staff.
As the foundation prepares for the next phase of strategic planning, the Vice President of Grants will be instrumental in ensuring that grantmaking strategies are clear, data-informed, and consistent with the organization’s mission, vision, and values. At the same time, this leader will foster cohesion within the Grants department, supporting staff development and cultivating a culture of collaboration, transparency, and accountability.
Strong candidates will bring many or all of the following qualifications and experiences: significant leadership experience in philanthropy, nonprofit, or related field, proven skill as an effective manager of people and high-performing teams, and the ability to communicate with honesty and clarity across diverse stakeholder groups. This is an opportunity to help shape the next era of The Colorado Trust’s impact during a pivotal time as it works to empower every Coloradan to thrive.
ABOUT THE VP, GRANTS ROLE
The Vice President of Grants provides overall leadership for the foundation’s grantmaking and grants management functions. This Vice President (VP) is responsible for planning, implementing, and analyzing the Trust’s grantmaking activities, and will lead the organization’s largest department. The VP develops and supports a high-performing team by fostering trust and collaboration, advancing staff development, and aligning talent and decision-making practices with organizational goals and values.
The VP will provide clarity in decision-making, strengthening cohesion across teams, and cultivating a consistent and transparent approach that supports both staff and trustees in advancing the Trust’s mission.
Responsibilities
- Oversee the foundation’s grantmaking strategy and related activities, ensuring alignment with the organizational strategic plan and with The Colorado Trust’s mission, vision, and values, and supporting consistent communication of priorities to staff and Board alike.
- Lead upcoming strategic planning processes, ensuring they are data-informed and include timely decision-making and meaningful feedback from key stakeholders, including Board, staff, and community members.
- Lead the development and refinement of grantmaking frameworks and systems.
- Cultivate and nurture key relationships with community leaders, nonprofit partners, funders, policymakers, and grantees that enhance the foundation’s collaborative efforts, reputation, and influence.
- Lead and manage a team of supervisory and non-supervisory direct reports, while providing strategic oversight for the entire Grants Department and its work:
- Build a cohesive, collaborative, and high-performing department by recruiting and retaining top talent, setting clear goals, and promoting information sharing and alignment across teams.
- Guide and support supervisors in their staff management responsibilities, while also providing coaching, feedback, and performance management to ensure alignment with departmental priorities and organizational values.
- Foster a culture of trust, inclusion, and collaboration by consistently modeling desired behaviors, honoring individual contributions, encouraging open dialogue, and communicating with integrity.
- Ensure decision-making processes are applied consistently, including the use of The Colorado Trust’s decision-making model where appropriate.
- Oversee professional development and growth across the department, fostering continuous learning and promoting cross-training to strengthen collective knowledge and adaptability.
- Oversee the professional development and growth of all Grants Department staff, fostering a department-wide culture of continuous learning. Collaborate with supervisors to identify growth opportunities, support skill-building for themselves and their teams, and promote cross-training across teams to strengthen collective knowledge, enhance adaptability, and help team members advance toward their individual career goals.
- Develop and manage annual department budgets; track and reconcile budgeted versus actual expenditures.
- Collaborate with the Finance & Operations Department on budget planning, disbursements, and risk management.
- Collaborate with the Evaluation & Learning Department to develop theories of change for grantmaking initiatives, assess the impact of grantmaking efforts, and translate findings into strategic adjustments.
- Collaborate with the Communications Department to ensure timely and accurate dissemination of information, both internally and externally, regarding funding opportunities and initiatives.
- Act as a thought partner to the President & CEO and other senior leaders on programmatic and operational decisions, ensuring alignment across the senior team and contributing to a collaborative, consistent leadership voice.
- Represent The Colorado Trust at conferences, convenings, and in collaborative philanthropic networks.
- Serve as the primary staff representative to the Grants & Impact Committee of the Board of Trustees.
- Lead the development and presentation of grantmaking initiative recommendations and reports to the Board of Trustees.
- Respond to information requests from Board members and communicate complex grantmaking matters in a clear and accessible manner.
- Ensure compliance with relevant laws, organizational policies, and philanthropic regulations, including lobbying and advocacy regulations.
- Maintain confidentiality concerning the business and affairs of the foundation and exercise appropriate discretion in working with others.
- Carry out other duties as assigned.
DESIRED QUALIFICATIONS & ATTRIBUTES
The Vice President of Grants will be a seasoned philanthropic leader who brings demonstrated expertise in grantmaking and a proven ability to lead people and organizations through times of transition. While no candidate will embody every quality, the strong candidates will demonstrate many of the following:
Professional Experience & Knowledge
- A master’s degree in a relevant field, such as public health, nonprofit management, or philanthropic studies; OR commensurate career experience.
- At least 10 years of progressively responsible experience in philanthropy, grantmaking, nonprofit leadership, or a related field, with a minimum of 5 years in a senior leadership or executive role overseeing grantmaking portfolios or program strategy.
- Demonstrated success in developing and implementing strategic planning and program design.
- Deep understanding of grantmaking, with experience shaping strategies that are data-informed and measurable.
- Familiarity with policy and advocacy in the philanthropy setting; experience developing or executing a policy agenda or strategic advocacy campaign is highly desired.
- Knowledge of state and local legislative and regulatory processes, particularly in Colorado, and familiarity with 501(c)(3) lobbying regulations.
- Knowledge of key issue areas relevant to The Colorado Trust’s vision (e.g., health equity and social determinants of health) and of community-centered approaches relevant to the foundation's focus, with an ability to connect these priorities to broader philanthropic and nonprofit landscapes.
Leadership & Management
- Proven ability to lead, mentor, and grow teams, fostering an environment of trust, collaboration, and psychological safety, while ensuring clarity and consistency in communication.
- Experience managing and mentoring diverse teams within a collaborative environment, including building cohesion during times of transition and change.
- Proven leadership skills and ability to guide, direct, coach, and grow staff to achieve excellence.
- Strong decision-making and critical thinking skills; ability to apply consistent processes (including use of The Colorado Trust’s decision-making model) and to navigate conflict effectively, building alignment even when perspectives differ.
- Ability to navigate complex power dynamics and foster decision-making processes that value stakeholder input wherever possible, employing The Colorado Trust’s decision-making model.
- Track record of building collaborative relationships with grantees, partners, and communities.
- Experience managing large budgets and overseeing grant operations, including compliance and reporting.
Strategic & Analytical Skills
- Ability to think and act analytically and strategically in designing, implementing, and executing grantmaking strategy and funding initiatives.
- Experience with data-informed decision-making and knowledge of tools for measuring grant impact.
- Strong communication skills with the ability to represent the organization externally and to clearly translate complex information and Board/CEO decisions for staff and partners.
Technical & Practical Requirements
- Proficiency with current and emerging technology, including Microsoft applications (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint, SharePoint), Concur, the internet, and mobile devices.
- A willingness to follow organizational policies and team norms for remote communication platforms (e.g., Zoom), data management, and project management.
- Ability to travel by car and plane (local, in-state, and out-of-state) for occasional required work-related trips, which may include overnight travel.
- Reliable transportation, proof of a valid Colorado driver’s license, and adequate automobile liability insurance coverage (unless an accommodation has been requested and approved).
- Ability to work from The Colorado Trust’s office as required; currently, employees residing within 60 miles of the office are expected to work on-site a minimum of three days per week and as needed for meetings and events.
Personal Attributes
- Passion for and commitment to The Colorado Trust’s mission and vision.
- Excellent leadership skills and ability to guide, direct, and coach staff to perform while ensuring psychological safety.
- Effective organizational, management, and interpersonal skills; ability to maintain cooperative, supportive, and productive relationships with staff, grantees, community members, and peer funders.
- Emotional intelligence, humility, and authenticity, with the ability to build trust and alignment within teams and across the organization, including in interactions with the Board of Trustees.
- Ability to communicate effectively and respectfully with people of diverse backgrounds, especially across race, ethnicity, gender, and class, and to engage stakeholders with honesty and transparency.
The information above is intended to provide a general overview of the nature of the work, requirements, and qualifications associated with this position. It is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the role.
WORK LOCATION, COMPENSATION & BENEFITS
Work Location: The Colorado Trust currently follows a hybrid in-office work schedule. Employees residing within 60 miles of the Denver office are expected to work on-site a minimum of three days per week (Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday) and may work remotely for the remainder. For those living beyond the 60-mile radius, in-office expectations will be assessed individually based on role and circumstances.
Salary and Benefits: The target starting salary range for this full-time, exempt position is $240,000 to $250,000 annually. A comprehensive and highly competitive benefits package is also provided through The Colorado Trust, which includes:
- 100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees (coverage also available for eligible dependents).
- Employer-funded Health Reimbursement Account (HRA) to offset out-of-pocket medical expenses.
- Generous paid time off, including 4 weeks of vacation during the first year of employment, paid sick leave, and 15 paid holidays (including 2 floating holidays plus office closure between Christmas and New Year’s).
- Paid parental and caregiver leave.
- Employer-paid life insurance, accidental death & dismemberment (AD&D), and short- and long-term disability coverage.
- A 12.5% employer contribution to a Money Purchase Retirement Plan, with additional voluntary 403(b) options.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) with mental health and family care resources.
TO APPLY
More information about The Colorado Trust may be found at: www.coloradotrust.org.
This search is being led by Allison Kupfer Poteet, Alejandra Villa, and Phuong Quach of NPAG. Due to the pace of this search, candidates are strongly encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Candidates may submit their cover letter, outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume, via NPAG’s website.
The Colorado Trust seeks talented, team-oriented individuals who are dedicated to our mission of advancing the health and well-being of the people of Colorado. Additionally, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome a diversity of perspectives and experiences among our staff.
