Description

Sr. Director Strategic Programs & Partnerships - PetSmart Charities

Position Summary
The Senior Director of Strategic Programs & Partnerships is an executive-level role responsible for leading a team who oversee more than $30M annually in strategic grantmaking.  This role leads the strategic development and execution of programmatic and grant initiatives to advance our mission: making the world a better place for pets and those who love them. This newly created role reports to the President of PetSmart Charities and is ideal for a seasoned leader with deep experience in corporate philanthropy, foundation strategy, nonprofit program design, or strategic consulting.

This role oversees a diverse portfolio including in-store adoptions and pet placement, access to veterinary care, pet hunger, and disaster response programs. The Sr. Director, Strategic Programs & Partnerships drives innovation and measurable impact through data-informed strategy, cross-functional collaboration, and external engagement. To optimize the impact of PetSmart Charities’ initiatives, they also play a critical role in understanding PetSmart’s strategic priorities, fostering influence through effective relationship-building and a deep understanding of the retail environment. 

This is not a fundraising or development role.

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership & Program Oversight

• Design and implement funding strategies aligned with organizational goals that reflect relevant best practices in foundation grantmaking and social impact.
• Lead cross-functional planning and implementation of programs including in-store adoptions, access to veterinary care, pet hunger, and disaster response.
• Partner with internal teams to ensure marketing, communications, systems, compliance, and analytics support program excellence and impact.
• Proactively identify emerging trends and opportunities in animal welfare, human services, and philanthropy, applying innovative thinking to shape future program strategies and pilot new initiatives.
• Ensure effective processes in program delivery, track program impact data, and generate insights that drive ongoing improvements.

Communication & External Engagement

• Build and manage high-impact relationships with PetSmart and other corporate and nonprofit partners to align shared goals and drive joint initiatives.
• Represent PetSmart Charities in national philanthropic forums, thought leadership platforms, and sector convenings to elevate the organization’s voice and influence.
• Develop compelling presentation materials and visual content tailored to diverse audiences including corporate partners, nonprofit stakeholders, board members, and internal teams.

Team Development & Leadership

• Lead and inspire a team, including Directors and various levels, setting clear expectations, providing ongoing guidance, and cultivating a collaborative, accountable, and inclusive team culture.
• Champion a culture of learning and continuous improvement by embedding outcome measurement, evaluation, and feedback loops into all programmatic efforts.
  Ensure staff receive appropriate training and development to support evolving program needs.
  
  

Requirements

Qualifications

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public administration, or related field; Master’s preferred.
• Minimum 7+ years of experience in corporate philanthropy, foundation leadership, or strategic nonprofit program management.
• Proven success in launching and managing multi-stakeholder programs.
• Exposure to retail environments and understanding of retail operations strongly preferred.
• Experience in management consulting, strategic advisory, or similar roles with a focus on philanthropy, nonprofit strategy, or cross-sector partnerships is highly desirable.

Skills & Competencies

• Strategic and analytical thinking, with the ability to synthesize data for decision-making and compelling storytelling.
• Expert presentation and visual storytelling skills, using tools like PowerPoint, Canva, or similar platforms to engage diverse audiences.
• Tailors messaging effectively for executive, operational, and community-level stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication, facilitation, and relationship-building abilities.
• Leads with humility and empathy, inspiring teams through trust, inclusion, and shared success.
• Proven influencer across cross-functional teams and external partners.
• Proven financial acumen, with experience managing large budgets.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and digital collaboration tools.

Travel Requirements

• Approximately 30% travel across the U.S. and Canada.