Vice President, Programs and Capacity-Building

About Nonprofit New York

Nonprofit New York champions, represents, and strengthens New York City’s nonprofits through capacity building, advocacy, and cultivating a more unified and powerful sector. We believe organizations thrive not only when their internal operations are healthy, but also when they have diverse and sustainable funding streams and a strong and influential voice within their communities and the City at large. We equip our 600+ member nonprofits with the tools, knowledge, and connections they need to expand their impact, deepen their community roots, and shape the future of New York City’s nonprofit sector.

We believe creativity, curiosity, and collaboration are the essential ingredients for meaningful and sustained impact. Our culture is grounded in mutual respect, continuous learning, and a commitment to equity. This role is based in our New York City office with a hybrid schedule — 2 days in person, 3 days remote.

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The Opportunity:

• Vice President, Programs and Capacity-Building
  • Reporting to the President and CEO

As Vice President, Programs and Capacity-Building, reporting to the President and CEO, you will lead the design and delivery of signature programs ensuring they reflect Nonprofit New York’s strategic goals and meet member needs. You will help co-create the systems, culture, and strategies that will guide our next chapter, including building out and scaling a team aligned with evolving programs and capacity-building goals.

The Vice President of Programs and Capacity-Building is a member of the organization’s senior leadership team which includes the Vice President of Finance and Operations, Vice President of Policy and Advocacy, and Vice President of Resource Development and Membership.

Role Summary

The Vice President, Programs and Capacity-Building plays a critical leadership role in overseeing Nonprofit New York’s portfolio of programs and capacity-building initiatives that support nonprofit effectiveness across the City. In addition to managing the Programs team, this role includes developing curricula for programs, webinars, and convenings to ensure alignment with organizational values, and spearheading partnerships with peer organizations and regional networks.

Under the direction of the President and CEO and in collaboration with the senior leadership team, you will translate organizational goals into adaptive, member-centered programs and foster a culture of innovation and learning throughout the department, the organization, and the membership.

Who You Are

You are a strategic thinker and leader committed to strengthening New York City’s nonprofit infrastructure. You understand the complexity of the nonprofit sector and are ready to lead programs that adapt and innovate to meet changing member and sector needs. You are solutions-oriented, curious, and committed to ongoing learning and growth.

• Proven experience managing and growing small teams
• A track record of building and delivering effective programs and capacity-building initiatives that meet diverse member needs
• Exceptional communication skills and experience serving as a spokesperson to represent organizational priorities externally
• Solutions-oriented, with a pragmatic growth mindset
• Skilled at navigating complexity and driving clarity across diverse teams and stakeholders
• Association membership experience
• Ability to respond rapidly to changing priorities while maintaining focus on strategic goals

Key Responsibilities

Strategic Leadership and Departmental Oversight

• Lead the design, integration, and execution of all programs and capacity-building initiatives, including signature events such as the Annual Conference, Annual Meeting of Members, Peer-to-Peer Learning Programs, and Member Office Hours
• Develop training content to ensure alignment with the organization’s values, and manage the programs department and team to maintain a high standard of quality and relevance
• Build and manage a growing Programs and Capacity-Building team, scaling to meet new membership strategies and program redesigns
• Collaborate closely with the senior leadership team and the President and CEO to grow membership, identify potential funders, and steward relationships to support capacity-building and advocacy initiatives

Ecosystem Engagement and Public Presence

• Initiate and support partnerships with peer organizations, including local stakeholders, and regional and national nonprofit organizations
• With the President and CEO’s approval and discretion, serve as a spokesperson and ambassador for Nonprofit New York’s programmatic work, representing the organization externally

Member Services and Coalition Building

• Work with the senior leadership team to meet membership goals across nonprofit, philanthropic, and service provider categories
• Manage member services offerings, including the EARN Plan (Equitable Access to Retirement for Nonprofits), group purchasing, and other initiatives
• Develop and conduct research to determine members needs and the effectiveness of NPNY’s programs and capacity-building initiatives.

Organizational Leadership and Culture

• Serve as an active member of the senior team, contributing to organizational strategy, structure, and culture that reflects Nonprofit New York’s values
• Champion a culture of learning, equity, innovation, and collaboration within the team and across the organization and membership

Research and Sector Intelligence

• Lead the creation of research and field reports that elevate the experiences and needs of Nonprofit New York’s membership, including but not limited to Nonprofit New York’s bi-annual Compensation Study
• Amplify the work of partner organizations, coalitions, and researchers through the organization’s platforms and networks
• Ensure all research efforts are member-informed, equity-centered, and strategically aligned with policy and capacity-building goals

Professional Growth and Development

• Participate in individual and organizational learning opportunities, leadership development, and sector-facing convenings
• Engage with cross-functional teams to deepen understanding of nonprofit sector trends and challenges
• Contribute ideas that shape how Nonprofit New York functions as a model for strong, equitable, and values-aligned operations
• Grow into increasing levels of responsibility and visibility in a mission-driven environment that values learning, leadership, and initiative

Skills and Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with 8-10 years of experience or Master’s in Public Policy/Public Administration/Social Work with 4 – 6 years of progressive leadership experience in nonprofit program management, capacity building, or a related field. Candidates will be evaluated based on a combination of experience, skills, and qualifications
• Demonstrated success managing teams and developing talent in mission-driven organizations
• Experience with curriculum development, training, and innovative peer learning approaches
• Proven ability to build and sustain strategic partnerships and coalitions
• Fundraising and revenue generation experience preferred
• Strong project and time management skills with the ability to juggle multiple priorities
• Excellent writing and policy fluency; familiarity with advocacy communications a plus
• Proficiency with office and collaboration tools such as G-Suite, Microsoft Office, Asana Slack, Zoom, and Salesforce preferred

What Success Looks Like

• Successfully lead signature program initiatives that deepen member engagement and organizational impact
• Strengthen external partnerships and enhance the organization’s visibility as a leader in nonprofit capacity-building
• Effective collaboration with the President and CEO and the senior leadership team to build a member-centric organization delivering reliably responsive and high-impact programs and capacity-building offerings
• Foster collaboration with external partners and the membership to drive integrated organizational impact
• Build and scale a high-performing programs team aligned with evolving capacity-building goals

Salary

The salary for this position is $130,000/year. In addition, Nonprofit New York offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision coverage; generous holidays, sick days, and paid time off; 401(k) plan with employer match, and professional development opportunities, among other benefits.

To Apply

Please apply for the Vice President, Programs and Capacity Building position through the Nonprofit New York website. Attach and submit your cover letter and résumé as two separate documents to the Vice President, Programs and Capacity Building application section. The application deadline is Friday, August 1, 2025.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Nonprofit New York is an equal opportunity employer. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to actual or perceived race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, pregnancy, alienage or citizenship status, marital status, partnership status, disability, predisposing genetic characteristic(s), arrest or conviction record, caregiver status, domestic violence victim status, credit history, unemployment status, veteran status, protected activity, uniformed service, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.