About the Team

PetSmart Charities is a mission-driven nonprofit committed to making the world a better place for pets and all who love them. With over $600 million granted to organizations across the U.S., Puerto Rico, and Canada, we’ve made a meaningful impact – helping millions of pets find loving homes, expanding access to affordable veterinary care, fighting pet hunger, and providing disaster response in times of crisis.

About the Location

Collaborative Work Environment:
At PetSmart, teamwork and connection are core to how we thrive. This role is based at our Phoenix Home Office, with an expectation of working a minimum of four days in the office each week. In a standard work week, associates may work up to one remote “flex day” (with leader approval). Our hybrid approach is designed to foster strong collaboration while also supporting flexibility and individual success.

About the Job

Sr. Director Strategic Programs & Partnerships - PetSmart CharitiesPosition 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.

Key ResponsibilitiesStrategic Leadership & Program OversightDesign 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 EngagementBuild 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 & LeadershipLead 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.QualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor’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 & CompetenciesStrategic 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.

About the Culture

At PetSmart, we work hard to create a culture where every associate feels like they truly belong and we celebrate the unique stories, backgrounds, and experiences our associates share.  These experiences not only bring new perspectives in shaping our Belonging culture but they’re core to PetSmart’s success.

 

Not sure if you meet 100% of the position requirements and whether you should apply? We’d still like to hear from you and encourage you to apply with us! You just may be the ideal candidate for this role, and if not this one, perhaps another position.

Our home office offers outstanding amenities in a fun and rewarding workplace including:

Pet friendly environment, bring your pets to work!On-site Dog Park“Top Dog” gym with equipment, fitness classes, massage therapists and personal trainers“Sit & Stay” Café serving fresh breakfast and lunch optionsOn-site coffee bar“Lil’ Paws” learning center and onsite daycare facility (associate paid)Volunteer events with PetSmart CharitiesLearn more about #LifeAtPetSmart here: https://www.lifeatpetsmart.com/life-at-petsmart/Check out Associate stories and share in some celebrations at PetSmart: https://www.blog.lifeatpetsmart.com/Explore PetSmart Benefits here: https://benefits.petsmart.com/If you don't already live in the Phoenix area here's a guide to the area:  Welcome to Phoenix Guide

PetSmart provides an equal opportunity for all associates and job applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, veteran status or other legally protected characteristics.