Executive Summary

The Katz Amsterdam Foundation (KAF) is pleased to invite nominations and applications for the position of Catalyst Grant Program Director. The Foundation strives to be a catalyst for eliminating inequities, increasing access to opportunity, and improving outcomes for all. KAF currently focuses on addressing inequities in the key issue areas of mental and behavioral health and civic engagement and is looking to expand to other social service areas in mountain resort communities.

Recognizing long-standing disparities in so many health and social services areas, the Foundation strives to utilize an equity lens to guide its grantmaking and community partnerships. The Foundation prioritizes community-driven work that meaningfully improves individual lives and the social wellbeing of communities.

The ideal candidate will bring a strong commitment to social justice and KAF’s mission, combinedwith experience and dedication to non-profit efforts, direct grantmaking, and community engagement. They will be an innovative, strategic thinker and a natural connector, able to engage multiple stakeholders, identify impactful organizations, and articulate the Foundation’s work effectively.


History and Mission

Rob Katz and his late wife Elana Amsterdam have been deeply committed to using their resources for positive social change. Rob Katz is co-founder of KAF and CEO and executive chairperson of the Board of Directors of Vail Resorts. Elana Amsterdam was an entrepreneur, New York Timesbestselling author, and founder of Elana’s Pantry. Together, Rob and Elana have contributed nearly $200 million to their family foundation and charitable trust.

KAF was launched in 2018 with an initial focus on mental and behavioral health in western mountain resort communities. Rob has a strong personal connection to these communities, understanding the impact of mental health and substance abuse issues, the shortage of services, and the stigma that persists. The Foundation has emphasized learning and partnership with community leaders, nonprofits, and local governments – and currently has partners in 11 mountain resort communities inthe Western US.

In June 2021, KAF expanded its focus to include efforts that protect our multi-racial democracy. The Foundation supports grants to organizations in Arizona and North Carolina that build community strength and power and increase civic engagement.


Catalyst Grant Program In Mountain Communities

The Catalyst Grant Program is a newly launched grantmaking program at KAF. The Director of this program will report to the Executive Director and oversee all aspects of its operation, including:

• Understanding community needs in mountain resort areas;
• Identifying organizations aligned with Katz Amsterdam priorities;
• Conducting due diligence and assessing impact;
• Making grant recommendations to the Board.

The program is guided by equity principles and seeks to invest in organizations and leaders who improve the well-being of communities and advance social justice.


Key Responsibilities

Program Leadership & Strategy

• Develop, implement, and refine the strategy for the direct grantmaking program in alignment with foundation priorities.
• Conduct landscape scans and community needs assessments to identify gaps and opportunities.
• Serve as a thought partner to the Executive Director and Board on program direction and longterm priorities.

Direct Grantmaking & Portfolio Management

• Lead the full grantmaking lifecycle: sourcing opportunities, assessing organizations,conducting due diligence, and developing grant recommendations.
• Identify and cultivate relationships with nonprofits that align with KAF’s focus areas.
• Track progress, monitor grants, and support continuous learning and improvement within the portfolio.

Community & Grantee Engagement

• Build trust-based relationships with grantees, community partners, and peer funders.
• Engage with stakeholders to ensure the program is grounded in community priorities and perspectives.
• Represent KAF in collaborative networks, meetings, and community forums.

Internal Collaboration

• Partner with staff overseeing other grantmaking programs to ensure cohesion and share insights.
• Work closely with the Executive Director on strategy, planning, and Board engagement.
• Partner with Senior Grants Manager to establish grantmaking processes and procedures.
• Participate in organization-wide learning, evaluation, and planning efforts.


Questions to Consider for Interested Candidates

1. Do you have strong knowledge of and connections within mountain resort communities, understanding their unique opportunities and challenges?
2. Do you have significant experience working with or within nonprofit organizations?
3. Are you experienced and comfortable assessing organizational impact, effectiveness, and leadership capacity?
4. Are you excited to research and understand community nonprofit ecosystems and how organizations collaborate to serve local needs?
5. Do you have prior philanthropic experience, or are you eager to learn effective trust-based grantmaking practices?
6. Are you enthusiastic about identifying and supporting strong leaders and high-performing orhigh-potential organizations?
7. Do you work effectively in a remote environment? Do you enjoy helping to foster virtual team culture?
8. Are you motivated to help improve the lives of others and contribute to a mission-driven organization?
9. Do you consider equity principles in decision-making?
10. Are you someone who is relationship-driven, curious, humble, and community-centered?


Qualifications

• 10+ years of experience in nonprofit leadership, philanthropy, or community-based work.
• Experience in direct grantmaking, nonprofit assessment, and strategy development.
• Strong understanding of community nonprofit ecosystems and organizational impact.
• Strong, demonstrated connection to western mountain resort communities.
• Excellent relationship building, communication, and analytical skills.
• Commitment to equity, learning, and mission-driven work.


Compensation & Benefits

• Salary: $150,000–$175,000 annually
• Health Care: Qualified Small Employer HRA (QSEHRA) reimbursing premiums and outof-pocket expenses (not pre-tax premiums)
• Retirement: 6% 401(k) match
• Work Environment & Equipment: Office furniture stipend for remote work
• Leave:
o 12 weeks paid parental leave
o 11 holidays plus Christmas–New Year closure
o 10 sick days annuallyo Accrual of 160 hours of PTO per year
• Location & Travel: Remote, with some travel to engage with stakeholders and visit keylocations


How to Apply

More information about the Katz Amsterdam Foundation may be found at: katzamsterdam.org.

Candidates may submit a cover letter outlining their interest and qualifications, along with their resume/CV at the link


The Katz Amsterdam Foundation believes that long-standing systemic inequities in our culture continue to impact marginalized communities. We do not discriminate on the bases of race, color, national origin, sex, religion, disability status, veteran status, age or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We strongly encourage all qualified applicants to apply.