President and Chief Executive Officer
The Chronicle of Philanthropy
Date: 10 hours ago
City: Phoenix, Arizona
Salary:
$270,000
-
$320,000
per year
Contract type: Full time
About Vitalyst Health Foundation
Vitalyst Health Foundation is a catalyst for healthier communities across Arizona. With a mission to connect, support, and inform efforts that improve individual and community well-being, Vitalyst serves as a powerful force in shaping systems-level change. Since its inception, the organization has invested over $130 million to strengthen the health landscape — from statewide policy to neighborhood gardens — and has earned recognition as a trusted convener, thought leader, and advocate for health equity.
Founded in 1996 after the sale of St. Luke's Health System, the foundation has evolved from its early identity as St. Luke's Charitable Health Trust into the Vitalyst Health Foundation known today. A defining innovation emerged in 1997 with the launch of the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAPAZ), which has grown into a cornerstone of Vitalyst's work. TAPAZ provides vital support to coalitions and nonprofits through capacity-building tools, fiscal sponsorship, and tailored technical assistance — all guided by a streamlined TAP Discovery process to meet partners where they are.
Vitalyst's impact spans key program areas including civic health, health care integration, and housing — all viewed through a health equity lens. Its strategic goals focus on building collaborative networks, strengthening community partnerships, and empowering informed decision-making. Rooted in community, Vitalyst continues to uplift grassroots leaders, foster cross-sector partnerships, and spark innovation that improves the quality of life for Arizonans statewide.
Learn more about Vitalyst Health Foundation at https://vitalysthealth.org/.
Vitalyst Today: Advancing Health Equity Through Community and Systems Change
Vitalyst Health Foundation is a trusted and influential leader in Arizona's philanthropic landscape, recognized for its deep commitment to health equity and its strategic focus on the social determinants of health. With a 30-year legacy of responsive grantmaking, research, and cross-sector convening, Vitalyst catalyzes solutions to complex public health challenges through upstream interventions in housing, civic health, land use, and economic opportunity.
Operating through its dual structure—Vitalyst and TAPAZ—the foundation blends grantmaking, fiscal sponsorship, and capacity building to elevate community-driven initiatives and support systems-level change. Widely respected for its nonpartisan approach and ability to build bridges across the nonprofit, government, and business sectors, Vitalyst serves as both a convener and catalyst for innovation across Arizona.
Internally, Vitalyst is marked by a collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in flexibility, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to equity. Its small but experienced team is deeply aligned around a strategic roadmap shaped by community input. In the post-pandemic landscape, Vitalyst's efforts to advance racial justice and public health are more vital than ever. As it approaches its 30th anniversary, the foundation is poised to deepen its impact by continuing to invest in systems-change work and lead with boldness, empathy, and integrity in service of Arizona's diverse communities.
The Opportunity
Vitalyst Health Foundation is seeking a visionary, action-oriented, and values-driven President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization and its affiliate, TAPAZ, into its next chapter of impact. This is a rare opportunity to champion systemic change in Arizona's health landscape while advancing equity, dignity, and well-being across communities.
The President and CEO will lead high-impact initiatives such as Systems Change Grants, Housing Innovation, Health Care Integration, Civic Health, and Capacity Building — all rooted in equity-centered leadership and deep community partnership.
Vitalyst's strong reputation as a convener and collaborator across Arizona's philanthropic and nonprofit sectors is matched by its targeted funding and robust technical assistance. The organization fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued, and where staff are empowered with autonomy while working collectively toward shared goals. Guided by a refreshed strategic roadmap, the new President and CEO will inherit a respected platform and a committed team and will be charged with driving Vitalyst's next era of innovation and statewide influence.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Board of Trustees through the Chair of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer provides the overall leadership, direction, strategy, and vision for the foundation, its programs, projects, and outreach. Responsibilities include to:
The next President and Chief Executive Officer of the Vitalyst Health Foundation will be a bold and strategic leader who leads with heart, humility, and courage. They will bring a strong capacity for high-level strategy development, balanced with a hands-on approach to implementation alongside the team. This leader will possess a deep understanding of the intersections between policy and philanthropy and the ability to navigate across sectors and political lines. Rooted in a belief in collective leadership, they will lead from behind, amplifying the voices and work of community partners rather than seeking the spotlight. With a combination of kindness and conviction, the President and CEO will steward Vitalyst's mission with agility, ensuring its grantmaking and programming remain both responsive and community-informed. This is a role for a leader who blends vision with action and believes that lasting impact is achieved through collaboration, not in isolation.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Mission-Driven and Committed to Health Equity & Systems Change
The President and Chief Executive Officer will wholeheartedly bring a deep commitment and belief in the work and mission of the Vitalyst Health Foundation, as well as a track record of community-based work. This leader must demonstrate a strong commitment to community health and equity, with the ability to guide systems change efforts that address the root causes of health disparities. A working knowledge of public health frameworks, systemic barriers, and the broader determinants of health is ideal. This individual should possess lived experience or a deep understanding of the adversities faced by underserved communities in Arizona and must be a person of unquestioned integrity.
Visionary and Strategic Leadership
The next President and CEO must bring a clear and compelling vision for the foundation's role in advancing community health and systems change. This individual will be a big-picture thinker who can offer strategic direction and navigate ambiguity, while remaining responsive and agile in a dynamic and diverse political and social landscape. The President and CEO should be visionary, charismatic, and open to guiding the organization through a future iteration of its work following a recent strategic plan refresh. They must be able to balance long-term goals with short-term wins, ensuring the foundation remains flexible and impactful in the face of urgent community needs and external pressures. A servant leader, the President and CEO will be a self-aware and inclusive leader with a focus on building a culture of trust, collaboration, and transparency. This nurturing leader will empower and develop a talented and dedicated team of professionals to achieve their full potential. Lastly, the President and CEO will bring a proven ability to engage and partner effectively with the Board to advance the organization's mission.
Political/Policy Acumen And Communication Skills
The President and CEO will bring a strong understanding of public policy, advocacy, and the nuances of Arizona's political landscape. Politically astute and experienced in navigating partisan dynamics and legislative processes, this leader will be able to engage effectively with state agencies, legislators, and local government entities to advance the foundation's mission. They will be a compelling and credible spokesperson—able to clearly articulate the organization's impact, build trust across diverse audiences, and foster productive, bipartisan relationships. Exceptional communication and active listening skills will be essential, enabling the President and CEO to elevate community voices while persuasively championing Vitalyst's role and work across the state.
Community-Centered Convener and Relationship Builder
The President and CEO will be a community-centered convener who brings a spirit of collaboration and the ability to build consensus and strategic partnerships with nonprofits, foundations, government and community leaders, and coalition partners and businesses. With a genuine interest in elevating community voices, the President and CEO will foster authentic relationships with community members, grantees, and other key stakeholders and will exemplify the foundation's dedication to impactful, mutually supportive partnerships. The President and CEO will share a clear vision of how the Foundation can empower the community to thrive and the ability to mobilize key partners around shared goals.
Financial Savvy And Operational Skills
With strong financial acumen, the President and CEO will be skilled and experienced in fiscal and resource management, ideally with direct experience in philanthropy or an understanding of endowment and investment management. As a data-driven leader, they will establish clear goals, deliverables, and systems of accountability. They will also strengthen the organization's operational infrastructure through the development of effective policies and processes. This leader will prioritize opportunities for team building and professional development.
Compensation And Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $270,000 - $320,000 with a generous benefits package.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Vitalyst Health Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.
To apply, visit: https://www.dsgco.com/search/22191-vitalyst-president-and-ceo/
jeid-3a47bb90e84b2740897fbe371a455dac
Vitalyst Health Foundation is a catalyst for healthier communities across Arizona. With a mission to connect, support, and inform efforts that improve individual and community well-being, Vitalyst serves as a powerful force in shaping systems-level change. Since its inception, the organization has invested over $130 million to strengthen the health landscape — from statewide policy to neighborhood gardens — and has earned recognition as a trusted convener, thought leader, and advocate for health equity.
Founded in 1996 after the sale of St. Luke's Health System, the foundation has evolved from its early identity as St. Luke's Charitable Health Trust into the Vitalyst Health Foundation known today. A defining innovation emerged in 1997 with the launch of the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAPAZ), which has grown into a cornerstone of Vitalyst's work. TAPAZ provides vital support to coalitions and nonprofits through capacity-building tools, fiscal sponsorship, and tailored technical assistance — all guided by a streamlined TAP Discovery process to meet partners where they are.
Vitalyst's impact spans key program areas including civic health, health care integration, and housing — all viewed through a health equity lens. Its strategic goals focus on building collaborative networks, strengthening community partnerships, and empowering informed decision-making. Rooted in community, Vitalyst continues to uplift grassroots leaders, foster cross-sector partnerships, and spark innovation that improves the quality of life for Arizonans statewide.
Learn more about Vitalyst Health Foundation at https://vitalysthealth.org/.
Vitalyst Today: Advancing Health Equity Through Community and Systems Change
Vitalyst Health Foundation is a trusted and influential leader in Arizona's philanthropic landscape, recognized for its deep commitment to health equity and its strategic focus on the social determinants of health. With a 30-year legacy of responsive grantmaking, research, and cross-sector convening, Vitalyst catalyzes solutions to complex public health challenges through upstream interventions in housing, civic health, land use, and economic opportunity.
Operating through its dual structure—Vitalyst and TAPAZ—the foundation blends grantmaking, fiscal sponsorship, and capacity building to elevate community-driven initiatives and support systems-level change. Widely respected for its nonpartisan approach and ability to build bridges across the nonprofit, government, and business sectors, Vitalyst serves as both a convener and catalyst for innovation across Arizona.
Internally, Vitalyst is marked by a collaborative, mission-driven culture grounded in flexibility, mutual trust, and a shared commitment to equity. Its small but experienced team is deeply aligned around a strategic roadmap shaped by community input. In the post-pandemic landscape, Vitalyst's efforts to advance racial justice and public health are more vital than ever. As it approaches its 30th anniversary, the foundation is poised to deepen its impact by continuing to invest in systems-change work and lead with boldness, empathy, and integrity in service of Arizona's diverse communities.
The Opportunity
Vitalyst Health Foundation is seeking a visionary, action-oriented, and values-driven President and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) to lead the organization and its affiliate, TAPAZ, into its next chapter of impact. This is a rare opportunity to champion systemic change in Arizona's health landscape while advancing equity, dignity, and well-being across communities.
The President and CEO will lead high-impact initiatives such as Systems Change Grants, Housing Innovation, Health Care Integration, Civic Health, and Capacity Building — all rooted in equity-centered leadership and deep community partnership.
Vitalyst's strong reputation as a convener and collaborator across Arizona's philanthropic and nonprofit sectors is matched by its targeted funding and robust technical assistance. The organization fosters a welcoming, inclusive environment where all voices are heard and valued, and where staff are empowered with autonomy while working collectively toward shared goals. Guided by a refreshed strategic roadmap, the new President and CEO will inherit a respected platform and a committed team and will be charged with driving Vitalyst's next era of innovation and statewide influence.
Key Responsibilities
Reporting to the Board of Trustees through the Chair of the Board, the President and Chief Executive Officer provides the overall leadership, direction, strategy, and vision for the foundation, its programs, projects, and outreach. Responsibilities include to:
- Thoroughly understand Vitalyst's history and culture; its Board, governance structure, and staff; finances and funding; programs, services, and advocacy; outreach, community network, and constituencies in order to effectively act as Vitalyst's Chief Executive; represent the organization as a spokesperson and thought leader;
- Work with the Chair, Executive Committee, and Board to keep them informed of finances and activities; provide timely and concise "state of the organization" assessments; work with the Chair and Board to evolve a strategic roadmap for the organization's continued evolution;
- Establish collaborative working relationships with the organization's leaders, staff, community partners, and constituencies, including those working in and outside of Arizona on community health issues; lead and positively motivate a strong and committed professional staff, ensuring a collegial and team-oriented working environment with open lines of communication;
- Review and periodically refresh Vitalyst's programs; evaluate the individual effectiveness of each program and investment with reference to Vitalyst's community health mission; where possible, incorporate qualitative and quantitative metrics in evaluation processes that link programs, investments, and staff activities to improvements in community health;
- Collaborate with the Board and staff leaders, develop strategies to set the course for Vitalyst's development; thoughtfully consider the special potential of Vitalyst's capabilities in policy work, community development, and organizational capacity building efforts (including the fiscal sponsorship program operated under the Technical Assistance Partnership of Arizona), and communications, and recommend measures to improve, expand, contract, spin off or eliminate programs; consider funding alliances and other external funding approaches to increase investment in the community health work supported by Vitalyst;
- Become knowledgeable of internal and external communications, systems, controls, operations, and processes; ensure that Vitalyst maintains a solid operational foundation; provide continuing assessment of staff to ensure individual nonpartisan collaborations that meet the immediate and ongoing community health needs of all Arizonans;
- Continue to strengthen the Technical Assistance Partnership (TAP) work to build nonprofit organizational capacity, alliances, and sector partnerships in Arizona by assisting nonprofits as they assess their most important issues, forming teams around common interests across different organizations, and providing Vitalyst- funded consultants to coach and mentor these nonprofits;
- Maintain a working knowledge of significant trends and developments in the philanthropy field.
- Ensure, by effective management and leadership, that the day-to-day operations and programs are professionally and efficiently organized and administered; ensure proper administration of contracts, compliance with relevant employment laws, and meeting of other legal requirements;
- With the Chief Operating Officer (COO), maintain the organization's fiscal health; ensure that the organization adheres to a sustainable financial plan based on an annual budget reviewed and approved by the Board, and that financial performance positively tracks budget and operating plans.
- With the Board Chair and Executive Committee, coordinate the efforts of various Board Committees and task forces; develop Board meeting agendas, schedules, retreats, and other activities with the Executive Committee; ensure that all committees achieve objectives;
- Develop and recommend policies and procedures as requested by the Board of Trustees; implement approved Board policies, program goals, and objectives; provide ongoing communication to the Board on critical matters related to Vitalyst;
- Assist the Board in identifying and recruiting new Board members, whose talents, backgrounds, commitment, and interests are congruent with the needs and mission of Vitalyst.
The next President and Chief Executive Officer of the Vitalyst Health Foundation will be a bold and strategic leader who leads with heart, humility, and courage. They will bring a strong capacity for high-level strategy development, balanced with a hands-on approach to implementation alongside the team. This leader will possess a deep understanding of the intersections between policy and philanthropy and the ability to navigate across sectors and political lines. Rooted in a belief in collective leadership, they will lead from behind, amplifying the voices and work of community partners rather than seeking the spotlight. With a combination of kindness and conviction, the President and CEO will steward Vitalyst's mission with agility, ensuring its grantmaking and programming remain both responsive and community-informed. This is a role for a leader who blends vision with action and believes that lasting impact is achieved through collaboration, not in isolation.
The ideal candidate will demonstrate the following professional and personal qualities, skills, and characteristics:
Mission-Driven and Committed to Health Equity & Systems Change
The President and Chief Executive Officer will wholeheartedly bring a deep commitment and belief in the work and mission of the Vitalyst Health Foundation, as well as a track record of community-based work. This leader must demonstrate a strong commitment to community health and equity, with the ability to guide systems change efforts that address the root causes of health disparities. A working knowledge of public health frameworks, systemic barriers, and the broader determinants of health is ideal. This individual should possess lived experience or a deep understanding of the adversities faced by underserved communities in Arizona and must be a person of unquestioned integrity.
Visionary and Strategic Leadership
The next President and CEO must bring a clear and compelling vision for the foundation's role in advancing community health and systems change. This individual will be a big-picture thinker who can offer strategic direction and navigate ambiguity, while remaining responsive and agile in a dynamic and diverse political and social landscape. The President and CEO should be visionary, charismatic, and open to guiding the organization through a future iteration of its work following a recent strategic plan refresh. They must be able to balance long-term goals with short-term wins, ensuring the foundation remains flexible and impactful in the face of urgent community needs and external pressures. A servant leader, the President and CEO will be a self-aware and inclusive leader with a focus on building a culture of trust, collaboration, and transparency. This nurturing leader will empower and develop a talented and dedicated team of professionals to achieve their full potential. Lastly, the President and CEO will bring a proven ability to engage and partner effectively with the Board to advance the organization's mission.
Political/Policy Acumen And Communication Skills
The President and CEO will bring a strong understanding of public policy, advocacy, and the nuances of Arizona's political landscape. Politically astute and experienced in navigating partisan dynamics and legislative processes, this leader will be able to engage effectively with state agencies, legislators, and local government entities to advance the foundation's mission. They will be a compelling and credible spokesperson—able to clearly articulate the organization's impact, build trust across diverse audiences, and foster productive, bipartisan relationships. Exceptional communication and active listening skills will be essential, enabling the President and CEO to elevate community voices while persuasively championing Vitalyst's role and work across the state.
Community-Centered Convener and Relationship Builder
The President and CEO will be a community-centered convener who brings a spirit of collaboration and the ability to build consensus and strategic partnerships with nonprofits, foundations, government and community leaders, and coalition partners and businesses. With a genuine interest in elevating community voices, the President and CEO will foster authentic relationships with community members, grantees, and other key stakeholders and will exemplify the foundation's dedication to impactful, mutually supportive partnerships. The President and CEO will share a clear vision of how the Foundation can empower the community to thrive and the ability to mobilize key partners around shared goals.
Financial Savvy And Operational Skills
With strong financial acumen, the President and CEO will be skilled and experienced in fiscal and resource management, ideally with direct experience in philanthropy or an understanding of endowment and investment management. As a data-driven leader, they will establish clear goals, deliverables, and systems of accountability. They will also strengthen the organization's operational infrastructure through the development of effective policies and processes. This leader will prioritize opportunities for team building and professional development.
Compensation And Benefits
Salary is competitive and commensurate with experience. The salary range for this role is $270,000 - $320,000 with a generous benefits package.
Contact
DSG | Koya has been exclusively retained for this engagement. Express interest in this role by filling out our Talent Profile or emailing the search team directly at [email protected]. All inquiries and discussions are strictly confidential.
DSG | Koya is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals living with disabilities. If you are a qualified individual living with a disability and need assistance expressing interest online, please email [email protected]. If you are selected for an interview, you will receive additional information regarding how to request an accommodation for the interview process.
Vitalyst Health Foundation is an equal opportunity employer and strongly encourages applications from people of color, persons with disabilities, women, and LGBTQ+ applicants.
About DSG | Koya
DSG | Koya, a DSG Global company, is the nation's premier search firm dedicated to mission-driven leadership. Since its founding in 2004, DSG | Koya has had an exclusive focus on mission-driven clients and was founded on the belief that the right leader can transform an organization and have a deep and measurable impact on our world. DSG | Koya works with nonprofits & NGOs, responsible businesses, and social enterprises in local communities and around the world.
DSG Global is consistently recognized by Forbes on its top 10 list of "America's Best Executive Recruiting Firms" and is an industry leader in recruiting transformational leaders for a changing world. The firm is deliberately different in its approach, with best-in-class teams who have decades of experience in cultivating inclusive leaders, understanding the dimensions of diversity, and building equitable teams.
Learn more about DSG | Koya via the firm's website.
To apply, visit: https://www.dsgco.com/search/22191-vitalyst-president-and-ceo/
jeid-3a47bb90e84b2740897fbe371a455dac
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