Job Description

Are you a strategic, relationship-driven leader with a passion for animal welfare? Ruff Start Rescue, a

foster-based animal rescue organization, is seeking a dynamic Director of Advancement to lead and unify

our fundraising, marketing, and communications initiatives. This is a leadership position that will play a

key role in sustaining and growing the organization’s revenue, brand presence, and community

engagement.

As a member of the leadership team, you will oversee a talented advancement team, lead cross-

departmental strategies, guide Ruff Start Rescue’s efforts to deepen donor relationships, expand visibility,

and support long-term sustainability. You’ll manage efforts across individual giving, major gifts, grants,

corporate sponsorships, storytelling, marketing campaigns, donor events, and more—ensuring our

mission thrives and expands.

Availability

This is a full-time, salaried position requiring a commitment of at least 40 hours per week. Hybrid work

schedule: 2–3 days per week on-site in Princeton, MN, with flexibility for remote work. Regular availability

for phone and email communication is expected.

Essential Job Functions:

Fundraising & Donor Development

● Lead and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy encompassing annual giving, major and

planned gifts, donor retention, corporate sponsorships, grants, and events.

● Manage a portfolio of key donors and funders, overseeing cultivation, solicitation, and

stewardship while guiding the Major Gift Officer and Development Officer.

● Partner with the Executive Director, Board, and advancement team to develop donor engagement

strategies across all giving tiers.

● Support the Development & Grants Administrator in identifying aligned grant opportunities,

ensuring quality submissions, compliance, and timely reporting.

● Oversee donor segmentation, stewardship planning, and signature campaigns (e.g., Give to the

Max Day), ensuring data-driven decisions and timely recognition.

● Provide messaging and materials to equip leadership and board members for successful donor

outreach and solicitation.

Marketing & Communications Leadership

● Oversee RSR’s brand, marketing, and communications strategy to elevate visibility, community

engagement, and mission alignment.

● Collaborate with the Marketing & Communications Manager to implement a cohesive content

calendar and ensure consistent messaging across all platforms.

● Champion emotionally resonant storytelling and lead communications that support fundraising,

events, public relations, and merchandise.

● Monitor performance metrics to evaluate campaign impact and continuously improve outreach

and engagement strategies.

Team Leadership & Management

● Lead and support the advancement team—including the Development Officer, Major Gift Officer

(open role), Events Manager, Development & Grants Administrator, Marketing & Communications

Manager, and Social Media Specialist (indirectly, via the Marketing Manager)—through coaching,

performance management, and professional development.

● Foster a collaborative, mission-driven culture that values innovation, results, and aligned cross-

functional teamwork.

● Serve as a key member of the Leadership Team, advancing strategic planning, budgeting,

staffing, and systems efficiency across the organization.

Campaigns, Events & Community Engagement

● Oversee the strategy, planning, and execution of all RSR events and campaigns, ensuring

alignment with fundraising, outreach, and sponsorship goals; evaluate performance and refine for

impact.

● Serve as a public-facing representative of RSR, championing emotionally compelling storytelling

through adopter stories, community content, and donor engagement efforts.

Strategic Planning & Evaluation

● Lead the development and execution of a unified advancement strategy—including fundraising,

communications, and brand awareness—while tracking key performance metrics across donor

engagement, marketing, and stewardship.

● Collaborate with the Executive Director, Leadership Team, and Board of Directors on long-term

growth planning, including oversight of the Advancement Committee and contribution to board

communications.

● Ensure alignment between development and marketing functions, monitor funding trends, and

manage the advancement budget with transparency and strategic foresight.

Qualifications &Requirements

● Deep passion for animal welfare and Ruff Start Rescue’s mission.

● 5+ years of progressive leadership in fundraising, marketing, and nonprofit advancement.

● Demonstrated success overseeing staff and cross-functional teams for 5+ years.

● Proven track record in major gifts, grant acquisition, and strategic communications.

● Skilled in team leadership, departmental collaboration, and achieving measurable outcomes.

● Proficient in donor databases, digital marketing platforms, data analysis, and CRMs.

● Experience planning events and leading community engagement efforts.

● Exceptional organizational, communication, and public speaking skills.

● Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (or equivalent experience).

● Flexible schedule, with availability for occasional evenings and weekends.

Meetings & Participation

● Attend signature events, donor gatherings, and annual volunteer appreciation events.

● Participate in internal planning meetings, leadership team discussions, and board committee

meetings as needed.

Ideal Candidate Traits

● Strategic, creative thinker with a focus on execution and results.

● Collaborative leader who inspires and empowers teams.

● Emotionally intelligent and adept at relationship-building.

Calm, adaptable, and proactive in dynamic nonprofit settings.

● Detail-oriented and data-driven with a big-picture mindset.

● Mission-driven storyteller who can connect donors and the public to RSR’s impact.

● Systems-oriented, with a talent for streamlining operations and team workflows.

● Accountable leader who fosters a culture of clarity, follow-through, and trust.

● Decisive and action-oriented, with the ability to move initiatives forward quickly.

● Diplomatic communicator skilled at aligning cross-departmental teams.

Benefits:

Health & Insurance

● Health insurance available the 1st of the month after 30 days; RSR covers 50% of the employee

premium.

● Optional insurance plans available after 90 days (employee-paid at discounted group rates),

including:

○ Dental, Vision, Life Insurance

○ Short-Term Disability

○ Accident, Critical Illness, Cancer, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance

Retirement & Time Off

● 401(k) plan with up to 3% match after 90 days.

● Paid Time Off (PTO):

○ Year 1: 10 days

○ Years 2–3: 15 days

○ Years 4–5: 20 days

○ Years 6–7: 25 days

○ Year 8+: 30 days

(PTO is prorated from anniversary date upon moving into a new bracket)

● 7 paid holidays annually; observed on the closest workday if falling on a weekend.

Professional Development & Perks

● Up to $200 annually for professional development.

● Employee discount on Ruff Start Rescue merchandise and services.

Salary : $80,000-$90,000

Reports to: Executive Director

How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs