Executive Director

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and visionary leader of Good Life Refuge, responsible for the organization’s overall strategy, sustainability, and impact. This role oversees fundraising, staff leadership, marketing and communications, donor stewardship, and strategic planning, while working closely with the Board of Directors and supporting the Farm Manager and sanctuary staff.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, mission-driven leader with strong fundraising experience and a collaborative leadership style.

Key Responsibilities

Fundraising & Development

• Lead and execute all fundraising efforts, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and capital campaigns
• Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with individual donors, sponsors, and partners
• Work with the Board to set and achieve annual fundraising goals
• Oversee grant strategy and sponsorship opportunities, including gala and special events

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee organizational marketing efforts, including events, social media, newsletters, and donor communications
• Ensure consistent, compelling storytelling that reflects the mission, values, and impact of Good Life Refuge
• Support planning and execution of fundraising events, including the annual gala
• Strengthen brand visibility and community engagement

Donor Stewardship & Community Relations

• Cultivate and build authentic, long-term relationships with donors and supporters
• Ensure donors feel informed, appreciated, and connected to the animals and mission
• Build up and expand recurring donor base program
• Serve as an ambassador for Good Life Refuge within the community and beyond

Staff Leadership & Operations

• Supervise, support, and mentor staff, fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned work culture
• Oversee and coordinate with the Farm Manager to support sanctuary operations and animal care needs
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment between care, fundraising, and outreach
• Support staff development and organizational growth; including hiring new staff and maximizing volunteer engagement and operational assistance

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors on vision, policy, and organizational oversight
• Participate in strategic planning efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and impact
• Track progress toward goals and adapt strategies as needed
• Ensure ethical, transparent, and responsible organizational practices

Qualifications

• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or development (capital campaign experience strongly preferred)
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing and supporting staff in a collaborative environment
• Passion for animal welfare, sanctuary work, and compassionate education
• Strong organizational, strategic, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to balance big-picture vision with day-to-day leadership

Preferred Experience

• Experience in animal welfare, sanctuary, or mission-driven nonprofit work
• Knowledge of donor stewardship best practices
• Event planning and public-facing leadership experience

• 10 days paid time off for the first year, starts 90 days after employment
• Health insurance stipends (included as a part of salary)
• Hybrid environment (onsite once per week and in case of disaster / emergency)
• Flexible scheduling within a 40-hour biweekly framework, with occasional availability on weekends and evenings for donor tours and sanctuary events

English (Fluent)