Director of Development & Communications

Located in New York’s Hudson Valley, Catskill Animal Sanctuary, Inc. (CAS) rescues farmed animals from cruelty and neglect, ignites social change to end their exploitation, and champions plant-based living.

The Director of Development & Communications is a key leadership role responsible for advancing the mission of CAS through strategic fundraising, donor engagement, and compelling communications. This position oversees all aspects of fundraising, including major gifts, grants, corporate partnerships, special events, and membership programs, while leading the organization's brand messaging and digital presence. The ideal candidate is a dynamic storyteller, skilled fundraiser for gifts of all sizes, and strategic thinker with a passion for animal welfare and plant-based living.

About Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS)

Situated on approximately 100 acres of mixed pasture and forest in Saugerties, New York, CAS welcomes farmed animals from life-and-death situations and provides exceptional individualized care for the remainder of their lives. Since 2001, CAS has saved thousands of animals through direct rescue and rescue assistance, and countless more through innovative programming that invites people to understand transformative truths about our relationship with farmed animals and to align their lifestyles with their values of kindness and compassion.

About New York’s Hudson Valley

Nestled in the heart of the scenic Hudson Valley, Saugerties is a vibrant town in a region known for its outdoor adventures, including rock climbing, hiking, skiing, kayaking, mountain biking, and sailing. The area also boasts excellent wineries, distilleries, and breweries; a thriving music, arts and literary scene; and diverse dining options. Within the town, the charming village of Saugerties offers an array of restaurants, independent bookstores, and unique retail shops. Residents appreciate its convenient location to the iconic town of Woodstock, the bustling college hubs of New Paltz and Rhinebeck, plus its easy access to New York City (two hours south) and Albany (one hour north). With its rich culture and natural beauty, Saugerties and the surrounding area is a wonderful place to call home!

Key Responsibilities

Development and Fundraising:

• Develop and execute a comprehensive fundraising strategy to support the organization's annual and long-term revenue goals.
• Cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors, foundations, and corporate partners.
• Oversee grant writing and reporting, ensuring alignment with organizational priorities.
• Lead donor engagement initiatives, including events, sponsorships, and planned giving.
• Manage the membership and animal sponsorship program, focusing on donor retention and growth.
• Oversee all fundraising campaigns, including year-end appeals, peer-to-peer fundraising, and special initiatives.

Major Gifts Responsibilities:

• Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward a portfolio of major gift donors and prospects.
• Develop personalized strategies for engaging high-net-worth individuals.
• Conduct donor research and create tailored proposals for major giving opportunities.
• Organize and lead donor visits, meetings, and special cultivation events.
• Track donor interactions and maintain clear, accurate records in the donor database.

Communications:

• Develop and implement a communications strategy to elevate CAS’s brand and mission.
• Oversee content creation for website, email marketing, social media, press releases, and other public relations efforts.
• Ensure consistent and compelling storytelling across all platforms.
• Manage and grow media relationships, and proactively seek press opportunities.
• Support internal and external messaging, including crisis communications.
• Supervise and collaborate with marketing, communications, and development staff.

Outreach:

• Build and cultivate strategic relationships with external partners, including other animal welfare organizations, advocacy groups, and community stakeholders.
• Represent CAS at key conferences and special events, and in coalitions to expand visibility and impact.
• Proactively identify opportunities for community and public engagement that align with CAS’s mission.
• Collaborate with program staff to align outreach efforts with organizational goals and campaigns.
• Act as an ambassador for CAS in public-facing settings, delivering presentations and engaging with diverse audiences.

Qualifications

• Passion for animal rights, ethical veganism, and the mission of Catskill Animal Sanctuary.
• Bachelor's degree in nonprofit management, marketing, communications, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising and communications, with a proven track record of success.
• Strong leadership and relationship-building skills with donors, media, and stakeholders.
• Exceptional writing, storytelling, and public speaking abilities.
• Experience managing digital marketing, social media, and brand strategy.
• Knowledge of donor databases (Neon and/or other platforms) and digital fundraising tools.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

Location & Schedule

• This is a full-time hybrid position (3 days onsite per week required) and requires a flexible schedule that will occasionally include nights and weekends as needed.
• Ideally live within 30 minutes driving distance from the sanctuary to facilitate immersion in the daily rhythm of the animals, staff, and volunteers. This proximity fosters a deep understanding of the sanctuary’s mission, values, and stories; and an ability to build stronger relationships with donors, visitors, and community partners.

Reporting Structure

• This position reports to the Executive Director.

Compensation and Benefits

• Competitive salary based on experience. (range $80,000-95,000)
• Health benefits, paid time off, and professional development opportunities.
• Employee Assistance Program that can be accessed 24/7
• 401(k) plan

Non-Discrimination Policy

Catskill Animal Sanctuary (CAS) is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and diverse workplace where all employees are valued. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, ethnicity, national origin, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, age, disability, marital status, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We celebrate diversity and encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply.

Not sure you meet 100% of our qualifications? If you believe that you could excel in this role, we encourage you to apply!