Director of Advancement

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, ensuring consistent messaging as well as strong brand expressions across all platforms and experiences.
• 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.

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.

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.

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