Director of Advancement

Ruff Start Rescue, Inc.

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.

This is a full time job