Senior Development Officer

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based animal welfare organization dedicated to saving the lives of companion animals in need. As we prepare for a future capital campaign and long-term sustainability, we are excited to add a Senior Development Officer

to our growing advancement team. This is a new leadership role designed to elevate the donor experience, expand our major giving program, and lay the groundwork for transformational philanthropic support.

The Senior Development Officer will be responsible for identifying, cultivating, soliciting, and stewarding relationships with donors capable of making gifts of $10,000 and above. This role will ensure Ruff Start Rescue's supporters feel seen, valued, and inspired by their impact on the lives of animals and people.

In addition to leading our major donor strategy, the Senior Development Officer must bring proven experience in capital campaign planning and execution. If Ruff Start Rescue moves forward with a future capital campaign, this role will serve as the internal lead, managing the effort from concept to completion.

Availability: This is a salaried position with a time commitment of at least 40 hours a week. Depending on off-site meetings and responsibilities, you will be required to be in the office (Princeton) 2-3 days per week. The remaining work days can be remote. Daily emailing and/or phone calls are a must.

Essential Job Functions

Fundraising & Donor Cultivation

• Manage a portfolio of 125–175 major gift donors and prospects capable of giving $10,000 , including a mix of current supporters and new relationships.
• Create and implement individualized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship plans tailored to donor interests and aligned with Ruff Start’s funding priorities.
• Conduct a minimum of 100 in-person or virtual donor visits annually, frequently requiring off-site travel using personal transportation, alongside regular outreach via phone, email, and mail.
• Build strong relationships by offering personalized donor experiences—such as on-site tours, tailored communications, and meaningful touchpoints.
• Collaborate with the Executive Director, Advancement Director, and Board members on strategic donor engagement and joint solicitations.
• Track donor progress and opportunities within a structured major gift pipeline, identifying prospects for unrestricted, restricted, and future capital campaign support.
• Participate in donor appreciation events and represent the organization at external functions as needed.
  
  

Strategy & Campaign Planning

• Develop annual major donor program plans and long-range fundraising strategies, including measurable goals, cultivation timelines, and donor engagement budgets that align with Ruff Start Rescue’s strategic plan.
• Prepare for and lead all aspects of a future capital campaign, including strengthening donor relationships, identifying key prospects, building internal readiness, setting goals, coordinating volunteers, developing campaign materials, and tracking donor engagement.
• Work with the marketing team to develop compelling materials and donor-facing proposals that inspire giving.
  
  

Donor Research & Data Management

• Track and document all major gift activities—including cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship—in the CRM system.
• Use data insights to optimize outreach efforts and evaluate strategy effectiveness.
  
  

Collaboration & Organizational Support

• Work closely with the advancement team to ensure consistency in messaging and donor experience.
• Participate in strategic planning discussions, team meetings, and the advancement board committee sessions as needed.
• Represent Ruff Start Rescue at events and in the community to build visibility and expand networks of support.
  
  

Skills And Requirements

• Passion for animal welfare and a deep alignment with Ruff Start Rescue’s mission and values.
• Minimum of 5 years of nonprofit development and fundraising experience, with a strong focus on individual giving and major donor cultivation.
• Demonstrated success in securing gifts of $25,000 and leading or playing a key role in capital campaigns; must have the skills and confidence to lead Ruff Start’s future campaigns without external consultants.
• Exceptional interpersonal, communication, and storytelling skills, with a donor-centered approach and the ability to build lasting relationships.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, with the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines with attention to detail.
• Ability to create compelling, personalized proposals and presentations for donor engagement.
• Skilled in donor and contact management systems (CRM)
• Confident public speaker with strong negotiation and relationship-building abilities.
• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent professional experience required.
• Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for frequent off-site donor meetings.
  
  

Physical Demands

The physical requirements listed here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Position involves sitting for extended periods of time while working at a computer terminal. Employee must be able to communicate effectively in a typical office environment with a standard level of office noise. Occasional standing, bending, walking and lifting (30 lbs) is also required.
• Employee will be required to be a part of animal transport, which will expose the employee to animals (primarily dogs/cats), dirt, dust, uneven surfaces, and outdoor weather conditions. Noise will typically be moderate.
  
  

Meetings/Participation

• Donor Engagement: Attend and support donor meetings, events, and on-site tours, occasionally requiring evening or weekend availability.
• Event & Program Support: Attend signature events, donor gatherings, and annual volunteer appreciation events.
• Organizational Involvement: Participate in internal planning meetings, team discussions, and advancement board committee meetings as needed.
• Community Representation: Represent the organization at external functions and in the community to help build awareness, expand networks, and foster relationships with donors and partners.
  
  

Ideal Candidate Traits

• An extroverted and communicative relationship-builder who thrives on creating tailored donor experiences, strategic communications, and meaningful engagement.
• Strategic and creative, with a strong focus on execution and results
• Emotionally intelligent and skilled at building long-term, trust-based relationships
• Calm, adaptable, and proactive in dynamic nonprofit environments
• Detail-oriented and data-driven, with a big-picture mindset
• A mission-driven storyteller who can clearly articulate the impact of Ruff Start’s work
• Highly organized, able to prioritize and manage multiple responsibilities and deadlines
• Grounded in integrity, ethical fundraising, and confidentiality
  
  

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.
• Paid parental leave
  

Professional Development & Perks

• Up to $200 annually for professional development.
• Employee discount on Ruff Start Rescue merchandise and services.
  
  

Salary: $60,000-$75,000

Reports to: Director of Advancement

Applicants, please note: to be considered for this position, you must submit a cover letter in addition to a resume