Development & Grants Administrator

Ruff Start Rescue is a 501(c)3 nonprofit foster-based companion animal rescue based in Princeton, Minnesota, that serves the entire state. RSR rescues thousands of animals annually, including dogs, cats, and critters.

The Development & Grants Administrator will support and contribute to the development team by managing Ruff Start Rescue’s donor database, overseeing the donation process, and ensuring timely gift processing and donor acknowledgment. This role will also play a key part in donor cultivation, stewardship, and in‑kind donation coordination. Additionally, you will be responsible for all aspects of grant management, including, but not limited to grant writing, prospect research, reporting, grant fulfillment, and interdepartmental communication and collaboration.

You will also manage development volunteers. Working closely with both the development and accounting teams, the Development & Grants Administrator will represent Ruff Start Rescue with professionalism, organization, and a warm, donor‑focused approach.

This is a full‑time, hourly position of 40 hours per week, requiring year‑round full‑time availability. The position follows a Monday–Friday, 8 am–4 pm schedule, with occasional nights and weekends as needed. Three days per week will be remote (work‑from‑home), and two days will be in the Princeton office. Fully remote work is not an option for this position.

• Volunteer Donation Recorders
• Volunteer Animal Supply Gift Coordinators
• Grant Volunteer

• Actively maintain the Development Team’s DMS (Donor Management System), updating pertinent information as it relates to donor actions, proposals, appeals, reports, gifts, planned giving, and relevant contact information.
• Responsible for all gift processing in our DMS, along with designating donations for the accounting manager.
• Ensure data integrity through accurate data entry and ongoing clean‑up efforts.
• Manage the timely acknowledgment of gifts and ensure that all types of donations (cash, pledges, matching gifts, grants, special events, in‑kind donations, planned gifts, etc.) are properly documented and in accordance with IRS requirements.
• Provide administrative support to the Director of Development.
• Assist with the writing and editing of appeals, acknowledgments, donor news, reports, and proposals.
• Prepare accurate research and reports on prospects and assemble materials for cultivation and solicitation visits for the Development Director, Development Officer, and Executive Director.
• Collaborate with Accounting Manager.
• Oversee the development of membership subscriptions and renewals –Examples: CFC, Guidestar, Charity Navigator.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Provide prospect research for potential grant opportunities for programs, services, operations, and other needs within the organization.
• Maintain a list of timelines/deadlines and tasks associated with grants at all stages.
• Submit a minimum of 40 grants per fiscal year.
• Uphold relationships with foundation representatives and grantors as appropriate.
• Oversee post‑award grant management, reporting, and communication with funders.
• Collaborate with internal departments to ensure proper utilization of restricted funds in accordance with grant guidelines. Provide regular reminders and accountability to staff, track fund usage, and ensure timely and accurate reporting to funders.
• Provide feedback and guidance to members of leadership pertaining to grant opportunities and secured funds to ensure compliance with funder guidelines and project parameters.
• Provide monthly progress updates and reporting to the board, leadership and finance committee on grant submissions, pipelines, and secured funds.

• Respond to internal and external constituents and project a professional image for Ruff Start through customer interaction and maintain a high degree of confidentiality as they work with donors, volunteers, staff, and the public.
• Communicate with donors in person, on the…