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 Development Officer should bring an understanding of capital campaign readiness and the ability to help position Ruff Start Rescue for future campaign opportunities if needed. While capital campaign experience is not a primary requirement for this role, the position may support early planning, donor strategy, and internal preparation should Ruff Start Rescue move toward a future campaign.

Availability: Full-time, exempt position. Typical schedule is approximately 40 hours per week, with flexibility to work additional hours as needed to meet business and organizational needs. This position follows a hybrid work arrangement, with an expectation of being in the Princeton office approximately 2–3 days per week. The remaining workdays may be performed remotely. Daily emailing and/or phone calls are a must.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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…