Are you a strategic, mission-driven leader with a passion for animal welfare and operational excellence? Ruff Start Rescue, a foster-based animal rescue organization, is seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to oversee and strengthen our internal operations while advancing our mission of saving animals and supporting people and pets.
As a key partner to the Executive Director and member of the leadership team, you will guide and support senior directors across all departments to ensure their success and the success of Ruff Start Rescue as a whole. With responsibility for the organization’s internal health and mission delivery, you will foster alignment, accountability, and collaboration across business operations, lifesaving programs, fundraising, and marketing, while empowering the Executive Director to focus on external initiatives such as partnerships, advocacy, and fundraising.
Availability
This is a full-time, salaried position requiring a commitment of at least 40 hours per week. Work schedule: 5 days per week on-site in Princeton, MN, with flexibility for some remote work.
The COO is expected to be regularly available and responsive across multiple channels—including in-person and virtual meetings, phone, and email, to ensure effective communication and collaboration across the organization.
This role also requires flexibility to occasionally work evenings or weekends when organizational needs arise. While Ruff Start Rescue values work–life balance, the COO must be prepared to step in during unexpected situations, cover vacant roles temporarily, and ensure continuity of leadership and operations when needed.
Essential Job Functions:
Mission-Driven Strategic Leadership
Partner with the Executive Director and Board to develop and implement strategic goals that advance animal welfare and lifesaving impact.
Establish measurable objectives with accountability, timelines, and adaptable systems.
Provide leadership to operational and financial insights, using performance metrics and dashboards to guide long-term planning and organizational communications.
**Operational Oversight & Change Management **
Oversee and integrate all internal operations, ensuring the organization runs efficiently, sustainably, and in alignment with mission goals.
Oversee and support department leaders through competent, effective, and timely supervision to maintain operational excellence and organizational cohesion.
Lead change management efforts during growth, restructuring, or process improvement.
Establish accountability systems: including policies, procedures, annual goals, and performance metrics, that strengthen compliance, sustainability, and strategic progress.
Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting to ensure responsible stewardship of resources and donor trust.
Partner with the Advancement Director to strengthen contributed revenue streams, while collaborating with program and operations teams to identify and expand earned revenue opportunities that support long-term sustainability
Assess organizational risks and opportunities with a balance of caution and innovation; ask critical questions, challenge assumptions, and adapt advisors' recommendations to ensure solutions align with the organization’s mission, sustainability, and long-term success.
Identify opportunities to improve processes, expand capacity, and increase lifesaving impact through data, technology, and innovation. Go beyond surface-level reporting to analyze trends, question assumptions, and uncover root causes behind changes in performance (e.g., adoption rates, volunteer engagement, or program outcomes). Encourage creative problem-solving and data-driven decision-making across all teams.
Advance community and lifesaving initiatives that keep pets with their families, expand access to affordable veterinary and wellness care, and strengthen education, advocacy, and surrender prevention programs.
Guide organizational growth by investing in scalable systems, sustainable revenue models, and facility improvements, ensuring infrastructure and partnerships evolve to meet long-term community and operational needs.
**Team Development & Culture **
Lead, develop, mentor, and support senior staff and teams with empathy—communicating with clarity and compassion to guide them through change while fostering a collaborative, high-performing culture aligned with mission goals
Provide clear performance expectations and hold everyone accountable at the organizational, functional, and individual employee levels.
Provide coaching and guidance that promote professional growth, succession planning, and accountability.
Facilitate collaboration and clear communication across all functions and individuals—including marketing, fundraising, animal programs, outreach, and volunteer programs—to advance organizational impact.
Foster a culture of adaptability and resilience, ensuring staff and volunteers are supported, cross-trained, and optimized to meet evolving organizational needs.
**Board, External Relations & Public Presence **
Serve as liaison to the Board and Finance Committee, providing regular updates on operational and financial health.
Represent the organization at community, industry, donor, and advocacy events, and participate in relevant animal welfare organizations or committees.
Act as a spokesperson for Ruff Start Rescue in media opportunities (TV, radio, press, etc.), sharing the organization’s mission and impact in the Executive Director’s absence or when requested.
Handle public complaints or sensitive situations with professionalism and diplomacy, and provide leadership to directors and staff on effective resolution when needed.
Cultivate partnerships and continuously seek opportunities to position Ruff Start Rescue as a leader in animal welfare, increasing impact, awareness, and visibility.
Build strong relationships with partners, volunteers, and stakeholders to reinforce Ruff Start Rescue’s role as a trusted leader in animal welfare.
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.
Acting Executive Director
Requirements of the Job
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Business, Nonprofit Management, or related field (Master’s preferred).
Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in nonprofit management, animal welfare, or related mission-driven sector strongly preferred.
Proven success in operational leadership, financial management, and strategic planning in a growing nonprofit.
Proven record of leading organizational change and guiding teams through transitions.
Experience managing budgets, teams, and systems with transparency and accountability.
Track record of driving innovation in program and service delivery.
Deep understanding of business processes, systems, and operations to optimize efficiency and quality.
Ideal Candidate Traits
Deep passion for animal welfare and advocacy, with a commitment to the rescue’s mission.
Experienced, results-oriented leader who balances strategic vision with operational detail.
Exceptional communicator with strong active listening skills; seeks to understand before acting and makes decisions based on careful analysis and dialogue.
Experienced in anticipating challenges and creating buy-in during transitions.
Empathetic, approachable, and emotionally intelligent, with the ability to navigate sensitive issues.
Builds trust and strong relationships by understanding and managing emotions, resolving conflicts, and empathizing with others.
Strong organizational and project management skills; anticipates needs and creates order out of complexity.
Collaborative and transparent, empowering staff while holding teams accountable.
Analytical and solution-oriented thinker who navigates complex challenges, identifies root causes, and implements effective, innovative solutions.
Flexible and resilient leader who is willing to go above and beyond—including adjusting to non-traditional hours when necessary—to ensure the success and stability of the organization.
Energetic, professional, and resilient leader who embodies compassion, integrity, and discretion.
Quickly identifies issues, analyzes root causes, and implements practical solutions to keep operations running smoothly.
Physical Requirements
Ability to work in an office environment where exposed to animals and close spaces.
Ability to assist with up to 50 lb bags and box lifting.
Ability to climb stairs and ladders to help manage inventory, donations, and materials.
Ability to interact with dogs, cats, and various critters at any time.
Ability to assist with moving animals that may need medical assistance.
Benefits:
**Health & Insurance **
Health insurance available the 1st of the month after 30 days; RSR covers 50% of the employee's 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 the 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 **
● Professional Development Opportunities are encouraged and available on an annual basis.
● Employee discount on Ruff Start Rescue merchandise and services.
Salary Range: $95,000-110,000
Reports to: Executive Director
Number of Direct Reports: 3 Full-time (Director of Advancement, Director of Operations, Director of Programs)
Number of Indirect Reports: 37 (19 Full-time, 18 Part-time)
Number of Approved Volunteers and Fosters: 750 Volunteers, 1,800 Fosters Organizational Operating Budget: $3.3 million
How to Apply: Submit a cover letter and resume. Apply Here!