Chief Operating Officer

Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based animal rescue organization seeking a Chief Operating Officer (COO) to strengthen internal operations and advance its mission of saving animals while supporting people and pets. The COO partners closely with the Executive Director and leadership team to drive strategic execution, operational excellence, and cross-department alignment across programs, fundraising, and marketing.

• Partner with the Executive Director and Board to develop and implement strategic goals, measurable objectives, timelines, and accountability systems.
• Oversee and integrate internal operations to ensure efficiency, sustainability, compliance, and alignment with mission goals.
• Supervise and support department leaders; build cohesion and operational excellence across teams.
• Lead organizational change management during growth, restructuring, and process improvement.
• Lead budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting; use metrics and dashboards to inform planning and communications.
• Partner with Advancement to strengthen contributed revenue and identify earned revenue opportunities with program/operations teams.
• Assess organizational risks and opportunities; challenge assumptions and adapt recommendations to fit mission and sustainability.
• Improve processes and capacity through data, technology, innovation, and root-cause analysis of performance trends.
• Advance community and lifesaving initiatives (keeping pets with families, affordable vet/wellness access, education/advocacy, surrender prevention).
• Guide organizational growth via scalable systems, sustainable revenue models, and facility improvements.
• Develop culture and talent through mentoring, coaching, performance expectations, accountability, cross-training, and collaboration.
• Serve as liaison to the Board and Finance Committee with regular operational and financial updates.
• Represent the organization at community, industry, donor, and advocacy events; cultivate partnerships and visibility.
• Serve as a spokesperson in media opportunities when requested or in the Executive Director’s absence.
• Handle public complaints and sensitive situations with diplomacy; guide staff on effective resolution.
• Attend signature events, donor gatherings, volunteer appreciation, and internal/board meetings as needed.
• Act as organizational leader in the absence of the Executive Director to ensure continuity.

• 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 a related mission-driven sector (strongly preferred).

• Proven success in operational leadership, financial management, strategic planning, and leading organizational change in a growing nonprofit.

• Experience managing budgets, teams, and systems with transparency and accountability.

• Track record of driving innovation in program/service delivery and optimizing business processes, systems, and operations.

• Strong communication, active listening, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and stakeholder relationship-building skills.

• Strong organizational and project management skills; analytical and solution-oriented approach.

• Flexibility to work non-traditional hours when needed; resilience and willingness to step in during unexpected situations.

• Physical ability to work around animals and assist with lifting up to 50 lbs, climbing stairs/ladders, handling inventory/donations/materials, and assisting with moving animals needing medical support.

• Full-time, salaried role; commitment of at least 40 hours per week.

• Schedule: 5 days per week on-site with flexibility for some remote work; occasional evenings/weekends as organizational needs arise.

• Expected to be responsive across multiple channels (in-person/virtual meetings, phone, email).

• Health insurance available 1st of the month after 30 days; employer covers 50% of employee premium.

• Optional employee-paid insurance after 90 days (discounted group rates): Dental, Vision, Life, Short-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Cancer, Hospital Indemnity.

• 401(k) with up to 3% match after 90 days.

• PTO: Year 1 (10 days), Years 2–3 (15), Years 4–5 (20), Years 6–7 (25), Year 8+ (30); prorated when moving brackets.

• 7 paid holidays annually (observed closest workday if on weekend) and paid parental leave.

• Professional development opportunities encouraged and available annually; employee discounts on merchandise and services.