Ruff Start Rescue ® · 16 hours ago
Chief Operating Officer
Princeton, MN
Full-time
Hybrid
Director/Executive
$95K/yr - $110K/yr
10+ years expRuff Start Rescue is a foster-based animal rescue organization seeking a dynamic Chief Operating Officer (COO) to enhance internal operations while advancing their mission of saving animals. The COO will partner with the Executive Director to oversee all departments, ensuring operational excellence and organizational cohesion while fostering collaboration and accountability.
Animal FeedCommunitiesNon ProfitVeterinary
Responsibilities
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
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
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
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
Attend signature events, donor gatherings, and annual volunteer appreciation events
Participate in internal planning meetings, leadership team discussions, and board committee meetings as needed
Serve as the organization’s leader in the absence of the Executive Director, ensuring stability and continuity of operations
Qualification
Required
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
Preferred
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
Benefits
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.
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.
7 paid holidays annually; observed on the closest workday if falling on a weekend.
Paid parental leave.
Professional Development Opportunities are encouraged and available on an annual basis.
Employee discount on Ruff Start Rescue merchandise and services.
Company
Ruff Start Rescue ®
Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that serves communities throughout Minnesota and states in the south with severe pet overpopulation.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Meaghan Dubbs (Powers)
Transport Partnerships Specialist
Ruff Start Rescue
Founder
Company data provided by crunchbase