Executive Director

Boulder Chamber; United States; Hybrid; USD 70,000 - 78,600; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance stipend

Hybrid work environment

10 days paid time off

Job summary

Good Life Refuge seeks an Executive Director to guide strategy, fundraising, staff leadership, and external affairs. You will partner with the Board of Directors and support sanctuary operations while building a sustainable, impact-driven organization.

The ideal candidate combines compassion with proven fundraising experience and collaborative leadership. You will oversee major gifts, grant activities, donor stewardship, marketing, and event planning to advance the sanctuary's mission and

Qualifications

• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or development (capital campaigns preferred).
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills.
• Experience managing and supporting staff in a collaborative environment.
• Passion for animal welfare and sanctuary work.

Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all fundraising efforts, including major gifts and capital campaigns.
• Cultivate donor relationships and steward sponsors and partners.
• Work with the Board to set and achieve annual fundraising goals.
• Oversee grant strategy, sponsorship opportunities, and events such as galas.

Skills

Nonprofit leadership

Fundraising

Communication

Staff management

Strategic planning

Problem-solving

Organizational skills

Animal welfare passion

Job description

Location: Hybrid Reports to: Board of Directors

About Good Life Refuge

Good Life Refuge is a 501(c)(3) farm animal sanctuary dedicated to rescuing animals from neglect, abuse, and exploitation, providing lifelong care, and inspiring compassion through education, community engagement, and advocacy. We are a growing organization committed to transparency, integrity, and creating a kinder world for animals and people alike.

Position Summary

The Executive Director (ED) serves as the chief executive and visionary leader of Good Life Refuge, responsible for the organization’s overall strategy, sustainability, and impact. This role oversees fundraising, staff leadership, marketing and communications, donor stewardship, and strategic planning, while working closely with the Board of Directors and supporting the Farm Manager and sanctuary staff.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate, mission-driven leader with strong fundraising experience and a collaborative leadership style.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and execute all fundraising efforts, with a strong emphasis on major gifts and capital campaigns
• Cultivate, steward, and grow relationships with individual donors, sponsors, and partners
• Work with the Board to set and achieve annual fundraising goals
• Oversee grant strategy and sponsorship opportunities, including gala and special events

Marketing & Communications

• Oversee organizational marketing efforts, including events, social media, newsletters, and donor communications
• Ensure consistent, compelling storytelling that reflects the mission, values, and impact of Good Life Refuge
• Support planning and execution of fundraising events, including the annual gala
• Strengthen brand visibility and community engagement

Donor Stewardship & Community Relations

• Cultivate and build authentic, long-term relationships with donors and supporters
• Ensure donors feel informed, appreciated, and connected to the animals and mission
• Build up and expand recurring donor base program
• Serve as an ambassador for Good Life Refuge within the community and beyond

Staff Leadership & Operations

• Supervise, support, and mentor staff, fostering a positive, inclusive, and mission-aligned work culture
• Oversee and coordinate with the Farm Manager to support sanctuary operations and animal care needs
• Collaborate across departments to ensure alignment between care, fundraising, and outreach
• Support staff development and organizational growth; including hiring new staff and maximizing volunteer engagement and operational assistance

Strategic Planning & Governance

• Partner with the Board of Directors on vision, policy, and organizational oversight
• Participate in strategic planning efforts to ensure long-term sustainability and impact
• Track progress toward goals and adapt strategies as needed
• Ensure ethical, transparent, and responsible organizational practices

Qualifications

• Proven experience in nonprofit leadership, fundraising, or development (capital campaign experience strongly preferred)
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills
• Experience managing and supporting staff in a collaborative environment
• Passion for animal welfare, sanctuary work, and compassionate education
• Strong organizational, strategic, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to balance big-picture vision with day-to-day leadership

Preferred Experience

• Experience in animal welfare, sanctuary, or mission-driven nonprofit work
• Knowledge of donor stewardship best practices
• Event planning and public-facing leadership experience

Why Join Good Life Refuge

This is an opportunity to lead a growing sanctuary at a pivotal moment—shaping its future, strengthening its impact, and ensuring lifelong care for animals who need it most. The Executive Director plays a vital role in building a compassionate community and sustaining a mission rooted in kindness, dignity, and respect.

$70,000 - 78,600 a year

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position

• 10 days paid time off for the first year, starts 90 days after employment
• Health insurance stipends (included as a part of salary)
• Hybrid environment (onsite once per week and in case of disaster / emergency)
• Flexible scheduling within a 40-hour biweekly framework, with occasional availability on weekends and evenings for donor tours and sanctuary events

In compliance with the Colorado Job Application Fairness Act, in any materials you submit, you may redact or remove age-identifying information such as age, date of birth, or dates of school

attendance or graduation. You will not be penalized for redacting or removing this information.

Good Life Refuge is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or any other protected characteristic under applicable federal, state, or local law.

Additional Info

Job Type : Full-Time

Experience Level : Director

Job Function : Customer Service, Administrative, Finance, General, Marketing