Since its founding in 1868, the Massachusetts Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals – Angell Animal Medical Center, or MSPCA–Angell, has worked to relieve suffering, prevent cruelty, and develop a just and compassionate society.
One of the first humane organizations in America, founded shortly after the Civil War, the MSPCA-Angell has seen vast changes in society, the environment, and the roles of animals in our lives. It has helped make laws and set standards that have fundamentally shaped our sense of kindness and care for animals – and for one another.
Today, the MSPCA-Angell continues to rescue, shelter, protect, heal, and advocate for more animals than any other American humane organization, giving hands-on care to many thousands of animals each year. We also provide emergency assistance and strategic-planning help for animal-protection groups across the country and around the globe. Through our legislative work, humane-education efforts, and community-based assistance initiatives, we help create lasting change for animals and people.
Leadership Spotlight:
Susan P. Rowell - Vice President, Development
Susan P. Rowell
Vice President, Development
For the past three years, Susan has led Development for the MSPCA. Her team raises funds annually from individuals, corporations and foundations to support the welfare and protection of animals. Prior to joining the MSPCA, Susan was the Executive Director of Fundraising, Resources and Planning at the American Red Cross for approximately nine years. In this role, Susan was responsible for the development of a strategic vision and business case for training within the Development (Fundraising/Sales) business unit.
Susan transitioned into a career in development after spending more than 12 years as a seasoned Human Resources professional. Susan is passionate and dedicated to the growth of non-profit organizations, and is equally as passionate about animal welfare.
Giving at MSPCA - Angell
The MSPCA-Angell's giving program gives donors the ability to significant impact in the lives of thousands of animals.
There are various opportunities to donate from monthly giving, tribute/memorial giving, leader's circle, planned giving/bequests, designated giving, and more.
The MSPCA-Angell is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that does not receive any funding from state/federal agencies and is not operated by any fellow SPCAs.
The Opportunity: Development Officer, Digital and Direct Fundraising
The primary responsibilities of the Development Officer, Digital and Direct Fundraising requires a comprehensive understanding of and background in digital and direct fundraising principles and practices, a high level of professionalism, collegiality, self-motivation and a strong belief in the mission and principles of the MSPCA – Angell. The Development Officer will possess the ability to work collaboratively with the Development team and all of the other departments of MSPCA –Angell, including our Marketing and Social Media team, veterinary staff and volunteer leadership.
The Development Officer will demonstrate, model, and inspire all employees to embrace and live the organizational values of Compassion, Integrity, Collaboration, Excellence, Service and Positivity in carrying out day to day tasks as well as in interactions with others.
Responsibilities & Requirements
Position Specific Responsibilities:
Develop, design, plan and implement the fundraising strategies for our direct and digital fundraising programs.
Work cross-functionally to drive revenue via direct response channels; create tailored marketing and fundraising plans for high value donor segments; lead the vision for fundraising innovation in digital channels (i.e. social and charity streaming).
Oversee the strategic development of the annual fundraising calendars for direct response channels targeted to core donors, including end-to-end donor lifecycle management: acquisition, loyalty, engagement, and sustainer focused messaging.
Provides strategic leadership on audience targeting and segmentation; uses reporting, analytics, and KPIs to make data-driven decisions.
Responsible for direct response channel operations including related fulfillment, donor services, donor data hygiene, and issue resolution.
Collaborates with internal lines of business, vendors, and other key stakeholders to: identify market opportunities for new revenue / expense reduction, create business cases, and execute on implementation.
Oversees the vision and creation of fundraising strategies and plans in social channels.
Act as subject matter expert to support market research and analytics related to direct response.
Collaborate with program leads and hospital leadership to source and develop compelling mission stories to be used in our digital and direct appeals.
When needed, adjust and pivot our strategy to accommodate time sensitive stories that will inspire our donors to support.
Position Specific Requirements:
Excellent analytical skills, and ability to translate findings into strategic actions.
Demonstrated experience working and leading in a cross-functional team environment.
Strong external vendor and 3rd party management skills.
Belief in the mission of the MSPCA - Angell.
Strong interpersonal skills.
Skills & Qualifications
Skills and Attributes:
Ability to deal diplomatically with all internal and external clients.
The ability to take the initiative to work independently.
Demonstrate good judgment and willingness to positively influence others.
Collaborative working style and the skills to translate concepts into actionable plans.
Capable of taking ownership and initiative to propose ideas and solutions to problems.
Possess and demonstrate knowledge of the department’s functions and protocols.
Excellent communication skills.
Highly organized & efficient.
Qualifications and Education:
Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing, Business Administration or related field.
A minimum of 3-5 years working in the direct and digital fundraising space.
Contact Information:
MSPCA - Angell has partnered with Boyden Executive Search. For more information about this opportunity or to submit a cover letter and resume, please email:
Lisa Vuona has decades of experience in executive search and human resource management, primarily in the non-profit, healthcare and education sectors. She is distinguished by her track record and network, and by her approach, which combines the strategic power of data with a finely tuned ability to understand the client’s organization and identify high-caliber leaders who fit the culture.
Jill began as a recruiter, transitioning seamlessly to Human Resources Management after several successful years. She has diverse experience in the dot com, biotechnology, and media industries. After taking time to raise her children, Jill returned as a Human Resource Manager for a multimedia company. In this role, she excelled in recruiting, administering benefits, and managing employee relations. Jill's passion continues to be connecting top talent and organizations, both locally and nationally.
Don’t check off all the boxes or meet every single requirement? We have learned that potential candidates hesitate when applying for a job unless they meet every single requirement. Boyden Boston is dedicated to inclusivity and valuing diversity and equity in the workplace. If this opportunity excites you, but your background may not be a perfect match, we still encourage you to apply.
MSPCA-Angell - Development Officer, Digital and Direct Fundraising - Job Description (PDF Download)
