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 primary responsibilities of the Development Officer, Major Gifts will be to manage a portfolio of current and prospective donors to the organization. It requires a comprehensive understanding of and background in major gifts 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, Major Gifts will possess the ability to work collaboratively with the Development team and all of the other departments of MSPCA –Angell, including veterinary staff and volunteer leadership. We have a strong and compelling mission that appeals to a broad range of loyal clients and adopters. It is essential for this individual to have a holistic understanding of our mission and the various ways that we support animals and their owners.
The Development Officer, Major Gifts 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:
Manage a portfolio of prospects who have a capacity to make significant gifts
Participate in all aspects of the gift cycle from initiating contacts through stewardship
Work in partnership with the VP of Development and Development Team to design and implement strategies for cultivating and stewarding donors towards ongoing gift commitments and donor retention
Conduct face-to-face visits with prospects and donors
Build and nurture working relationships with the development team, veterinarians, animal protection staff and management, volunteer leadership and donors
Arrange meetings between donors and senior management and veterinary staff
Maintain a high level of data integrity by utilizing our database to its fullest potential
Participate in all organizational Special Events
Position Specific Requirements:
Proven success in solicitation of significant gifts; ability to grow and sustain donor relationships
Ability to understand the needs and interests of leadership and major gift donors in order to develop strong relationships
Excellent interpersonal skills
Belief in the mission of the MSPCA - Angell
Familiarity with Boston’s philanthropic community
Skills & Qualifications
Skills and Attributes:
Ability to deal diplomatically with all internal and external clients
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
The ability to be innovative and take the initiative to work independently
Possess and demonstrate knowledge of the department’s functions and protocols
MS Office and Outlook; as well as other software applications that become necessary to the operation of the department
Excellent communication skills
Highly organized & efficient
Qualifications and Education:
Bachelor’s Degree
A minimum of 5 years of successful major gift fundraising
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, Major Gifts - Job Description (PDF Download)
