Board of Directors -Strategic Partnerships & Fund Development

About ARF

Founded in 1995, the Animal Rescue Foundation (ARF) of Alberta is a registered charity dedicated to rescuing homeless, lost, stray, and abandoned cats and dogs while supporting communities to improve animal welfare and help keep pets with the families who love them.

Over the years, ARF has helped thousands of animals find loving homes. Our work has evolved to include community pet food support, education, partnerships, and programs that help keep pets with their families.

The Opportunity

ARF is seeking a Board Director with experience in fund development, philanthropy, corporate partnerships, or fundraising strategy to help strengthen long-term financial sustainability.

This is a strategic Board role, not a fundraising coordinator position.

We are looking for someone who can share perspective, help identify opportunities, and, where appropriate, introduce ARF to potential partners—not personally manage campaigns or fundraising activities.

Key Responsibilities

As a Board Director, you will:

· Provide strategic guidance on fund development, revenue diversification, and financial sustainability.

· Help identify opportunities for sponsorships, major gifts, foundation grants, and recurring support.

· Share insights into donor engagement, philanthropic trends, and relationship-based fundraising.

· Offer perspective on partnership opportunities, proposals, and approaches to communicating ARF’s impact.

· Where appropriate, share professional connections and offer occasional advice to the Executive Director while contributing to Board decisions.

Experience We Are Looking For

Our ideal candidate will bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

· Fund development, fundraising strategy, philanthropy, or donor relations.

· Corporate sponsorships, strategic partnerships, business development, or relationship management.

· Foundation funding, community investment, or marketing and communications.

Professional networks and experience developing successful partnerships would be assets. Previous nonprofit Board or animal rescue experience is not required; commitment to our mission matters most.

Commitment & Expectations

This is an unpaid, volunteer Board position with a two-year term. The Board meets for approximately two hours each month, with about one-quarter of meetings in person and the remainder virtually.

Directors typically spend another two hours monthly reviewing materials and providing occasional advice. There are no standing committees.

Directors contribute governance oversight and strategic perspective; day-to-day operations remain with ARF’s staff.

Why Join ARF?

Your experience and professional relationships could help ARF build sustainable funding and partnerships, supporting animal care and the communities we serve.

How to Express Interest

Please send a brief introduction outlining your relevant experience, interest in joining the Board, and what you could contribute, along with a résumé or LinkedIn profile if available, to [email protected] (Attn: Board of Directors).