Job Opening

Executive Director

Executive Director

Good Life Refuge
Location: Hybrid
Reports to: Board of Directors

Posted: July 1, 2026

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

Fundraising & Development

  • 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.

Salary

$70,000 - 78,600 a year 

This is a full-time, exempt salaried position 

Benefits

  • 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

Deadline for applications

Please apply by August 31, 2026 for consideration.

Application Instructions

To apply, please submit the following materials via email to jordan@goodliferefuge.org:

  • A current resume

  • A cover letter that specifically tells us how your background and experience align with the requirements, qualifications, and responsibilities of the position.

  • We may request references at a later time.

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.

Posting Contact Information

Posting Contact Name: Jordan Thompson

Posting Contact Email: jordan@goodliferefuge.org