Legal Counsel Board Member

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At Ruff Start Rescue, we strive for a world where every companion animal has a safe and loving forever home and their family has the knowledge and resources needed to give them the life they deserve. Ruff Start Rescue is a foster-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit companion animal rescue that primarily serves communities throughout the state of Minnesota, as well as states in the south with severe pet overpopulation. We rescue stray, neglected, abandoned, and surrendered dogs and cats as well as ferrets, guinea pigs, rabbits, and other critters. Most of our work is accomplished by a complex network of volunteers, fosters, and supporters, all of whom come together to save thousands of animals each year.

Ruff Start Rescue seeks an attorney who is passionate about animal welfare to serve as a board member. Serving on the Board of Directors is a high-impact, rewarding volunteer opportunity, because the Board determines the organization’s mission and sets policies and budgets to make it all happen. An attorney brings legal expertise to assist the organization in making appropriate legal decisions, developing policies and procedures, practicing effective risk management to limit liability, and helping to answer miscellaneous questions that may come up along the way. An attorney with general counsel experience would be the ideal candidate for Ruff Start Rescue. Must have a degree in law and have recently practiced, or currently practice, in the state of MN.

Board members are expected to be active and informed participants at a monthly board meeting, and to participate in committee meetings based on their areas of interest and expertise (e.g., marketing, finance, HR). As part of their responsibility to ensure the financial stability of the organization, board members are requested to donate or raise at least $1000/year. Board terms are for 2 years and may be renewed up to two times for a total of six years.

Nonprofit board members have very important legal and fiduciary responsibilities. Ruff Start Rescue provides a thorough orientation to these and other aspects of the organization.

Time Commitment: 2-3 hours weekly in addition to general board time commitments

Location: Current Zoom/In-person

Reports to: Board Chair

Ideal candidates for board positions will have:

• A commitment to and understanding of Ruff Start Rescue’s mission, preferably based on experience.
• Savvy diplomatic skills and a natural affinity for cultivating relationships and persuading, convening, facilitating, and building consensus among diverse individuals.
• Extensive experience in business, government, philanthropy, animal welfare, or the nonprofit sector
• Personal qualities of integrity, credibility, and a passion for improving the lives of companion animals.

How to Apply

Send a cover letter explaining why you want to serve on the board of directors for Ruff Start Rescue, as well as areas of expertise you feel may help benefit the mission of the organization. Send along with your resume to apply@ruffstartrescue.org with "RSR Board Member" in the subject line.