Fundraising Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

WHY A Home of Their Own Animal Rescue Exists:

We founded our rescue after working in other shelters and rescues and seeing the same heartbreaking pattern: good, well-meaning people being turned away without even a conversation. We watched great potential adopters overlooked because of outdated rules and rigid expectations, while animals sat in kennels waiting for the mythical "perfect" home. Meanwhile, those turned away often ended up at breeders — and who could blame them? They were trying to do the right thing and were told they weren't good enough.

We realized the system was failing both people and animals, and it wasn't really about the animals' safety — it was about the peoples' fears.

So we started our own rescue, one built on conversation, not judgment, and rooted in the belief that adoption should be accessible, educational, and welcoming. That shift allows us to match more animals with adopters based on genuine connection, not unrealistic perfection — saving more lives, encouraging adoption over shopping, and helping people feel seen, supported, and proud to welcome a pet into their lives.

ABOUT A Home of Their Own Animal Rescue and WHAT we are doing:

In just a few years as a 501(c)(3), we've rescued hundreds of dogs and cats from all over the country—including Puerto Rico—and placed them in loving homes that fit their needs as well as the needs of their new humans! What started as a reaction to the unnecessary gatekeeping and outdated norms in animal rescue has become a growing movement to make adoption easier, more inclusive, flexible, and rooted in empathy and education.

We've built a strong and expanding network of passionate volunteers, partnered with local vets and businesses, and made a real mark in the community. One of our most memorable rescues—a 7-week-old kitten trapped inside a scorching car engine—was featured in The MoCo Show as a symbol of quick action, collaboration, and heart. Read the story here: https://mocoshow.com/2025/06/30/cat-rescued-from-car-engine-in-extreme-heat/

We've been honored by the trust adopters place in us, reflected in glowing Yelp and Google reviews, and we're only just getting started.

Our goals go beyond our own rescue: we aim to shift the animal welfare field itself—advocating for nonjudgmental conversations, educating the community about animal welfare topics such as vetting and training/animal behavior, and eliminating barriers deeply rooted in fear and/or bias, including racial prejudice in adoption and foster approvals. We believe rescue should feel accessible, supportive, and human—because when we do better for people, we do better for animals.

What a "day in the life" of a fundraising manager will look like:

From the very beginning, your work will be instrumental in fueling our mission. On Day 1, you'll begin getting oriented with our tech platforms—Slack, Google Workspace, Canva Pro—and start learning the heart and history of AHOTO.

In the first week, you'll review existing donor relationships, familiarize yourself with our giving campaigns, and connect with board directors and team leads to align on development goals. With your background in fundraising and donor strategy, you'll quickly begin shaping outreach plans, identifying opportunities for growth, and laying the groundwork for grant applications and annual giving efforts.

As the weeks progress, you'll take ownership of building donor pipelines, refining campaign messaging, and engaging with supporters across digital and in-person touchpoints. Whether you're crafting compelling narratives, managing multiple priorities, or coordinating fundraising initiatives, your voice will directly support our life-saving work. Every message you send, every connection you make, brings us closer to giving more animals the second chance they deserve. Here, your passion for rescue meets purpose—and your impact starts on Day 1.

Qualifications & Experience Necessary for the Role:

• Based in the United States
• Available to respond to emails/messaging/inquiries within 24 hours
• Willing to learn or current familiarity with certain tech tools/software helpful (i.e. PMS Systems, Slack, Canva Pro, Google Workspace, etc.)
• Experience in fundraising and working with major donors
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Knowledge of philanthropy and fundraising strategies
• Understanding of charities and non-profit organizations
• Experience in creating and managing annual giving campaigns
• Experience in drafting and applying for grants
• Passion for animal rescue and welfare
• Ability to work independently and remotely
• Excellent organizational and time management skills

Our process/next steps:

Submit application through the form here (must copy into browser address bar):

https://forms.gle/MSbFagyzj7Uzri9e6

• Application is received and qualifications/submitted credentials reviewed.
• An interview will be scheduled with two current board members with prospective candidates.
• Informal interview will take place on Zoom/Google Meet.
• Recommendations are submitted to the remaining relevant board members.
• AHOTO staff will reach out with an acceptance, rejection, or remaining requests.

Volunteer Perks

• Lead a vital area of the organization and directly influence outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with other managers and directors to shape rescue-wide systems and culture.
• Grow leadership, operations, and project management skills in a mission-driven environment.
• Be seen as a go-to expert and trusted leader within the rescue community.
• Make high-impact decisions that save lives and strengthen community ties.
• Receive support, mentoring, and recognition from both peers and the board.