Would you like to become part of one of New England’s most respected and effective animal welfare organizations?

We’re looking for passionate, skilled and people-friendly professionals to join the team that’s helped over 130,000 cats since our founding in 1992. Our goal is to make every interaction with our organization a positive experience for the cats and cat guardians who rely on us for spay/neuter, adoption, veterinary assistance and other services.

We love what we do…and we think you’ll love working with us.

Current Opportunities


Veterinarian - Catmobile Program (Full-Time)

MRFRS’ Catmobile Program is a mobile spay/neuter clinic designed specifically for cats. Since our inception, MRFRS has assisted over 145,000 cats — placing over 25,000 cats and kittens into homes, spaying or neutering over 15,000 feral cats at our TNR clinics, and over 75,000 cats on our Catmobile.

Position Summary

MRFRS is looking for an empathetic Veterinarian interested in playing an integral role in the reduction of feline overpopulation through our Catmobile program. As our mobile HQHV spay/neuter program grows and we expand into preventive and wellness care for felines, this is an exciting time for a Veterinarian to join MRFRS and make a positive impact in the lives of cats and the people who care about them. 

Role and Responsibilities 

Oversee and facilitate high-quality medical and surgical care of all patients. The Veterinarian is responsible for overseeing all aspects of veterinary care, including exams and surgeries, calculation and delivery of medications, and discharge information.

Medical and Surgical Care

  • Deliver medical and surgical treatments (spay/neuter) with approved pharmaceuticals, supplies, and equipment in accordance with MRFRS’ standard operating procedures and policies.
  • Oversee and assist with intakes and discharges as needed to optimize the flow of patients through their medical procedures. 
  • Review all pre-op medical records, if applicable. Consult with the patient’s primary veterinarian, if applicable.
  • Oversee documentation of all exam findings, treatments, vaccinations, and surgery on the medical records.
  • Communicate respectfully with clients, relay relevant veterinary information about the patients, and help educate owners about the health and wellness of their pets.
  • Oversee the provision of discharge instructions.

Administrative

  • Oversee the documentation of all findings, test results, and treatment recommendations in MRFRS’s patient platform, Clinic HQ.
  • Act as a veterinary resource for MRFRS’ Adoption Center team.
  • Assist in writing, editing, and updating protocols for the Catmobile program.
  • Provide veterinary information to other departments of MRFRS.
  • Maintain strict control of and adhere to all related drugs and drug log regulations.
  • Assist in budget preparation for the Catmobile Program.
  • Provide direction to the Catmobile Medical Team during and in support of operations. 

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

The position is a full-time, salaried position requiring a minimum of 40 hours/week. The position may periodically require weekend and/or evening work.

Supervisor Responsibility

This position has no direct staff from a human resources standpoint but supervises and directs the actions of the veterinary technician and support staff during daily veterinary operations.

Pay

$100,000.00 per year

Benefits

  • Qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a non-profit organization.  https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service 
  • Paid time off / sick time
  • Career development opportunities
  • Health Insurance
  • Ability to help shape the future of our veterinary services programs and the knowledge that at the end of each day, you have helped the most vulnerable and in need cats and caretakers out there

Competencies

  • High energy and passion for MRFRS’ mission is essential.
  • Interact effectively with a variety of people in all types of situations.  Evaluate problems accurately and display good, sound judgment.
  • Ability to recognize that teamwork is essential for the program to meet its goals successfully and safely; ability to work as a team member as well as a manager when necessary.
  • Promote continuous quality improvement.
  • Model accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and respect, which are attributes that are valued as part of MRFRS’ culture.
  • Ability to show compassion to both pets and their owners.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • Doctor of Veterinary Medicine with current license to practice in Massachusetts.
  • Current and active DEA license.
  • Exposure/training in HQHVSN is recommended.
  • Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, a clean driving record, and be willing to drive the mobile clinic.
  • Animal handling skills and experience.
  • Maintain current MCSR
  • Maintaining PLIT Insurance is required.

Workplace Environment 

  • Environmental Conditions:  This position will be required to perform duties inside and outside of a mobile spay /neuter unit in physically tight conditions on the vehicle and in all weather conditions outside the vehicle. Interact with CM staff, the public, and clients.  Interaction with cats, some of which may be fractious, carry parasites, and or zoonotic disease.  The use of veterinary medical equipment and electronics such as cell phones and computers.
  • Working Conditions: The Catmobile is a physically tight environment, and the conditions of the vehicle can be noisy while in operation.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements

  • Essential Job Functions: Veterinary records review.  Examine, medically treat, and provide spay-neuter surgery to patients.  Oversee patient prep, monitoring, and discharge.  Physically lift and move cats, carriers and equipment.
  • Marginal Job Functions: Drive the s/n vehicle to and from each clinic location.  Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available.  Load and unload of supplies. With MRFRS management and others, ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive and that the clinic is safe to operate (equipment is functional, safe temperatures, etc. can be maintained).

Physical and Mental Requirements 

  • Exposure to:  Chemicals, hazardous waste, acidic or harsh substances, infectious bacteria/viruses, infectious diseases, blood-borne pathogens, and bodily fluids.
  • Use of and/or subject to:  Vehicle, light equipment, heavy equipment, moving mechanical parts, computers/monitors, confined spaces, vibration.
  • Physical Requirements:  Occasional lifting/carrying up to 40 lbs regularly, 60 lbs occasionally, constant motor control, occasional pushing up to 15 lbs, occasional pulling up to 15 lbs, occasional bending, occasional squatting, occasional kneeling, occasional reaching, constant standing, frequent walking, frequent fine motor control, frequent repetitive motion, constant finger dexterity, constant grasping/holding, constant hand/eye coordination.
  • Mental Requirements:  Understand and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions; understand and apply non-routine verbal and/or written instructions; understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions; organize actions to complete sequential and/or routine tasks; organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple patients, tasks, and/or projects, organize and prioritize the work schedules of others to manage multiple patients, tasks and/or projects, make decisions that have an impact on the individual’s work, make decisions that have an impact on the immediate work unit’s operations and/or services, make decisions that have a significant impact on a department’s credibility, operations, and/or services, make decisions that have an impact on the health and wellbeing of patients, communicate and exchange routine/basic information.

Work Authorization/Security Clearance 

Must pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal-opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.

Other Duties 

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company, and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.

How to Apply

If you are interested in this role, please apply by sending your resume to hr@mrfrs.org

Veterinary Practice Manager

The Veterinary Practice Manager is responsible for overseeing business activities and the daily operation of the MRFRS Catmobile program (two mobile spay/neuter vehicles). This includes ensuring compliance with applicable regulations; hiring and training program staff; working with the Executive Director to prepare annual budgets; reviewing monthly performance and financials; maintaining inventory and an inventory control system; managing the program software; and implementing safety and security procedures. This is a manager position with the additional responsibility of ensuring a positive work environment in which MRFRS achieves its goals and meets the needs of MRFRS clients.

Role and Responsibilities

Team Management (35%):

  • Hires and manages Catmobile program staff. Responsible for managing relief coverage for staff members’ absences for sickness, PTO, or other leaves.
  • Schedules and coordinates regular performance reviews while giving continual performance feedback to all team members. In coordination with the Board and Executive Director, sets and periodically reviews salaries.
  • Provides/oversees internal training for all team members and assists all team members in planning for continuing education; establishes and maintains an internal library of publications/material for team education.
  • Oversee the monthly Feral TNR Clinic that MRFRS runs in partnership with MSPCA/Methuen. The clinics are staffed by volunteer veterinarians, technicians and assistants and oversight includes annual planning and monthly financial reporting.
  • Resolves team issues, provides guidance for team members, develops, and utilizes a formalized system of verbal and written/coaching guidance for team members.
  • Responsible for updating Catmobile program SOP’s and written job descriptions.

Facilities & Operations (30%):

  • Works with vet teams for scheduling of Catmobile appointments and surgeries to ensure the organization achieves budget goals (# of cats/day; mix of spays vs neuters).
  • Develops and maintains a schedule for vehicle and equipment maintenance; contracts for and supervises all maintenance activities in consultation with management team to ensure practice medical standards are maintained.
  • Works with the Veterinary Technicians to establish an inventory control system to assure adequate stocks of supplies are available; plans for periodic audits.
  • Oversee the volunteer run monthly Feral TNR Clinic (i.e., purchasing of supplies; invoicing; annual schedule)
  • Orders and supervises storage of non-medical supplies.

Financial Reporting (20%):

  • Monthly financial reporting reconciliation with bookkeeper to ensure accuracy between ClinicHQ and QBO.
  • Supervises usage of ClinicHQ software to ensure client/patient records are entered consistently and correctly and to ensure that subsidies and grants available to help financially challenged clients are effectively used and tracked.
  • Annually work with Executive Director to set goals for program performance based on historical data, industry standards, and corporate mission.

Client Relations (15%):

  • Promotes a client and patient centered program and facilitates processes that meet that need.
  • Facilitates resolution of client challenges that veterinarians, or other staff members cannot resolve.
  • Resolves financial challenges with clients.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

This is a full-time salaried position. Requires a minimum of 40 hours/week. The position may periodically require weekend and/or evening work.

Supervisor Responsibility

This position's direct reports include Veterinarians, Veterinary Technicians, and Veterinary Assistants, and volunteers.

Competencies

  • High energy and passion for MRFRS’ mission is essential.
  • Excellent communication skills with both team and clients, display tact and diplomacy.
  • Ability to recognize that teamwork is essential for the program to meet its goals successfully and safely; ability to work as a team member as well as a manager when necessary.
  • Working knowledge of and interest in the business aspect of a veterinary practice/clinic.
    Promotes continuous quality improvement.
  • Demonstrated ability in handling multiple priorities and meeting deadlines.
  • Model accountability, adaptability, collaboration, and respect which are attributes that are valued as part of MRFRS’ culture.
  • Must have a patient, calm, and professional demeanor.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • Bachelors’ degree required.
  • Certified Veterinary Services or Practice Manager designation is desired but not required.
  • Minimum of 3 years work experience as a veterinary practice manager or similar managerial experience in animal welfare is required.
  • Work exposure to all aspects of a business enterprise, with demonstrated competence in team management, facilities management, and financial reporting.
  • Strong proficiency with computers; general software such as Microsoft Word and Google; and clinic management software (i.e., ClinicHQ)
  • Valid driver’s license to be able to drive the Catmobile is required
  • Fluency in Spanish is a plus.

Workplace Environment

  • Environmental Conditions: The majority of this work is performed in an office environment, working with others on the phone and conducting daily business, utilizing computer software and a phone. On site at the CM, inside: cramped, sometimes loud environment with potential exposure to zoonotic disease. Outside the mobile unit exposed to all weather conditions and interaction with the public.
  • This position will be required to perform duties inside and outside of a mobile spay/neuter unit in physically tight conditions on the vehicle, and in all weather conditions outside the vehicle. Interaction with CM staff, the public and clients. Interaction with cats, some of which may be fractious, carry parasites, and/or zoonotic disease. The use of veterinary medical equipment and electronics such as cell phones and computers.
  • Noise: Conditions on the vehicle can be loud during operations.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements

  • Occasional lifting/carrying up to 30lbs regularly, 60lbs occasionally, constant motor control, occasional pushing up to 15lbs, occasional pulling up to 15lbs, occasional bending, occasional squatting, occasional kneeling, occasional reaching, constant standing, frequent walking, frequent fine motor control, frequent repetitive motion, constant finger dexterity, constant grasping/holding, constant hand/eye coordination. Ability to climb stairs and work outdoors in inclement weather.

Mental Requirements

Understand and apply routine verbal and/or written instructions, understand and apply non-routine verbal and/or written instructions, understand complex problems and collaborate to explore alternative solutions, organize actions to complete sequential and/or routine tasks, organize and prioritize individual work schedule to manage multiple clients, tasks, and/or projects, organize and prioritize the work schedules of others to manage multiple clients, tasks and/or projects, make decisions that have an impact on the individual’s work, make decisions that have an impact on the immediate work unit’s operations and/or services, make decisions that have significant impact on a department’s credibility, operations, and/or services, make decisions that have an impact on the health and wellbeing of clients, communicate and exchange routine/basic information.


Work Authorization/Security Clearance

Must pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.

Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.

Pay: $55,000.00 per year

We offer:

  • Competitive pay
  • Qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a non-profit organization.  https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service 
  • Paid time off / sick time
  • Career development opportunities
  • Health Insurance
  • Ability to help shape the future of our veterinary services programs and the knowledge that at the end of each day, you have helped the most vulnerable and in need cats and caretakers out there

If you are interested in one of these roles, please read the detailed job descriptions below and apply by sending your resume to hr@mrfrs.org

Spay/Neuter & Wellness Veterinary Technicians/Veterinary Assistants

MRFRS is seeking skilled and compassionate Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants who are interested in being a part of our team and helping us address the significant need for low cost spay neuter and wellness for cats and caretakers in eastern MA and southern NH as a member of our MRFRS Medical Team.  

MRFRS’s Catmobile Program is a mobile spay/neuter clinic designed specifically for cats.  Since hitting the road in 2008, the MRFRS Catmobile has been responsible for spaying/neutering over 68,000 cats, making a significant contribution to the reduction of feline overpopulation and an increase in feline wellness in our region.

The Catmobile Program covers the North Shore, South Shore, Central MA, MetroWest, Merrimack River Valley and greater Boston areas.  Our locations are chosen thoughtfully to meet community needs, which we know based on our own data, where client requests are coming from, and a recently conducted needs assessment/survey. Veterinary teams can cover all or just portions of our service areas.  Help us design the perfect position for you.

We offer:

  • Flexible locations served
  • Competitive pay
  • Qualifies for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program as a non-profit organization.  https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service 
  • Paid time off / sick time
  • Career development opportunities
  • Tufts Health Plan
  • A brand new mobile veterinary vehicle 
  • Ability to help shape the future of our veterinary services programs and the knowledge that at the end of each day, you have helped the most vulnerable and in need cats and caretakers out there

If you are interested in one of these roles, please read the detailed job descriptions below and apply by sending your resume to hr@mrfrs.org

Spay/Neuter & Wellness Veterinary Technician Details

The successful Veterinary Technician applicant will:

  • Come with Veterinary Technician experience (surgical prep experience preferred)
  • Have strong customer service experience/skills
  • Be an outgoing and patient "people person" with strong communication skills
  • Be well organized and able to work within a variety of software
  • Be a proactive and goal drive team player

Compensation

  • Full-time; Non-exempt; Hourly Rate = $23 - $26 depending on experience

Role and Responsibilities

  • Assist veterinarian to maximize productivity, maintain flow and optimal client care.
  • Assist with surgery preparation, inductions, recovery, and monitoring cats recovering from surgery with direction and supervision of veterinarian.
  • Obtain relevant health history and information from cat owners and update them in Clinic HQ.
  • Communicate with clients about procedures performed, follow-up care, any recognized pet health concerns and offer guidance on additional treatments per veterinarian recommendations.
  • Prepare and administer medications, vaccines and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian.
  • Assist with surgical preparation, inductions, and recovery of patients with direction and supervision of veterinarian.
  • Care for and monitor the condition of cats recovering from surgery.
  • Practice fear free restraint and techniques with client pets and feral cats when possible.
  • Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing.
  • Document clients visit in Clinic HQ.
  • Clean instruments, equipment, surfaces, and other materials.
  • Notifying the CM Coordinator of an equipment malfunction or issues in a timely manner.
  • Assist Catmobile Program Coordinator when needed and flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non operational.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

  • The position is a full-time hourly position. Typically four, ten-hour days, allowing flexibility for scheduling and when operations are concluded.

Supervisor Responsibility

  • Train and support Catmobile staff and volunteers as needed.

Competencies

  • Collaboration in a team environment.
  • Problem solving/analysis.
  • Project management.
  • Communication proficiency: able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of clients.
  • Ethical conduct: adhere to the mission statement and guiding principles of MRFRS.
  • Strong customer service skills.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • Two years relevant experience.
  • Veterinary technician training.
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, a clean driving record, willing and able to drive the mobile clinic.
  • Animal handling skill and experience.
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds regularly and 60 pounds occasionally.

Workplace Environment

  • Environmental Conditions: This position will be required to perform duties inside and outside of a mobile spay/neuter unit in physically tight conditions on the vehicle, and in all weather conditions outside the vehicle. Interaction with CM staff, the public and clients. Interaction with cats, some of which may be fractious, carry parasites, and or zoonotic disease. The use of veterinary medical equipment and electronics such as cell phones and computers.
  • Noise: Conditions on the vehicle can be loud during operations.
  • Working Conditions: Interaction with clients occurs outdoors, regardless of weather. The CM workspace is tight. Some days may run long. Some clients can be challenging.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements
  • Essential Job Functions: Veterinary records review. Support the veterinarian as she/he examines, medically treats, and provides spay/neuter surgery to patients. Perform patient prep, monitoring, and discharge. Physically lift and move cats, carriers, supplies and equipment.
  • Marginal Job Functions: Drive the s/n vehicle to and from each clinic location. Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available. Load and unload of supplies. With MRFRS management and others, ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive, and that the clinic is safe to operate (equipment is functional, safe temperatures etc. can be maintained). Flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non-operational.

Work Authorization

  • Must pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.


How to apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@mrfrs.org. No phone calls please. In the cover letter, describe your relevant experience and skills. Position will remain open until filled.
Spay/Neuter & Wellness Veterinary Assistant Details

The successful Veterinary Assistant applicant will:

  • Have strong customer service experience/skills
  • Be an outgoing and patient "people person" with strong communication skills
  • Be well organized and able to work within a variety of software
  • Be a proactive and goal drive team player

Compensation

  • Part-time; Non-exempt; Hourly Rate = $20 - $22 depending on experience

Role and Responsibilities

  • Assist veterinary team to maximize productivity, maintain flow and optimal client care.
  • Assist with surgery preparation and procedures in accordance with Massachusetts Veterinary Practice Act.
  • Obtain relevant health history and information from cat owners and update them in Clinic HQ.
  • Communicate with clients about procedures performed, follow-up care, any recognized pet health concerns and offer guidance on additional treatments per veterinarian recommendations.
  • Prepare and administer medications, vaccines and treatments as prescribed by the veterinarian when trained.
  • Assist with surgical preparation, inductions, and recovery of patients with direction and supervision of veterinarian.
  • Care for and monitor the condition of cats recovering from surgery.
  • Collect, prepare, and label samples for laboratory testing.
  • Document clients visit in Clinic HQ.
  • Clean instruments, equipment, surfaces, and other materials.
  • Assist Catmobile Program Coordinator when needed and flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non operational.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work

  • The position is a part-time non-exempt hourly position consisting of four 8-hour days (Mon, Tue, Thu, Fri).

Supervisor Responsibility

  • This position has no direct supervisor responsibilities.

Competencies

  • Collaboration in a team environment.
  • Problem solving/analysis.
  • Project management.
  • Communication proficiency: able to communicate effectively with a wide variety of clients.
  • Ethical conduct: adhere to the mission statement and guiding principles of MRFRS.
  • Strong customer service skills.

Qualifications and Education Requirements

  • High School diploma or equivalent.
  • 1+ years of experience in animal care or in a clinic preferred.
  • Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, a clean driving record.
  • Animal handling skill and experience preferred.
  • Ability to lift 40 pounds regularly and 60 pounds occasionally.

Workplace Environment

  • Environmental Conditions: This position will be required to perform duties inside and outside of a mobile spay/neuter unit in physically tight conditions on the vehicle, and in all weather conditions outside the vehicle. Interaction with CM staff, the public and clients. Interaction with cats, some of which may be fractious, carry parasites, and or zoonotic disease. The use of veterinary medical equipment and electronics such as cell phones and computers.
  • Noise: Conditions on the vehicle can be loud during operations.
  • Working Conditions: Interaction with clients occurs outdoors, regardless of weather. The CM workspace is tight. Some days may run long. Some clients can be challenging.

Manual Duties/Physical Requirements
  • Essential Job Functions: Veterinary records review. Support the veterinarian as she/he examines, medically treats, and provides spay/neuter surgery to patients. Perform patient prep, monitoring, and discharge. Physically lift and move cats, carriers, supplies and equipment.
  • Marginal Job Functions: Drive the s/n vehicle to and from each clinic location. Ensure necessary supplies and equipment are available. Load and unload of supplies. With MRFRS management and others, ensure that the vehicle is safe to drive, and that the clinic is safe to operate (equipment is functional, safe temperatures etc. can be maintained). Flex to other organizational tasks when CM is non-operational.

Work Authorization

  • Must pass a background check performed on all employees at time of employment and periodically during employment.

AAP/EEO Statement

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society is an equal opportunity employer. No applicant for employment or employee of MRFRS is denied equal opportunity because of race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, status as a parent, marital status, national origin, age, disability (physical or mental), family medical history or genetic information, political affiliation, military service or other legally protected status in its employment pursuant to state and federal laws.


Other Duties

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a complete list of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities will change from time to time to meet the needs of the department, our company and our customers. Employees are expected to perform duties as assigned, even if they fall outside this job description.


How to apply

To apply, please send a cover letter and resume to hr@mrfrs.org. No phone calls please. In the cover letter, describe your relevant experience and skills. Position will remain open until filled.

MRFRS Volunteer Board Member

Merrimack River Feline Rescue Society (MRFRS) is conducting a search for individuals to serve on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors is tasked with moving MRFRS strategically and successfully forward toward the achievement of our mission, which is to improve the lives of all cats and provide support and education for the people who care about them.

In addition to a commitment to the mission, board members are expected to participate in raising funds to ensure that adequate financial resources are available for the organization to do its work. This includes making personal contributions as well as helping with fundraising in a meaningful way.

For the complete board member job description, please read below. If you would like to apply, please click here. Humane Network is conducting this volunteer board member search on behalf of MRFRS and will review all applications. 

MRFRS Volunteer Board Member Position Details

Expectations of all board members

    In addition to being passionate about the organization’s mission and believing in its work, a non-profit board member has core responsibilities in each of the following areas listed below.

Fulfill their Fiduciary Responsibility

Fiduciary responsibility means that each non-profit board member must help ensure the long term financial stability and fiscal responsibility of the organization. These duties include:
  • Review and approve an annual operating budget and monitor results during the fiscal year to ensure MRFRS’ financial resources are being spent in the pursuit of its mission and a sustainable organization
  • Review and approve contracts entered into by the organization
  • Review and approve MRFRS’ investment policy
  • Help ensure that the organization has strong financial practices and controls in place

Financially Support the Organization

  • Include MRFRS as one of their top three philanthropic priorities
  • Make a personal annual cash donation at a level that is meaningful to you. The minimum level is $1,000 which can be made in monthly installments.
  • In addition to the board member’s personal donation, it is expected that each board member will raise another $2500. This obligation can be met in a variety of ways including selling tickets for events, obtaining sponsorships, grants or other cash donations from businesses or social connections, hosting a personal event or online challenge to raise funds for MRFRS, raising donations for Strut for Strays, or donating auction items for one of MRFRS’ auctions. If the board member prefers, they can personally donate all or a portion of the $2500 obligation.

Legal and Ethical Oversight

A critical role of Board members is taking responsibility to ensure MRFRS follows the legal and ethical standards for business in general as well as those standards unique to nonprofit organizations. Strong integrity and sound business practices enhance the public image of MRFRS and help to further its cause.
  • Understand the legal, and ethical responsibilities the Board carries and actively review performance of the organization, raise questions and suggest solutions to ensure MRFRS is financially sound and provides meaningful services to the community.
  • Be conversant with the bylaws and articles of incorporation and keep their individual Board “files” up-to-date by adding new material as they receive it.
  • Read and be conversant with the contents of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Guide for Board Members of Charitable Organizations

Serve as an Ambassador

  • Be aware of and share community activities and legal/political developments that may impact MRFRS and/or its programs and bring them to the attention of the Board
  • Represent MRFRS to individuals, the public and other organizations in a positive light
  • Be able to promote MRFRS’ mission and importance during casual conversation, networking events and wherever possible
  • Attend events and support fundraising activities, such as Strut for Strays, Fur Ball, Whisker Wonderland and the Leadership Donor Appreciation Night and engage with donors and other supporters at these events
  • Promote events and activities to your social network and personal connections.
  • Engage in donor, potential staff and potential board member cultivation.

Engage in Strategic Planning

  • Create and periodically update a strategic plan to guide MRFRS in the achievement of its mission. Note: The implementation plan is created by staff and is reviewed and approved by the members of the Board
  • Stay informed about animal welfare issues locally and nationally; and
  • Approve the programs to be offered through MRFRS and monitor program goals and performance as well as program expenses and the budget to ensure alignment with the organization’s mission. Note: MRFRS’ staff carry out daily operations and programs.

Hire and Support Organization's Executive Leadership

  • Select an appropriate person to fill each executive leadership position;
  • Establish goals and supports the individual in the achievement of the goals and assesses completion of those goals;
  • Periodically evaluates the performance with a formal evaluation occurring at least annually
  • Collaborate with staff leadership to secure the resources needed to meet the needs of those MRFRS service in accordance with the board’s fiduciary responsibilities and its mission, and
  • Terminates and replaces leadership staff when necessary.

Ensure Long Term Board Strength

  • Help build a future board member “pipeline” and keep board succession planning top of mind
  • Identify and recruit board or board committee members based on the needs of the organization
  • Serve on a board committee