The James River Association (JRA) is a non-profit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. JRA is excited to announce an opening for a Donor Engagement Manager. In this role, you’ll plan and execute events across the James River Watershed, drive engagement with our donors, and support our 5-year strategic Development plan.

We’re looking for someone with exceptional communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for event planning and building relationships with donors, and a personal interest in the James River. This is a hybrid position working out of our Richmond, VA office.

 Responsibilities: 

• Event Planning and Coordination: Plan, coordinate, and execute JRA events throughout the James River watershed, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and community impact.
• Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with Development and Marketing Teams to develop event concepts, oversee design and production of materials, manage promotion, and fulfill sponsorship commitments.
• Budget Management: Develop and manage event budgets, track expenses, and meet revenue goals to support JRA’s financial objectives.
• Sponsorship Development: Create tailored sponsorship packages in collaboration with the Development Team, CEO, Board of Directors, and Event Committees to secure sponsorships and maintain partner satisfaction.
• Relationship Building: Cultivate and strengthen relationships with current event sponsors while actively pursuing new sponsorship opportunities to expand support.
• Volunteer Management: Recruit, train, and manage event volunteers, including leading volunteer committees as necessary, to ensure efficient and effective event execution.
• Event Metrics Analysis: Track and analyze event metrics to assess success and inform future planning and improvements.
• Logistics Oversight: Manage all event logistics, from venue selection to on-site coordination, ensuring a seamless and professional experience for attendees and partners.
• Donor Portfolio Management: Manage an assigned portfolio of annual donors, developing and executing cultivation and solicitation strategies in collaboration with the Development Team to increase donor engagement and support.
• Community Representation: Conduct presentations, tours, donor visits, and represent the organization at community events, supporting broader development initiatives such as annual appeals.

Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated passion for driving revenue from event management  and engaging audiences in outdoor settings.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of professionalism.
• Experience managing donor relationships within a nonprofit environment.
• Proficient in information management for reporting, 
• Proven experience in executing diverse fundraising strategies.
• Skilled in encouraging a positive team culture and embedding DEIJ initiatives into daily work
• Strong interpersonal skills with a proven ability to manage and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Flexibility to travel across the James River Watershed as needed.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in relevant field, or equivalent experience
• 2-3 years of experience in event planning and volunteer coordination.
• Demonstrated success in revenue generation from events.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively.
• Excellent interpersonal skills with a professional demeanor.
• High standards for quality and attention to detail.
• Experience in office administration.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and event and data management software.
• Proven success in event management and execution, with strong writing and interpersonal skills for effective relationship-building.
• Attention to detail with timely follow-through on commitments and public speaking ability for engaging with groups and organizations.
• Commitment to understanding and fostering donor relationships, recognition, and stewardship in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong initiative, flexibility, and a self-directed work ethic aligned with JRA’s mission, vision, and values.
• Willingness to travel throughout the James River watershed for meetings and events, with a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation for donor visits and activities.

Competitive Salary & Benefits Package includes fully paid employee-only health and dental coverage, Life and LTD insurance, generous paid time off (starting at four weeks/year), twelve paid holidays, and 401(k) matched contributions! Professional development and growth opportunities. Work-life balance and dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment. The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $55,000 to $62,000 annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.