Employment

About the James River Association

Founded in 1976, the James River Association is the oldest and largest river conservation group in Virginia, and the only organization solely dedicated to protecting and restoring America’s Founding River, the James River. JRA’s mission is to be the guardian of the James River – to provide a voice for the river and take action to promote conservation and responsible stewardship of its natural resources. To accomplish our mission, JRA’s two strategic goals include:

• Achieving a fully healthy James River
• Helping communities within the watershed realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it.

Open Positions

Vice President of Finance and Operations

Location: Richmond, Virginia (primary office)
Telework: Hybrid and flexible
Experience: 8-10 years in nonprofit finance and human resources
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full time, Exempt
Salary Range: $110,000-$120,000
Reports to: President and Chief Executive Officer

The James River Association is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. With the upcoming retirement of our long-serving Vice President of Finance and Operations, we are beginning the search for our next financial and operational leader. This is a meaningful opportunity to join a values-driven team that cares deeply about our people, our river, and the communities we serve.

We are seeking a seasoned, steady, and relationship-centered executive who can guide the financial health of the organization, nurture a positive operational and cultural environment, and serve as a trusted partner to our leadership team. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in nonprofit finance, strategic budgeting, operational excellence, human resources, and people-centered leadership. This person will help shape JRA’s next chapter and ensure a strong foundation for our mission now and into the future.

Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of JRA’s finances and operations.
• Key liaison responsible for the annual “Single” Audit and Form 990
• Manage and mentor the Administration team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance to provide steady and meaningful support for all of JRA’s activities
• Identify opportunities and oversee development of ways to improve operational systems and organizational efficiency
• Ensure accuracy of financial records and best practices in cash management
• Create and prepare the annual budget in collaboration with other staff and leadership, as well as prepare regular financial reports for each program area
• With the Director of People and Culture annually review, maintain and modernize benefits offerings
• Lead quarterly finance committee meetings, presenting salient financial data
• Work closely with the Development team, including tracking of long-term pledges and providing year to date revenue data for comparison and reporting to the board
• Serve as a key member of JRA’s executive leadership team, contributing to organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.

Qualifications:

• Proven success in nonprofit budgeting, audit and cash management as well as an understanding of restricted funds and endowments.
• Executive presence with strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience with human resources functions including benefits, staff culture and support, and maintaining operational excellence
• Firm commitment to the ethical standards expected of accounting professionals.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire a team.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8-10+ years of experience in finance and HR, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field; CPA license preferred
• Proficiency in QuickBooks (desktop) and superior Excel skills

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Ability to present data in understandable and impactful way to board and staff
• Perseverance in achieving efficiencies, savings, and improving processes and work flow
• Capacity to work collaboratively across departments to maintain a deep understanding of the operations and financial activity of the organization
• Self-starter who is naturally intuitive with excellent listening skills

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. Dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment.

The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $110,000 – $120,000 annually, depending on education and work experience.

APPLY by submitting your resume and cover letter through this link. This position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated hire date in early February 2026.

Development Data Specialist

Location: Richmond, VA
Telework: Hybrid
Experience:  Mid
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Exempt
Salary Range: $55K-$65K annually
Reports to: VP or Director of Development

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 an [job title] In this role, you’ll be an important member of the development team, who will manage all aspects of JRA’s Salesforce database with related teams and software. Primary responsibilities include entering donor and gift data, managing system integrations, and providing detailed reports as needed.

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for detailed systems that support programs and development, and a personal interest in the James River. 

Responsibilities: 

• Maintain consistent data management principles and fully utilize all features of JRA’s donor database, Salesforce N22onprofit Success Pack (NPSP) with accurate attention to detail. 
• Create and run accurate reports to help support all development efforts, including Cause Marketing and Corporate Sponsorships. 
• Onboard new staff members and provide ongoing training for current staff. 
• Create and update report graphs and dashboards for Grants and Development. 
• Enter and code all donations and data into Salesforce to include but not limited to checks, online giving, ACH transfers, grants, and matching gifts.
• Partner with Marketing for multi-year mailed appeal projects including but not limited to reporting on donor segments based on giving history. 
• Lead moves management of major donors and endowment campaign donor prospects. 
• Provide constituent support for updating records, providing instructions, and tax receipts.
• Partner with the Accounting/Admin team to reconcile gifts between NPSP and QuickBooks at month end. 
• Utilize partner platforms like Stripe, PayPal, FundraiseUp, and JotForm.
• Incorporate mass email tool (Yet Another Mail Merge) to support email initiatives from the Assets team. 
• In conjunction with other members of the fundraising team, record detailed information on donor contacts as well as donor meetings.
• Configure and send all donor acknowledgements, utilizing Salesforce, Google sheets and Microsoft Word.
• Provide monthly review of lapsed pledges for mailed reminder letters.
• Other duties and requests as assigned, including support Development team events like 50th Anniversary Gala, EcoFest, and donor events.

Qualifications: 

• Ability to problem solve and find solutions in efficient and effective ways.
• Successfully builds relationships by understanding organization and department goals. 
• Promotes and adheres to JRA’s mission, vision and values; policies and applicable laws in a fair and equitable manner.
• Represents the organization in a professional manner to all donors, vendors, and internal staff; willing to be a team player for larger team events. 
• Hybrid work environment – in office generally 2-3 (partial) days per week; Minimal to no overtime.
• Successfully complete pre-employment background screening.

Requirements:

•  Bachelor’s degree in information technology, data analytics or related field 
• Minimum 2 years experience with CRM platforms (Salesforce strongly preferred). 
• Skilled with Microsoft Office and Google Workspace, as well as experience with standard office equipment.

 Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Preferred experience working in non-profits, preferably in development
• Demonstrated ability to collaborate effectively across departments and teams to align data and fundraising goals with organizational priorities
• Experience applying an equity and inclusion lens to data management, donor engagement, and cross-functional decision-making processes

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 $65,000 annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.

APPLY by submitting your resume and cover letter through this link. This position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated hire date of late November 2025.

Vice President of Development

Location: Richmond, Virginia (primary office)
Telework: Hybrid/flexible
Experience:  8-10+ years in nonprofit fundraising and executive leadership
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full-time, Exempt
Salary Range: $115,000 – $125,000 annually (depending on experience)
Reports to: President and CEO

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 Vice President of Development. In this role, you’ll lead our fundraising and development strategy, cultivate and steward relationships with donors, and lead a high-performing team to deliver on ambitious revenue goals that advance JRA’s mission and 50th Anniversary campaign.

We’re looking for someone with charisma, executive presence, and the ability to “read the room,” who can inspire confidence among donors, board members, and staff alike. The ideal candidate will bring proven success in fundraising leadership, an understanding of development systems and platforms, and the vision to guide JRA’s development strategy into its next chapter.

Responsibilities: 

• Provide strategic leadership for all aspects of JRA’s development program, including annual giving, major gifts, corporate partnerships, foundations, special events, and planned giving.
• Partner closely with the President & CEO and Board of Directors to cultivate, solicit, and steward major donors and prospects, ensuring high-level engagement and strong donor relationships.
• Lead the planning and execution of JRA’s 50th Anniversary Endowment Campaign, including endowment growth and transformational giving opportunities.
• Manage and mentor the development team, fostering a culture of collaboration, accountability, and high performance.
• Establish and manage systems, processes, and platforms (including Salesforce) to manage donor relationships, track progress, and ensure accurate reporting.
• Collaborate with program and communications staff to align fundraising strategies with JRA’s mission, strategic plan, and equity goals.
• Oversee donor engagement and fundraising events such as EcoFest and JRA’s 50th Anniversary Gala.
• Serve as a key member of JRA’s executive leadership team, contributing to organization-wide decision making and strategic planning.

Qualifications:

• Proven success in nonprofit fundraising leadership, with a track record of securing major gifts and overseeing multimillion-dollar campaigns.
• Executive presence with strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Experience engaging and supporting Boards of Directors and high-level volunteers in fundraising.
• Strong knowledge of donor stewardship strategies, moves management, and best practices in development operations.
• Demonstrated ability to manage and inspire a team.

Requirements:

• Minimum of 8-10+ years of progressive experience in development or advancement, with at least 5 years in a senior leadership role.
• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Master’s degree preferred).
• Familiarity with CRM platforms (Salesforce strongly preferred).
• Willingness to travel within the watershed and occasionally outside the region.
  Ability to attend evening and weekend events as needed.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience leading a successful endowment or capital campaign.
• Knowledge of the philanthropic landscape in Virginia and the Mid-Atlantic region.
• Strong presentation skills with the ability to inspire diverse audiences.
• Experience integrating equity and inclusion into fundraising strategies.

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. Dynamic, hybrid/flexible work environment.

The exempt salary range for this full-time position is $115,000 – $125,000 annually, depending on education and work experience.

APPLY by submitting your resume and cover letter through this link. This position will remain open until filled, with an anticipated hire date of late November 2025.

Open Request For Proposal

The James River Association is requesting proposals from qualified contractors for construction services to be provided at Belmont Branch Library in the City of Richmond, Virginia.

Proposals should include the contractor’s summary of qualifications and past experience working on similar projects, an implementation plan with schedule and costs, and contact information for three references. Proposals should be emailed to Katy Riley of the James River Association at kriley@thejamesriver.org by close of business on Friday, December 12, 2025.

Why Work for the James River Association?

COMMUNITY drives everything we do.

We believe in the power of community to achieve common goals, honoring a full range of voices in the process. Our efforts consider the varied needs and interests of our watershed communities.

Building a James River for All

JRA’s vision is a fully healthy James River, valued by all communities in the watershed. At JRA, we believe in community, conservation, and driving change. We encourage applications from all backgrounds—if you’re excited about working with us, we want to hear from you!

JRA is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on race, color, religion, national origin, age, gender, sex, ancestry, citizenship status, genetic information, sexual orientation, veteran status, military status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Volunteer

Ready to give back to the James? Whether it’s getting your hands dirty with one of our Watershed Restoration projects, acting as a voice for the river through our Advocacy efforts or helping out with office tasks, there is a job for everyone to play a part in making a cleaner James River.

If you live or work in the James River watershed, you can give back to its health.

We have great opportunities if you prefer working on land – or even your own backyard.

Use your time on the river to give back to its health.

We also have opportunities for individuals who enjoy time on the James. If you routinely spend time fishing, paddling, or boating the James or one of its tributaries, these are great ways to get involved!