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: 1) Achieving a fully healthy James River; and 2) Helping communities within the watershed realize the benefits from a healthy James River and support protecting it.

Commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Justice

We’re committed to embedding the principles of diversity, equity, inclusion and justice (DEIJ) in all parts of our work and our watershed. We acknowledge this takes time, intention, and effort. It requires truly listening to others, identifying shared goals, and charting a strategic course through collective action. People who have been historically marginalized in the James River Watershed have suffered injustices for far too long. At JRA, we recognize that at times our actions and inaction have contributed to the problem, and now we are stepping up to be part of the solution.

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.

Open Positions

Director of Marketing and Communications

Location: Richmond, VA
Telework: Hybrid
Experience:  Mid-Senior
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full Time, Exempt
Salary Range: 65K-75K annually
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 seeking a full-time Director of Marketing and Communications. This role involves managing marketing strategies, overseeing communications, handling media relations, coordinating outreach, and raising awareness of JRA. Reporting to the President and CEO and working closely with the Senior Digital Marketing Manager, the Director will ensure consistent messaging and branding across all programs and activities.

The ideal candidate will have excellent communication and interpersonal skills, strong project management experience, a proven track record in marketing campaigns, media relations experience, and a personal interest in the James River.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and execute annual strategic marketing plan to increase awareness of JRA and assist JRA in achieving its mission and goals  
• Manage and work closely with Senior Digital Marketing Manager to develop and implement targeted strategies
• Manage JRA’s marketing committee, leading meetings and keeping members informed and engaged
• Act as primary contact for the media, handling all press outreach, fielding interview requests, and working with fellow staff to create press releases and story pitches
• Manage, develop, and steward JRA cause marketing partnerships to meet goals for both awareness and fundraising  
• Oversee community partner initiatives and opportunities, managing outreach and collaborating with community partners to bring awareness to JRA’s mission and work
• Along with Senior Digital Marketing Manager, develop, produce, and track content for marketing and communication purposes, including e-newsletters, social media, website, and print collateral 
• Meet with program and development staff regularly to touch base about promotion and marketing needs
• Support marketing and communications goals as outlined in JRA’s organizational strategic plan and strategic equity plan 
• Ensure that all external communications from JRA are reviewed and approved for accuracy, clarity, and consistency with regard to JRA’s mission and core values
• Ensure that JRA’s brand is expressed consistently, comprehensively, and with the highest quality

Qualifications: 

• Exceptional interpersonal and verbal communication, with effective relationship-building skills
• Excellent writing and copyediting skills  
• Highly computer savvy with working knowledge of G-suite, Mailchimp, social media platforms, and graphic design programs (Adobe, Canva)  
• Superior organizational skills with high level of detail-orientation
• Strong time management skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment
• Sound judgment, decision-making skills and discretion 
• An enthusiastic, creative, respectful, and flexible team player who embraces challenges and works proactively 
• Willingness to travel between JRA’s offices–this position primarily works remotely and out of the Richmond office but will need to periodically travel to our Lynchburg, Scottsville, and Williamsburg offices

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree in marketing, communications, public relations, nonprofit development, or related field
• Minimum of 5-7 years experience successfully developing and executing marketing campaigns and working in media relations
• Ability to pass pre-employment background checks

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Strategic Planning and Execution: The ability to develop and implement effective marketing strategies that align with the nonprofit’s mission and objectives, ensuring that all marketing efforts support the overall goals of the organization.
• Communication and Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal and written communication skills to create compelling narratives and effectively convey the organization’s message, along with strong interpersonal skills to build and maintain relationships with stakeholders, partners, and the media.
• Project Management: Strong organizational and project management abilities to oversee multiple campaigns and initiatives simultaneously, ensuring they are completed on time, within budget, and achieve desired outcomes.

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 $65,000-$75,000 annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled. 

Upper James Environmental Educator

Location: Madison Heights, VA
Telework: On-site
Experience: Associate-Mid
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full Time, Exempt
Salary Range: 40K-45K annually
Reports to: Upper James Education Manager

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 Upper James Environmental Educator! In this role, you’ll team up with other JRA staff to organize and develop both existing and new education initiatives. You’ll play a key part in fostering a supportive, positive team environment that values an inclusive, community-focused approach to educational programs.

You’ll also assist a seasonal educator in creating and understanding curriculum and educational techniques. Reporting to the Upper James Education Manager and working closely with seasonal educators, you’ll ensure exceptional service to our stakeholders and schools.

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for environmental education and curriculum development, and a personal interest in the James River. 

Responsibilities: 

• Lead hands on environmental education programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Use spreadsheets and relevant systems to organize and maintain the master education schedule.
• Develop and sustain strong relationships with school administrators, teachers, youth groups, and organizational partners to improve program outcomes and ensure high participation retention in JRA education programs.
• Send out biweekly newsletters to parents and relevant stakeholders to support seasonal camp programs.
• Assist in managing specific student needs, including email correspondence with parents regarding transportation arrangements.
• Oversee volunteer-led water quality testing programs, such as the James River Watch program, ensuring consistent and accurate data collection.
• Assist in creating curriculum for the education program and collaborate with the Upper James Education Manager on program implementation.
• Keep track of inventory, monitor usage, and replenish necessary supplies for the Upper James office, including all program-related materials.

Qualifications: 

• Proficiency with Google suite and Microsoft Excel
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• 1-2 years of experience in the field of environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential education 

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, science education, or a related field.  
• Ability to operate JRA vehicles and obtain a valid state issued driver’s license
• Ability to lift equipment ranging from 40-50 pounds
• Ability to pass applicable pre-hire or licensure background checks
• Must have strong written and oral communication skills and be able to effectively interact with diverse audiences of youth, educators, donors, partners, and the general public.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for secondary school-aged youth is required.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Experience in planning lessons aligned with the state standards of learning (SOL)
• Flexibility and ability to engage positively on a consistent basis with age groups K-12.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and patience with diverse stakeholders while managing multiple responsibilities.

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 $40,000-$45,000 annually, depending upon several factors including education and work experience.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled. 

Grants Coordinator

Location: Richmond, VA
Telework: Hybrid, 1-2 Days Onsite
Experience: Associate-Mid
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Full Time, Non-exempt
Funding Status: Funded
Salary Range: 43K-53K annually
Reports to: Director of Grants

The James River Association(JRA) is a non-profit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. Each year, JRA executes a robust grants program to secure essential funding for JRA programs. This funding is sourced from a diverse array of entities, including family foundations, corporations, private foundations, and governmental agencies. Once grants are secured, they require meticulous administration, which encompasses tracking expenditures, monitoring grant activities against approved budgets, managing invoices, reporting, and overseeing contracts. This position will collaborate with program staff to assist with various aspects of grants management and ensure compliance with funder requirements. JRA is seeking a Grants Coordinator who is passionate about making a difference and is readily able to add value.

Responsibilities:

• Fundraising and Research: Identify and research new funding opportunities to support various programs across the James River watershed.
• Compliance Coordination: Provide guidance and develop procedures to manage federal funding, ensuring compliance with federal standards and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) Code of Federal Regulations (CFR).
• Data Management: Support grant data management in Salesforce, ensuring accurate and up-to-date records. Run monthly backups of grant files to ensure data integrity and security.
• Liaison Duties: Function as liaison as needed between select program staff and grant funders, ensuring clear communication and adherence to submission requirements.
• Submissions Support: Collect and document submission requirements, maintain and update the calendar of submission deadlines, and collaborate with program staff to ensure all deadlines are met using Excel and Salesforce. Send submissions to the designated reviewer for final edits and upload or send submission components to funders.
• Application Preparation: Support the coordination of initial applications, narratives, and budgets for submissions, collaborating with program staff to develop required information and budgets.

James River Association – Grants Coordinator

• Document Support: Compile or create required attachments for applications, review and edit documents provided by staff, and complete requested submission edits to ensure completeness and accuracy.
• Agreement Coordination: Review and coordinate elements of grant agreements, and manage the creation and distribution of thank-you letters for grant awards.
• Invoice and Forms: Create and send invoices as needed, complete and submit various forms required by federal funders, and lead processes for QAPP and NEPA reviews.
• Financial Tracking: Support coordination of financial tracking spreadsheets for approximately 30 grants.
• Template Organization: Organize and maintain agreement templates for partners, ensuring appropriate documents are utilized in collaboration with program staff.
• Reporting: Support calendar of reporting deadlines, partner with program staff to meet deadlines. Run general expense reports from QuickBooks and personnel reports from Paychex, gather and verify data points, and create initial financial statements for reports.
• Account Management: Manage various federal accounts necessary for funding, including ASAP, Grants.gov, and SAM.

Qualifications: 

• Demonstrated experience in grants management and compliance with federal funding requirements.
• Proficiency in Salesforce and Excel, with the ability to transition data management processes to Salesforce.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills.
• Ability to manage multiple deadlines and projects simultaneously.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in related field: Public Administration, Nonprofit Management, Business Administration, Environmental Sciences or – an Associate’s Degree in related field plus 3-5 years of equivalent work experience
• Ability to pass pre-employment background checks

Preferred Skills & Experience:  

• At least 3-5 years of experience in writing, reporting, tracking data points, and securing grants from private and government sources.
• At least 1 year of experience using Paychex reporting functions
• At least 1 year of experience using Salesforce
• At least 1 year of experience using Google Suite and Microsoft Suite

James River Association – Grants Coordinator

Physical Requirements 

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 
• Must be able to lift 15 pounds at times.  

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 non-exempt salary range for this full-time (FTE 1) 

position is $43K-53K annually, depending upon related credentials and work experience.  

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled. 

Seasonal Environmental Educator

Location: Richmond, VA
Telework: On-site
Experience:  Entry
Number of Openings: 1
Job Status: Part-time
Salary Range: $20 per hour
Reports to: Richmond Education Manager 

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 Seasonal Environmental Educator based in Richmond, VA! In this role, you’ll team up with other JRA staff to implement both existing and new education initiatives. You’ll participate in a supportive, positive team environment that values an inclusive, community-focused approach to educational programs.

You’ll be working an average of 30 hours/week, including occasional weekends, with contract renewal at the end of the fall season (December 1). Reporting to an Education Manager and working closely with other educators, you’ll ensure exceptional service to our stakeholders and schools.

We’re looking for someone with excellent communication and interpersonal skills, a passion for environmental education and curriculum development, and a personal interest in the James River. 

Responsibilities:

• Lead hands on environmental education programs for students from kindergarten through 12th grade.
• Work with boats and field equipment at various sites to conduct outdoor experiences.
• Provide a safe educational environment for students in a variety of new experiences.
• Support strong relationships with school administrators, teachers, youth groups, and organizational partners to improve program outcomes and ensure high participation retention in JRA education programs.
• Assist in creating curriculum for the education program and collaborate with the Richmond Education Manager and Senior Education Manager on program implementation.

Qualifications: 

• Familiarity with Google suite and basic computer skills
• Excellent communication and collaboration skills
• Reliability to work at various sites for 30 hours each week

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in environmental science, science education, or a related field.  
• Ability to operate JRA vehicles and obtain a valid state issued driver’s license
• Ability to lift equipment ranging from 40-50 pounds
• Ability to pass applicable pre-hire or licensure background checks
• Must have strong communication skills and be able to effectively interact with diverse audiences of youth, educators, donors, partners, and the general public.

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• 1-2 years of experience in the field of environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential education 
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for school-aged students.
• Experience in planning lessons aligned with the state standards of learning (SOL)
• Flexibility and ability to engage positively on a consistent basis with age groups K-12.
• Ability to demonstrate compassion and patience with diverse stakeholders while managing multiple responsibilities.

Salary & Benefits Information: Rate of pay is $20 per hour for an average of 30 hours per week, issued biweekly on Wednesdays. Seasonal and part-time employees are eligible for supplemental benefits through our third-party providers.

APPLY by sending your resume and cover letter to talent@thejamesriver.org. This position will remain open until filled. 

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.

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!