Employment

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.

Seasonal Environmental Educator Richmond Office

The James River Association is seeking an hourly based seasonal Environmental Education to lead elementary, middle and high school students in the Richmond area. The Seasonal Environmental Educator responsibilities will be to help provide support on daily outdoors programming. The programming will include paddle programs in kayak and canoes along with land-based education. The applicant will need to be able to lift heavy canoes and kayaks and be able to work as a team. The employment dates will be begin Feb 15, 2022 and conclude November 30, 2022.

Summary:

JRA is seeking an Educator whom has excellent communication skills and an enthusiastic personality. The Educator will be an instrumental part of the education team in the Richmond area, as well as responsible for coordinating education programs with teachers and schools. This position will also be required to facilitate field-based educational programming in the Richmond area. The position will be required to work mostly on Monday – Fridays with some weekends.  The Educator will also work to facilitate 4 weeks of summer camp in the Richmond Area. Educator will report to the Lead Environmental Educator.

Compensation:

This position will be compensated with an hourly wage of $17 to $19 per hour depending on experience. The average number of hours per week would vary from 28 to 35 hours depending on the time of year. The position will be required to work some Saturday and Sundays. 

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by e-mail to ndraper@thejamesriver.org or by mail to:

James River Association
Attn: Nat Draper
211 Rocketts Way, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23231

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  The position will remain open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by Feb. 10, 2022.

Stewardship and Events Coordinator

The James River Association (JRA) is seeking a full time Stewardship and Events Coordinator to be based at its headquarters office located in Richmond, Virginia.

Summary:

The James River Association (JRA) is seeking an experienced Development professional who specializes in donor stewardship and special events. This position will be responsible for coordinating and executing an annual calendar of special events to include our two signature events, Westover Lawn Party and the Annual Meeting & Oyster Roast, as well as targeted major donor cultivation events. The successful candidate will be a creative self-starter and leader in this specialized area of our Development team. Must have the ability to work collaboratively with key staff and volunteers to facilitate long term planning, execution, logistics and follow up of JRA’s key stewardship activities. This position will report to JRA’s Senior Development Manager and will be a member of JRA’s fast moving Development and Marketing teams. This position will work on a hybrid schedule, performing work both at home and in the Richmond Office with travel required to JRA’s offices in Williamsburg, Lynchburg, and Scottsville, and other venues across the watershed.

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Manage all donor events to include:
  • Building and maintaining guest lists, including managing RSVPs
  • Creating all event materials (invitations, promotional materials, nametags, programs, letters, reports etc.) in tandem with Marketing and Communications team
  • Managing event and stewardship mailings
  • Creating and implementing standard operating procedures for event and stewardship management
  • Managing all event logistics, including facilities set-up and breakdown, creating, and implementing a staffing plan, Zoom or other virtual event logistics, creating seating arrangements, floor plans, talking points, and event bios, etc.
  • Creating and managing event follow-up plans and implement stewardship and events best practices with Senior Development Manager
  • Managing relationships with event vendors, including photographers, caterer, graphic designers, florists etc., as well as various internal departments
  • Attending all JRA Development and Campaign events and provide logistic management (evenings and weekends required in some instances)
  • Managing event planning committees with Senior Development Manager
  • Maintaining event committee contact information files and in Salesforce
  • Managing and maintaining records and track stewardship and events budget
• Create and execute JRA’s annual donor and member stewardship calendar to include:
  • Hosting small gatherings to give updates and connect donors to JRA’s work with a strategic program and follow up plan
  • Planning and executing correspondence/mailings to donors and members i.e. Annual Report, holiday and birthday cards, JRA publications such as the State of the James Report, and other meaningful touchpoints
  • Working closely with Annual Fund and Database Coordinator to maintain records for donor correspondence and stewardship
  • Working collaboratively across teams with program staff to share meaningful updates on progress and recent work
• Supervise and coordinate volunteers as needed for events and JRA’s presence at mission driven festivals and awareness building events
• With the Senior Development Manager and VP of Development, manage all aspects of JRA’s donor stewardship program
• Assist with all other Development activities and priorities as assigned by the Sr. Development Manager

The Ideal Candidate Will Have

• Bachelor of Arts/Bachelor of Science in related area of study, or comparable experience
• Two years of experience in event planning or in a development office
• An interest in advancing within the development field
• Proven track record of successful event and/or project management
• Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends
• CMP or similar professional certification is a plus
• Thorough proficiency with MS Office
• Outstanding organization and interpersonal skills
• Excellent writing, editing, and proofreading skills
• Strong customer service background.
• Ability to work closely with volunteer committees
• Work independently and collaborate with a team
• A high level of integrity and discretion and ability to maintain confidentiality and professional composure

 Qualifications:

• Knowledge of philanthropy and giving trends with at least 2-years of experience in this field
• Experience working in a donor database
• Must possess leadership skills and the ability to resolve conflicts and help with troubleshooting.
• Good at problem solving, meeting deadlines and schedules, and ability to coordinate volunteer committees
• Strong communications, analytical skills, teamwork, integrity, and reliability
• Physical requirements – ability to lift and carry a min. of 25 lbs
• Experience in Special Event planning required
• Ability to work some weekends and evenings as needed
• Valid driver license

Compensation:

JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment with a generous and comprehensive benefits package. Salary will be commensurate with experience; expected salary range $40-$45k.  JRA is an equal opportunity employer. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by email to admin@thejamesriver.org or by mail to:

James River Association
Attn: Kristen Armstrong
211 Rocketts Way, Suite 200
Richmond, VA 23231              

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  The position will remain open until filled.  Interviews with qualified candidates will begin January 9, 2022.  Otherwise, no calls or visits, please.