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.

Lower James River Seasonal Environmental Educator

The James River Association is seeking a seasonal environmental educator to be based out of our Williamsburg office who will lead education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. This position will be responsible for working within a team of five Environmental Educators and assisting with educational programming within the Williamsburg area. Education programs typically extend from February-November.

Summary:

The Lower James River Seasonal Environmental Educator will be an instrumental member of the education team in the Williamsburg area.  This position will be required to work within the team to facilitate field-based educational programming in the Williamsburg area. The schedule of this position will include fluctuating hours with some night and weekend work. 

Required Qualifications:

• A deep commitment to environmental and conservation issues, especially as it relates to the James River.
• Experience in the field of environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential education, with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, or a related field. 
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for secondary school-aged youth.
• Thorough knowledge of watershed systems and water quality issues.  Knowledge specific to the James River is highly preferred.
• Experience in leading canoeing trips with children and/or adults.
• Experience with lesson plans that are in accordance with Virginia Standards of Learning.

Compensation:

This position will be compensated at an hourly rate of $20 per hour, based upon experience. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by e-mail to ndraper@thejamesriver.org.

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  The position will remain open until filled. No calls or visits, please.

Development Operations Coordinator

The James River Association (JRA) is seeking a full-time Development Operations Coordinator to be based at their headquarters in Richmond, Virginia.

Summary:

The Development Operations Coordinator will contribute to the development team by ensuring donor records are accurate, updated, and analyzed. The position will use data to support JRA’s annual fund program, working cohesively with each member of JRA’s Marketing and Development teams to execute our communications, stewardship, and fundraising plan and to meet our financial income goals.  This position is based out of our Richmond office and is a hybrid position, with significant time worked from home as well as the need to work in the office generally 2-3 (partial) days per week.

The Development Operations Coordinator will work with a team responsible for raising a nearly $10M budget in Fiscal Year ‘23.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WITHIN THE CRM:

• Maintain and fully utilize all features in our donor database, Salesforce Nonprofit Success Pack (NPSP).
• Ensure accuracy of database data and follow guidelines for standard entry of donor information.
• Utilize the CRM to its fullest capacity to meet fundraising goals effectively and efficiently.
• Reconcile gifts between NPSP and Quickbooks, in collaboration with our admin team.
• Create and run accurate reports to help support the development efforts.
• Enter and code all donations into NPSP to include but not limited to checks, online giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, matching gifts, and in-kind donations
• Oversee data integrity and processes, with duplicate management, security, and monitoring of integrations, such as FundraiseUp, Apsona, and Inbox.
• Responsible for database administration, including overseeing users, training, and internal support.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES WITH THE ANNUAL FUND:

• Under the supervision of the Asst. Director of Development, create and implement a comprehensive data-driven Annual Fund Campaign plan designed to achieve our ambitious goals, improve donor retention rates, upgrade existing donors and acquire new donors.
• Coordinate with Marketing in developing creative appeals, publications, videos, and social media related to the Annual Fund and with an emphasis on improving the community’s understanding of the importance of annual giving.
• Manage the renewal process for ‘due to renew’ and lapsed donors, including our lower level member direct mail program.
• Help ensure database accuracy of all donor records and produce reports that track year-to-year progress in areas such as response and conversion rates, participation, average gift size, donor retention, acquisition and related ROI metrics.
• Assist in financial projections for the development plan and budgeting through analysis of donor giving
• Run queries and reports that will help inform giving trends, campaign results, as well as the best strategy to target donors through direct mail and email communications
• Using Apsona, generate all gift acknowledgments in a timely manner (< 2 weeks)
• Provide support as needed on cultivation and stewardship events, including but not limited to, the Annual Meeting, and assist with table exhibits at non-JRA events that involve donor acquisition efforts.
• Other duties as assigned by the Asst. Director of Development and the VP of Development.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

• Must have experience managing a donor database – Salesforce experience is a plus
• Prior experience in running a successful Annual Fund Program
• Must be interested in data analysis
• Ability to compile and interpret comprehensive reporting
• Ability to work under pressure, multitask and meet deadlines
• Ability to work a flexible schedule
• Ability to lift development materials and occasional event supplies/light equipment as needed
• Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Outlook, Google Docs, Word, and PowerPoint
• Excellent written communication skills.
• Provide administrative support for development operations.

Compensation:

JRA offers a dynamic and flexible work environment.  This is a full-time, exempt position. A generous and comprehensive benefits package is provided, including 4 weeks of PTO, 12 paid holidays, 4% 401(k) match, fully paid employee-only health and dental coverage, and Life and LTD insurance. Salary will be commensurate with experience; the expected salary range is $39,500-$45,000.  JRA is an equal opportunity employer.

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  The position will remain open until filled, but priority will be given to resumes received by August 15, 2022. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by email to Admin@TheJamesRiver.org.

Seasonal Environmental Educator – Richmond

The James River Association is seeking an hourly-based seasonal Environmental Educator to lead elementary, middle and high school students in the Richmond area. The Seasonal Environmental Educator’s responsibilities will be to 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 with a team. The employment dates will begin August 15th and conclude November 30, 2022, with the option to renew in February 2023.

Summary:

JRA is seeking an Educator who has excellent communication skills and an enthusiastic personality. The Educator will be predominantly working with K-12 students in an outdoor setting. 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 report to the Lead Environmental Educator.

Required Qualifications:

• A deep commitment to environmental and conservation issues, especially as it relates to the James River.
• Experience in the field of environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential education, with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, or a related field. 
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for secondary school-aged youth.
• Thorough knowledge of watershed systems and water quality issues.  Knowledge specific to the James River is highly preferred.
• Experience in leading canoeing trips with children and/or adults.
• Experience with lesson plans that are in accordance with Virginia Standards of Learning.
• Must be able to lift 45 pounds in order to move equipment (canoes, kayaks, etc.).

Compensation:

This position will be compensated with an hourly wage of $20 per hour depending on experience. The average number of hours per week will vary from 28 to 35 hours depending on the time of year. The position will be required to work occasional Saturdays and Sundays.

To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by email to Matt Scott, mscott@thejamesriver.org.

Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  The position will remain open until filled, but priority will be given to applications received by August 12, 2022.

Upper James River Seasonal Environmental Educator

The James River Association is seeking a seasonal environmental educator to be based out of our Lynchburg office who will lead education programs for elementary, middle, and high school students. This position will be responsible for working within a team of Environmental Educators and assisting with educational programming within the Lynchburg area. Education programs typically extend from February-November.

Summary:

The Upper James River Seasonal Environmental Educator will be an instrumental member of the education team in the Lynchburg area.  This position will be required to work within the team to facilitate field-based educational programming in the Lynchburg area. The schedule of this position will include fluctuating hours with some night and weekend work.

Required Qualifications:

• A deep commitment to environmental and conservation issues, especially as it relates to the James River.
• Experience in the field of environmental, outdoor, and/or experiential education, with a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in education, environmental science, or a related field.
• Strong working knowledge of best practices in providing environmental education experience for secondary school-aged youth.
• Knowledge of watershed systems and water quality issues.  Knowledge specific to the James River is highly preferred.
• Experience in leading canoeing trips with children and/or adults.
• Experience with lesson plans that are in accordance with Virginia Standards of Learning.
• Must be able to lift 45 pounds in order to move equipment (canoes, kayaks, etc.).

Compensation:

This position will be compensated at an hourly rate of $20 per hour, based upon experience. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter by e-mail to cjohnson@thejamesriver.org Resumes will be reviewed as they are received.  The position will remain open until filled. Interviews will be scheduled with qualified candidates starting August 1, 2022.