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Employment Opportunities

We're Hiring!

2024 RTW Megan Qui HF4

Community Engagement Coordinator (Full-Time)

About Friends of the James River Park

Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP) works to conserve, enhance, and expand the James River Park through a close public-private partnership with the City of Richmond. Together with our partners, volunteers, and supporters, we care for one of Richmond’s most treasured public spaces through capital improvements, natural resource stewardship, environmental education, volunteer engagement, and community-building.

We believe the James River Park belongs to everyone, and we are committed to fostering a workplace that reflects the diversity of the communities we serve.

Position Summary

The Community Engagement Coordinator supports the day-to-day operations of Friends of the James River Park’s fundraising program. Working closely with the Executive Director, this position helps build meaningful relationships with donors, foundations, volunteers, and community members while ensuring that our fundraising systems and processes are organized, accurate, and welcoming.

This role is well suited for someone who enjoys both relationship-building and behind-the-scenes organization. The coordinator will manage donor data, process gifts, support grant writing and reporting, coordinate donor stewardship, and help share stories about the impact of our work.

This is an excellent opportunity for someone looking to build a career in nonprofit fundraising, conservation, or community engagement within a collaborative and mission-driven organization. The Friends of the James River Park is a dynamic and growing organization, and the person in this role will have the opportunity to develop the position along with this growth.

Reports To

Executive Director

Status

Full-Time

Salary

$40,000–$45,000 annually, commensurate with experience. Health, retirement, and Paid Time Off included.

Primary Responsibilities

Development Operations

  • Serve as the primary administrator for the organization’s Little Green Light donor database.
  • Maintain accurate donor and constituent records while ensuring data integrity across Little Green Light, QuickBooks, and Mailchimp.
  • Process charitable gifts and coordinate gift entry and reconciliation.
  • Prepare donor reports, mailing lists, and fundraising data to support organizational planning. Coordinate closely with Executive Director and Fractional CFO to align donor management and bookkeeping. 
  • Maintain development records and support best practices for data management.

 

Donor Stewardship

  • Prepare timely and thoughtful gift acknowledgments.
  • Coordinate stewardship activities for annual and mid-level donors, including routine communications and campaign follow-up.
  • Support the Executive Director with prospect research, donor meeting preparation, and follow-up communications.
  • Assist with donor appreciation activities and fundraising events.

 

Grants & Institutional Giving

  • Research grant opportunities and prospective funders.
  • Maintain the organization’s grants calendar and assist with proposal preparation and submission.
  • Track grant deadlines, reporting requirements, and award documentation.
  • Support the Executive Director and Development Committee with grant writing and related materials.

 

Fundraising Communications

  • Help create fundraising communications that connect supporters to the impact of the Friends’ work.
  • Draft donor emails, impact stories, blog posts, and other fundraising content.
  • Assist with campaign communications and selected fundraising-related social media content.

 

Community Engagement

  • Support volunteer events and community engagement activities that strengthen relationships with supporters.
  • Occasionally represent the Friends of the James River Park at fundraising and community events.
  • Assist with event logistics related to donor engagement and stewardship.

Collaboration

The Community Engagement Coordinator works closely with the Executive Director, the Board, and the Development Committee to support Friends’ fundraising goals and long-term sustainability. This position engages with staff, board members, volunteers, and community partners to create meaningful experiences for donors and help strengthen philanthropic support for the James River Park System.

As a growing organization, Friends values collaboration, curiosity, and continuous learning. We expect this role to evolve over time, and we welcome new ideas that strengthen our work and better serve our community.

What We're Looking For

We recognize that great candidates may not meet every qualification listed below. If this role excites you and you believe you could contribute to our team, we encourage you to apply.

Qualifications

  • Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience in nonprofit fundraising, administration, communications, customer service, event coordination, or another role involving relationship management and organization.
  • Attention to detail and comfort working with databases and spreadsheets.
  • Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism and care.
  • Commitment to collaborative teamwork and excellent customer service.

Helpful Experience

  • Experience with donor databases or CRM platforms such as Little Green Light.
  • Familiarity with QuickBooks, Mailchimp, or similar software.
  • Grant writing or grant administration experience.
  • Experience working with volunteers or community engagement.
  • Familiarity with the James River Park System and a passion for parks, conservation, environmental stewardship, or public spaces.

Why Join the Friends?

This is an opportunity to help shape the future of one of Richmond’s most beloved public landscapes while building a career in nonprofit development. You will work alongside passionate colleagues, dedicated volunteers, public partners, and community supporters to strengthen the James River Park System for generations to come.

The Friends of the James River Park is committed to creating an inclusive, respectful, and welcoming workplace where every employee can thrive. We know that people bring valuable perspectives through many different paths and experiences, and we encourage applications from individuals whose backgrounds have been historically underrepresented in the nonprofit and conservation sectors.

Friends of the James River Park is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

 

To Apply: 

Please email cover letter, resume, and three professional references to penelope@jamesriverpark.org.