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Donor Engagement Coordinator

James River Association, Richmond, VA, United States


James River Association – Donor Engagement Coordinator

Location: Richmond, VA

Telework: Hybrid

Experience: Early to Mid Career

Number of Openings: 1

Job Status: Exempt

Salary Range: $45,000 to $55,000 annually

Reports to: Assistant Director of Development

The James River Association (JRA) is a nonprofit organization on a mission to protect the James River and connect people to it. We are excited to announce an opening for a Donor Engagement Coordinator. In this role, you will support donor engagement efforts through event planning, sponsorship coordination, guest communications, and development operations that help strengthen relationships and generate philanthropic support for JRA’s mission.

This position will play an important role in coordinating fundraising and cultivation events, managing event‑related logistics and communications, supporting sponsorship fulfillment, and helping create meaningful experiences for donors, partners, and community members. The role is ideal for someone who enjoys details, relationship building, and bringing people together in support of a mission‑driven organization. We are looking for someone with strong communication and organizational skills, a passion for event planning and donor engagement, and a personal interest in the James River.

Responsibilities

Coordinate logistics for fundraising, donor cultivation, and community engagement events across the James River watershed

Support event planning and execution, including timelines, vendor coordination, site visits, materials preparation, guest management, and day‑of event support

Help manage event communications, including invitations, guest updates, sponsor communications, and post‑event follow‑up

Assist with sponsorship coordination, including tracking benefits, preparing materials, managing deliverables, and supporting sponsor stewardship

Maintain accurate event records, budgets, invoices, payment tracking, and related account information

Support donor engagement efforts by helping manage guest lists, seating, RSVPs, donor details, and event follow‑through

Coordinate with volunteers, staff, vendors, committees, and partners to support seamless event execution

Partner with Development and Marketing teammates to align event messaging, timelines, printed materials, and donor communications

Assist with creating development and event materials such as sponsorship packets, brochures, signage, programs, and other engagement tools

Track event outcomes, participation, and engagement details to support reporting and future planning

Provide administrative and project support for additional development activities, donor stewardship efforts, and team priorities as assigned

Qualifications

Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple projects, deadlines, and details at once

Excellent written and verbal communication skills with a high level of professionalism

Ability to build positive relationships with donors, sponsors, vendors, volunteers, board members, and internal staff

Strong attention to detail while maintaining a clear sense of priorities and goals

Takes initiative and follows through on tasks, communications, and deliverables in a timely manner

Comfortable working both independently and collaboratively in a fast‑paced environment

Passion for conservation, community, and mission‑driven work

Promotes and adheres to JRA’s mission, vision, and values, along with organizational policies and applicable laws, in a fair and equitable manner

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or equivalent professional experience

2 or more years of experience in event planning, fundraising support, donor engagement, hospitality, marketing, or a related field

Experience coordinating projects with multiple stakeholders and moving parts

Ability to manage logistics, timelines, and communications with care and consistency

Strong computer skills, including Google Workspace and Microsoft Office

Ability to travel and work occasional evenings or weekends as needed for events and donor activities

Ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Successfully complete pre‑employment background screening

Preferred Skills & Experience

Experience with CRM systems, particularly Salesforce

Experience supporting fundraising events, sponsorships, or donor stewardship initiatives

Experience with guest tracking, event registration systems, or payment coordination

Strong writing skills for donor communications, invitations, and event‑related materials

Graphic design or event materials support experience preferred

Creative thinking, flexibility, and an action‑oriented approach to work

Benefits
Competitive salary and benefits package includes fully paid employee‑only health and dental coverage, Life and LTD insurance, generous paid time off starting at four weeks per year, twelve paid holidays, and 401(k) matched contributions. Professional development and growth opportunities. Work‑life balance and a dynamic, hybrid and flexible work environment. The exempt salary range for this full‑time position is $45,000 to $55,000 annually, depending on several factors including education and work experience.

We are proud to be an EEO employer. We maintain a drug‑free workplace. At JRA, we believe in community, conservation, and driving change.

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