Executive Director Friends of James River Park at Warren Whitney

The OpportunityThe Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP) Richmonds leading citizen stewardship nonprofit for the James River Park System is seeking a dynamic visionary Executive Director (ED) to lead the organization into its next chapter of growth and community impact. This is a unique opportunity to champion one of the citys most precious natural assets while ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of FOJRPs mission-driven work. The Executive Director will be a visible community leader advancing environmental stewardship urban park preservation and public engagement throughout the Richmond region and beyond.Friends of the James River ParkFOJRP is a 501(C)3 nonprofit organization dedicated to the protection enhancement and expansion of the James River Park. Our mission is to serve as citizen stewards and ongoing supporters of this vital community resource partnering with city leaders park staff volunteers and local organizations to protect its natural and historic environments. FOJRP leads fundraising advocacy volunteer mobilization and educational initiatives to ensure the Parks vitality for generations.Since its founding FOJRP has been instrumental in expanding the Parks programs resources and community engagement. The organization is supported by a broad base of individuals foundations and business partners including license plate revenue. The Park welcomes over two million visitors each year representing a diverse urban ecosystem integral to Richmonds quality of life as well as visitors from all 50 states. Executive Director PrioritiesReporting to the Board of Directors the Executive Director is the organizations principal executive officer and operational leader. The ED is responsible for shaping and executing FOJRPs strategic plan fostering collaborative relationships and ensuring mission fulfillment through effective fundraising advocacy public engagement and organizational stewardship. This position requires a proactive and entrepreneurial leader comfortable working in a highly collaborative community-facing role.Key ResponsibilitiesLeadership and Strategic VisionServe as FOJRPs principal spokesperson and advocate for the James River Park System with the City of Richmond the community and partners.Develop and execute the organizations strategic plan in partnership with the Board of Directors.Foster strong and positive relationships with the City Department of Parks Recreation and Community Facilities volunteers conservation groups and other stakeholders.Ensure legal and ethical compliance and maintain nonprofit status.Fundraising and Financial ManagementLead comprehensive fundraising efforts including major donor cultivation grants membership appeals events and corporate partnerships.Oversee financial operations prepare annual budgets and provide transparent reporting to the Board.Possess a basic command of financial accounting and the ability to forecast and budget for the organization including preparation of the organizations annual Form 990. Enhance donor management systems and steward relationships through effective recognition and events.Board Relations and Organizational ManagementSupport effective governance by managing meeting preparation materials and board communications.Engage and develop board and committee members staff and volunteers.Oversee administrative operations and foster a collaborative internal culture.Program Oversight and Community EngagementDirect key programs in conservation volunteer management marketing and public relations.Elevate awareness of the Parks value history and needs.Represent FOJRP at events conferences and partnership meetings and champion digital presence management.Candidate QualificationsA passion for environmental stewardship and the mission of FOJRP is essential. The next Executive Director must be willing and able to be both strategic and tactical.Bachelors degree required; advanced degree or certifications are a plus.Minimum 5 years of relevant nonprofit or management experience with a track record in fundraising board relations and program oversight.Exceptional communication and relationship-building skills.Strategic thinker with proven collaborative and organizational management abilities.Working knowledge of the James River Park System and Richmond community preferred.Familiarity with donor and financial management software.Compensation & BenefitsCompensation is competitive and commensurate with experience with a salary range of $100k to $125k. Some benefits provided.To ApplyPlease submit a cover letter and resume. For best consideration application materials should be received by December 15 2025.FOJRP is an equal opportunity employer and values diversity. We encourage applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Throughout the search process we will make every effort to maintain a high degree of confidentiality for all candidates. Both the consultant and FOJRP recognize that many candidates may be deeply committed to their current organizations but are intrigued by this opportunity. Expressions of interest will remain confidential until the final stages of the search.Required Experience:Director Key Skills Crisis Management,Marketing,Public Relations,Fundraising,Media Relations,Constant Contact,Strategic Planning,Social Media Management,Team Management,Public Speaking,Wordpress,Writing Skills Employment Type : Full-Time Experience: years Vacancy: 1 Yearly Salary Salary: 110000 - 125000