Associate Director of Development

Rise Academy•Richmond, VA

1d•$78,000 - $85,000

About The Position

Rise Academy is seeking a passionate, relationship-driven Associate Director of Development to help expand philanthropic support and build strategic partnerships that directly impact students in Richmond's East End. This role involves connecting businesses, churches, community organizations, alumni, and generous supporters with opportunities to invest in students through scholarships, athletics, and innovative educational programs. Working alongside the Director of Development and Marketing, the Associate Director will cultivate lasting partnerships that strengthen Rise Academy's mission and create opportunities for student flourishing. The position focuses on donor engagement, relationship management, stewardship initiatives, and revenue generation through annual giving, sponsorships, athletic partnerships, and community-based fundraising efforts. The Associate Director will serve as a key ambassador for Rise Academy, building meaningful relationships with a diverse range of stakeholders.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
7–10 years of experience in fund development, marketing, and staff management
Demonstrated success in donor engagement and raising $2million+ annually
Experience with data analysis and use of a variety of CRM platforms (e.g., Raiser’s Edge, Salesforce, Givebutter) preferred
Strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills.
Cultural competence and comfort advancing a faith-based educational environment.
Experience partnering with boards, church leaders, or faith-based organizations required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of athletic sponsorship opportunities and corporate partnership development preferred.

Responsibilities

Develop and implement a comprehensive donor stewardship strategy.
Manage a portfolio of individual donors, sponsors, and community partners.
Conduct regular donor meetings, campus visits, and cultivation events.
Ensure timely and meaningful donor acknowledgment and recognition.
Create stewardship reports demonstrating the impact of donor investments.
Maintain accurate donor records and engagement plans within the donor database.
Support execution of annual giving campaigns and fundraising appeals.
Identify, cultivate, solicit, and steward new and existing donors.
Assist with major gift cultivation strategies in partnership with the Director of Development & Marketing.
Coordinate peer-to-peer fundraising initiatives and donor engagement campaigns.
Track fundraising progress and donor activity metrics.
Lead sponsorship development efforts for Rise Academy athletic programs.
Secure business sponsorships for athletic teams, events, tournaments, and special initiatives.
Develop sponsorship packages and partnership opportunities.
Maintain relationships with athletic sponsors to ensure long-term engagement and renewal.
Collaborate with athletic leadership to identify funding needs and opportunities.
Build relationships with churches, civic organizations, foundations, and local businesses.
Represent Rise Academy at community events and networking opportunities.
Identify opportunities for volunteer engagement and philanthropic support.
Cultivate partnerships that support student programming and mission advancement.
Assist with planning and execution of donor appreciation events, fundraising events, and athletic fundraising initiatives.
Coordinate donor visits and mission-focused engagement opportunities.
Support event sponsorship solicitation and stewardship activities.
Monitor donor engagement, retention, and fundraising performance metrics.
Prepare stewardship and fundraising reports for leadership.
Collaborate with school leadership, athletic staff, and program leaders to communicate funding priorities and impact stories.
Support the Director of Development & Marketing in achieving annual fundraising goals.