Overview

Description: Help Build Partnerships That Change LivesDo you believe relationships can transform communities?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 is more than a fundraising position. You'll connect businesses, churches, community organizations, alumni, and generous supporters with opportunities to invest in students through scholarships, athletics, and innovative educational programs. Working alongside our Director of Development and Marketing, you'll cultivate lasting partnerships that strengthen Rise Academy's mission while helping create opportunities for every student to flourish.If you're energized by building relationships, connecting people to meaningful causes, and making a lasting difference, we'd love to meet you.Job SummaryThe Associate Director of Development is responsible for cultivating, stewarding, and growing philanthropic partnerships that advance Rise Academy's mission. This role focuses on donor engagement, relationship management, stewardship initiatives, and revenue generation through annual giving, sponsorships, athletic partnerships, and community-based fundraising efforts.Working closely with the Director of Development & Marketing, the Associate Director of Development serves as a key ambassador for Rise Academy, building meaningful relationships with donors, alumni, churches, businesses, foundations, and community partners. The position emphasizes donor retention, engagement, and long-term philanthropic growth while supporting strategic fundraising initiatives across the organization.Essential FunctionsDonor Stewardship & Relationship ManagementDevelop 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.Annual Giving & FundraisingSupport 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.Athletic Partnership developmentLead 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.Community & Faith-Based PartnershipsBuild 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 advancementEvents & Donor EngagementAssist 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.Reporting & CollaborationMonitor 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 i