Development Manager at Rise Academy – Richmond, Virginia

At Rise Academy, philanthropy isn’t transactional—it’s transformational. Every gift fuels access, opportunity, and long-term success for students and families. We’re seeking a Development Manager who is energized by building authentic relationships, strengthening systems, and translating generosity into measurable impact.

If you’re a strategic fundraiser who values data integrity, donor-centered engagement, and mission-driven work, this role offers the opportunity to help raise more than $2.5 million annually in support of a growing, community-rooted educational organization.

Key Responsibilities

• Maintain and grow Rise Academy’s donor retention and acquisition across all donor types, including individuals, corporations, and foundations.
• Oversee all aspects of donor relations, identifying and executing opportunities for meaningful recognition, stewardship, and personalized engagement.
• Own and manage the gift acknowledgment process, ensuring timely, accurate, and donor-centered communications.
• Nurture and sustain long-term relationships with annual fund donors and partners, executing an annual stewardship plan aligned with revenue goals.
• Ensure donor engagement efforts are coordinated, segmented, consistent, and relationship-driven.

• Manage Rise Academy’s Annual Fund, including existing programs such as Amazing Praise, Giving Day, and online recurring and renewing donors through Givebutter.
• Identify, develop, and implement new campaigns, platforms, and engagement opportunities to expand donor participation and revenue.
• Coordinate donor cultivation strategies that support short- and long-term fundraising goals.

• In partnership with the Director of Marketing & Communications, plan, design, and execute segmented donor communications using a variety of tactics (digital, print, events, and personalized outreach).
• Assist with the writing and editing of grants, donor communications, and stewardship materials.
• Collaborate closely with senior leadership to align donor messaging with Rise Academy’s mission, impact, and strategic priorities.

• Serve as the primary manager of the development database (Salesforce), ensuring the integrity, accuracy, and consistency of all donor and gift data.
• Execute all financial gift entry, data management, list pulls, dashboard development, reporting, and fundraising analysis.
• Produce regular reports to inform strategy, track performance, and support leadership decision-making.
  
  Events & Grants
• Coordinate donor-focused events and grant activities in alignment with Annual Fund and advancement goals.
• Support grant tracking, reporting, and stewardship processes in collaboration with the Advancement team.

This is an in-person position located in Richmond, VA.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree required; degree in nonprofit management, communications, business, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3–5 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, development operations, or donor relations.
• Demonstrated experience managing an Annual Fund and donor stewardship programs.
• Strong working knowledge of fundraising databases; Salesforce experience required.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and project management skills with high attention to detail.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft donor-centered messaging.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines, and collaborate across teams.
• Commitment to Rise Academy’s mission, values, and community-centered approach to education.