Executive Director

The Opportunity

The Friends of the James River Park (FOJRP) – Richmond's 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 city's most precious natural assets while ensuring the financial and operational sustainability of FOJRP's 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 Park

FOJRP 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 Park's vitality for generations.

Since its founding, FOJRP has been instrumental in expanding the Park's 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 Richmond's quality of life as well as visitors from all 50 states.

Executive Director Priorities

Reporting to the Board of Directors, the Executive Director is the organization's principal executive officer and operational leader. The ED is responsible for shaping and executing FOJRP's 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 Responsibilities

• Leadership and Strategic Vision
• Serve as FOJRP's principal spokesperson and advocate for the James River Park System with the City of Richmond, the community, and partners.
• Develop and execute the organization's 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 Management
• Lead 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 organization's annual Form 990.
• Enhance donor management systems and steward relationships through effective recognition and events.
• Board Relations and Organizational Management
• Support 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 Engagement
• Direct key programs in conservation, volunteer management, marketing, and public relations.
• Elevate awareness of the Park's value, history, and needs.
• Represent FOJRP at events, conferences, and partnership meetings, and champion digital presence management.

Candidate Qualifications

A 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.

Compensation & Benefits

To Apply

Please 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.