Development Manager

Company: Rise Academy
Location: Richmond
Posted on: February 18, 2026

Job Description:

Job Description Job Description Description:Make an Impact. Build Relationships. Advance Opportunity 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 Donor Relations & Stewardship 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. Annual Fund Management 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. Communications & Collaboration 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. Data, Systems & Reporting 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. Requirements: 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. PI54437eb8d380-25405-39647743

Keywords: Rise Academy, Suffolk , Development Manager, PR / Public Relations , Richmond, Virginia