Nonprofit Operations Manager

About RIVERE Ecological Center

RIVERE is developing an ecological center in Fredericksburg, Virginia. The organization will provide space that facilitates watershed research, environmental education, ecopreneurship, and ecoculture initiatives that strengthen the region's environmental, economic, and community well-being.

RIVERE will build a world-class ecological center along the Rappahannock River in Fredericksburg and is preparing to launch a $25 million capital campaign phase. The organization will serve as a hub for research, education, technology, and ecopreneurship, working with over 120 stakeholders and institutional partners including Virginia Tech, Virginia Cooperative Extension, Friends of the Rappahannock, and the Chesapeake Bay Foundation.

RIVERE is currently developing the systems, partnerships, and operational infrastructure needed to support this growth. As RIVERE grows into its next phase, the Project Coordinator will play a key role in building systems, supporting fundraising and development activities, coordinating partners, and ensuring the smooth development of programs and initiatives.

Position Summary

The Project Coordinator supports the Executive Director in managing day-to-day project activities that advance RIVERE's mission. This includes coordinating stakeholders, supporting capital campaign activities, assisting with development operations, managing scheduling and communications, and helping organize materials to provide the Board of Directors and partner organizations.

This role is ideal for someone who is highly organized, proactive, detail-oriented, and comfortable working in a startup nonprofit environment where systems are still being designed. The position will work closely with our consulting group during their engagement period.

This position reports to the Executive Director.

Key Responsibilities

Development & Fundraising Support

• Support capital campaign activities including donor research, meeting preparation, and stewardship tracking
• Assist with maintaining the donor database and tracking cultivation and solicitation activities
• Help prepare materials for funder meetings, site visits, and donor cultivation events
• Coordinate logistics for donor cultivation events and fundraising activities
• Support implementation of individual giving and annual fund strategies

Board & Governance Support

• Prepare and distribute board meeting packets, agendas, and minutes
• Track board member engagement, giving, and committee assignments
• Support board recruitment and onboarding processes

Grant Coordination

• Support the grant writer with prospect research, deadline tracking, and document assembly
• Assist with compiling data, metrics, and outcomes for grant proposals and reports

Partner & Stakeholder Coordination

• Serve as a primary point of contact for program partners, community groups, educators, researchers, and volunteers
• Schedule meetings, prepare agendas, capture notes, and follow up on action items
• Assist with coordinating relationships across universities, environmental partners, and local agencies

Communications & Documentation

• Prepare program materials, summaries, reports, and public relations content as needed
• Maintain records and documentation consistent with RIVERE's governance requirements
• Support staff and consultants in assembling materials for internal reviews and external presentations
• Manage and create content for RIVERE's social media channels to build community awareness and engagement

Systems & Data Management

• Help implement and maintain constituent relationship management software and project management systems
• Track organizational metrics and outcomes as defined by leadership
• Support development of operational systems and processes during startup phase
• Organize and maintain RIVERE's digital systems, including shared drives and documentation

Operational & Administrative Support

• Coordinate timelines and deliverables for capital preparation work
• Assist with procurement requests and tracking invoices or contracts in accordance with organizational policies
• Maintain program files, dashboards, and project tracking systems

Qualifications

Required

• Experience in nonprofit operations and administration
• Strong organizational and project coordination skills
• Proficient with digital tools (Microsoft Teams/Office, Google Workspace, Notion, or similar platforms)
• High degree of comfort with learning new technologies and software
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively to prioritize tasks in a fast-moving environment
• Experience with communicating technical information to a diverse audience
• Solid understanding of and commitment to RIVERE's mission and values

Preferred

• Knowledge of watershed science with emphasis on Virginia rivers and the Chesapeake Bay watershed
• Prior experience supporting leadership or managing projects in a startup or small-organization setting
• Experience coordinating volunteers or public programs
• Experience with donor databases or CRM systems
• Familiarity with capital campaigns or nonprofit fundraising
• Experience supporting board governance

Work Environment

• This is a hybrid role with work completed remotely, on-site in Fredericksburg, and in the community
• Some evening or weekend hours may be required for events or programs
• The role involves occasional travel on an as needed basis

Compensation

Salary Range: $60,000-$68,000 depending on experience

Contract Structure: Exempt W-2 Employee with Limited-Term Contract (12 months with option to renew)

Benefits: No benefits provided during start-up phase

Expected Start Date: March 2026

How to Apply

Please submit your resume and a cover letter to development@RIVERECenter.org Subject: Nonprofit Operations Manager