Work With Me

I partner with mission-driven organizations and leaders navigating growth, complexity, or change—who want a thoughtful, grounded collaborator along the way.

My work sits at the intersection of strategy, storytelling, and systems design. I help organizations clarify their ideas, strengthen narrative and fundraising efforts, and build structures that support real people—not just plans on paper.

When Organizations Reach Out

Most clients come to me when they’re asking questions like:

  • How do we tell our story in a way that builds trust and momentum?

  • How do we grow without losing our values—or burning out our team?

  • How do we design programs, events, or spaces people actually use and feel welcome in?

  • How do we align boards, staff, and partners around a shared direction?

How I Work

I take on a limited number of engagements each year and partner in a few core ways:

Consulting & Strategic Support
Project-based work focused on fundraising and donor communications, storytelling and positioning, event and community strategy, program design, and organizational clarity during moments of growth or transition.

Advisory & Thought Partnership
Ongoing support for leaders who want a trusted outside perspective to help think through decisions, pressure-test ideas, and navigate tradeoffs with care.

Boards & Special Projects
Selective board service, steering committee roles, and mission-aligned projects that benefit from deep engagement and long-term thinking.

What You Can Expect

Clients value:

  • clear, grounded thinking

  • human-centered strategy rooted in belonging and accessibility

  • honest collaboration—supportive and direct when needed

  • work that leads somewhere, not just good conversations

My experience inside nonprofits, schools, and early-stage social-impact work means I understand real constraints, limited resources, and high expectations.

Is This a Fit?

I’m especially well-suited to work with:

  • schools and education-focused organizations

  • nonprofits serving neurodivergent communities and families

  • mission-driven teams thinking about growth, narrative, or structure

If you’re looking for a partner who combines strategy with storytelling—and systems thinking with care—we may be a good fit.

Let’s Start a Conversation

If you’re interested in consulting, advisory work, or collaboration, I’d be glad to connect.

riley@therileyproject.org

A short note about what you’re working on and what you’re hoping to explore is more than enough to get started.