Senior Advancement Writer at Washington University in St. Louis in Saint Louis, Missouri

Job Description:

Position Summary
The Senior Advancement Writer will report to the Senior Director of Advancement Communications. The position is responsible for researching, writing, and producing highly personalized communications pieces, including major gift proposals, often of seven figures or more. The incumbent also will produce collateral such as brochures, one-sheets, and solicitation letters and emails and will write editorial content for university publications, sharing philanthropic stories and profiles of our alumni, donors, and friends, as well as faculty and students. Approximately 50% of the position will be dedicated to writing support for University Advancement's Medical Advancement team, which raises funds for Washington University School of Medicine and the Alvin J. Siteman Cancer Center. The senior advancement writer will be the primary Advancement Communications liaison to Medical Advancement, serve as an active member of the Advancement Communications team and the advancement writer cohort, and contribute to and advance overall communications strategies.

Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities

• Plan, write, edit, and proofread proposals for use by UA and university leaders to solicit gifts of seven figures or more. Prepare solicitation materials, such as appeal letters and emails, proposal templates, and case statements for targeted fundraising initiatives. Offer input on and implement strategies for major gift asks and annual giving communications.
• Produce stories for university publications, including Washington magazine, The Spirit of Washington University, and Outlook magazine, and university websites in consultation with the publicity and promotions team in Advancement Communications.
• Plan, write, edit, and proofread high-end materials including brochures, highly personalized letters, stewardship reports, and other print and digital communications.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications

• Advanced degree.
• 10-12 years of experience as a development writer and editor.
• Previous work experience in higher education.
• Previous work experience with nonprofit fundraising, with a basic understanding of fundraising techniques and strategies.
• Knowledge of current best practices in donor communications and stewardship.
• Expertise in proposal writing and strategic communications.
• Demonstrated creativity in writing and communications strategy.
• Experience with writing on medical/science subjects.
• Understanding of Washington University history and culture.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills with demonstrated ability to write clear and persuasive communications.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks and manage complex, often competing priorities.
• Respect for confidentiality and a strong sense of professional ethics.
• High degree of diplomacy, discretion, and tact.
• Demonstrated accuracy and commitment to detail.
• Proficient with Microsoft Word and other standard office programs.
• Proficient with Adobe InDesign.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with strong English writing capabilities.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience with strategic communications, donor communications, or related areas, preferably in higher education or other large, complex organization.

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