Guangzhou, China
Storrs Campus
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
Boston, Massachusetts
East Rutherford, New Jersey
Posted: 02-Oct-24
Type: Full-time
Salary: Open
Internal Number: R115522
Position Overview
The Senior Writer for Principal and Major Gifts Communications research, writes, manages, edits and proofs a wide variety of highly customized print and digital philanthropic communications for The Ohio State Universitys Office of Advancement. This role serves as a content expert and writer for central/university Advancement; provides guidance and editing support to other writers; and leads the strategic planning, development and execution of short- and long-term communications projects, strategies and campaigns.
As part of Advancement Marketing and Communications (AMC), the Senior Writer is a member of the Principal and Major Gifts Communications team, a proactive group that works to foster a culture of excellence, collaboration, responsiveness and flexibility, enabling the group to address challenges and offer creative solutions. Reporting to the Associate Director, Advancement Communications for Principal and Major Gifts, the Senior Writer must be an adaptable, curious and strategic writer and editor who can conduct research and interviews, and then craft creative and persuasive copy that elicits emotion and inspires giving. Deliverables include proposals to solicit gifts, stewardship reports that show the impact of giving, and cultivation communications that motivate donors to engage and give.
The Senior Writer is expected to demonstrate superior writing, research, organizational, collaborative and interpersonal communication skills; to exhibit initiative and be highly motivated; to be nimble and adaptable in a fluid, fast-moving environment; and to exhibit critical thinking, curiosity and creative problem-solving abilities. The Senior Writer must also be able to accurately translate complex academic topics and concepts into compelling, easy-to-understand information for general audiences. All members of Advancement are part of creating an inclusive culture that inspires an exceptionally diverse and talented team and are measured on their adherence to the following core competencies: leadership, continuous improvement, teamwork and collaboration, and communication/interpersonal effectiveness. All members are also expected to exhibit The Ohio State Universitys Shared Values which include Excellence and Impact, Diversity and Innovation, Inclusion and Equity, Care and Compassion, and Integrity and Respect.
Duties and Responsibilities
80%
Works independently to develop strategy for and drafts persuasive, audience-centric content that resonates with Ohio States donors and constituents, inspiring them to give and engage further. Main responsibilities include researching, interviewing, writing, managing, editing and proofing various philanthropic communications. The Senior Writers projects will include leadership acknowledgement letters, gift solicitations, impact storytelling and other deliverables that engage and cultivate major- and principal-level donors.
Works with subject-matter experts throughout the university to gather and confirm needed information for projects. Advances Ohio States mission by informing and engaging existing and potential donors through internal and external communications including, but not limited to, print/digital proposals, cases for support, stewardship reports and storytelling.
Responsible for complex projects that are broad in nature and require significant creativity, adaptability and creative problem-solving skills. Develops and maintains working knowledge of Ohio States fundraising objectives/priorities and establishes themself as a reliable resource, subject-matter expert and valuable strategic partner with a variety of stakeholders.
Works closely and collaboratively with senior leadership, development officers, donor experience, deans and faculty, and marketing and communication teams to execute various communications projects. Collaborates often with AMCs Creative Team to deliver customized, high-impact materials for donor audiences. Implements university style, voice and tone, and brand standards across all work.
Works directly with Advancement Communications leadership, the Principal Gifts team, Donor Experience and unit-based development colleagues to create highly customized communications strategies and solutions to effectively engage, cultivate, solicit and steward donors and prospects.
20%
Proofreading, copy editing and other duties, as assigned.
Required Qualifications
* Bachelor's degree incommunications, marketing, English, journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience
* Four (4) years of relevant experience
* Four (4) years of professional writing/strategic communications experience
* Must be able to demonstrate advancedresearch, writing and customer service skills
* Must be able to demonstrated superior organizational, collaborative, editorial and interpersonal skills are key
Desired Qualifications (We are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive workplace and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)
* Master's degree in English, journalism, marketing, liberal arts, communication sciences or a related field
* Five (5) years of relevant experience
* Experience writing in a university setting
* Demonstrated superior writing, organizational, collaborative and interpersonal skills
* Experience with proposal/persuasive writing Experience with fundraising, donor relations or related experience
The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.
Commitment to Inclusion
The Office of Advancement is committed to active allyship in addressing and dismantling the inequities created by systemic racism and implicit, long-held bias. We pledge to act with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times; trust ourselves and our colleagues and empower their whole identities; and hear and see our colleagues ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.
You Need to Know
Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the diverse, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: https://hr.osu.edu/careers/.
In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.