POSITION TITLE: Development Senior Writer, Strategic Giving
DEPARTMENT/PROGRAM: Development
REPORTS TO: Vice President of Major and Planned Giving
STATUS: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt
LOCATION: Washington, DC preferred (hybrid); other states considered: AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, WA, WV or VA
POSITION SUMMARYThe Development Writer is the lead philanthropy writer for Ocean Conservancy, primarily focused on proposal writing for Major and Principal Gifts. The incumbent will plan, write and edit fundraising proposals and reports for Ocean Conservancy's highest-level donors, as well as lead the process for and write other donor communications, including vision statements and development-related talking points. This individual will produce persuasive, compelling and powerful copy, with a superior ability to translate complex policy approaches, both state and federal, as well as programmatic and scientific information into impactful narratives for a wide variety of audiences. We are looking for an outstanding candidate who leads through influence with intelligence, optimism, clarity, kindness and internal partnership. This individual is not only an experienced, adaptable and reliable proposal writer, but also one who navigates tight deadlines with a calm and thoughtful approach.
Reporting to the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving, this role requires a person who possesses exceptional ease in developing collaborative and highly functional working relationships across all departments of an organization. This person will be responsible for researching concepts while partnering closely with programmatic staff and conservation leadership to create the most compelling donor facing content. The successful candidate will be the strongest of collaborators with diverse stakeholders across and at every level of the organization and have a passion for ocean conservation.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES- Plan, write and edit fundraising proposals and other communications for donors, with a focus on Major and Principal Gifts.
- Lead content development and strategies for stewardship reporting and donor engagement, including individualized reports, general support and broader impact reports, and other creative touchpoints like newsletters, donor profiles, impact stories and thank-you messages.
- Write vision pieces for transformational concepts, new initiatives and existing programs, as well as foundational content like a case for support, building out a robust suite of collateral aligned with the organization's top funding priorities.
- Create processes for proposal and stewardship writing and delivery.
- Work in close concert with Development leadership to craft compelling and timely donor communications and talking points.
- Function as a true partner to Strategic Communications leadership, working in tandem toward shared goals.
REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE- 10+ years of directly related work experience as a professional writer in a related field.
- Expert knowledge of writing fundamentals, grammar, syntax, style and punctuation.
- Advanced skills to write clear, engaging and compelling copy in various styles and translate technical content into persuasive donor-facing language.
- Expert knowledge of editorial style and publication guidelines.
- Expert research and fact verification skills.
- Expert interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and collaboration.
- Expert analytical and critical thinking skills.
- Passion for our ocean.
EDUCATION/TRAININGBachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
COMPENSATIONOcean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate's specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected starting salary range for this role is $110,000 - $120,000 annually. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.
TO APPLYIf you think you'd be a great fit for the job and are interested in joining Ocean Conservancy's team, please apply here. Please include a resume and cover letter in one file on your application.
HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENTOcean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.
