Senior Advancement Writer, Principal Gifts - University Advancement

Position Summary
The Senior Advancement Writer will report to the Creative Communications Director for Principal Gifts. This position is responsible for researching, writing, and producing customized communications to engage and inspire support from the university’s most generous donors, as well as contributing to fundraising and stewardship strategies and their implementation. The position delivers exceptional service to Washington University benefactors and plays a central role in setting and delivering principal gifts fundraising and engagement strategies and meeting program goals.

Job Description
Primary Duties and Responsibilities
– Plan, write, edit, and produce proposals, special stewardship materials, and other Principal Gifts communications, as assigned.
– Help shape strategies and innovative approaches to big-idea fundraising, including engaging with advancement colleagues and university partners in the ideation and proposal development for these big ideas.
– Develop themes, and craft copy, correspondence, presentations and remarks for bespoke donor experiences, including assisting senior university leadership with their donor communications.
– Cultivate and strengthen relationships across Advancement; join creative director as a liaison to Advancement Communications, Public Affairs and other marketing and communications colleagues.
– Coordinate with designers, vendors and university partners to create and design off-the-shelf proposals, templates, and other fundraising campaign materials.
– Support the Principal Gifts Program with departmental presentations and internal and external communications.
– Support the creative director for Principal Gifts.
– Other responsibilities as assigned.

Preferred Qualifications
– Advanced degree.
– 10–12 years of experience as a writer and editor.
– Previous work experience in higher education or other large, complex organization.
– Previous work experience with non-profit 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.
– 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 Creative Suite, including Photoshop and InDesign.

Required Qualifications
– Bachelor’s degree with strong English writing capabilities.
– Minimum of 10 years of experience with strategic communications, donor communications

Washington University’s collective success is greatly attributed to the passion and outstanding efforts of our community. Our faculty and staff are committed to excellence and dedicated to carrying out our missions of research, teaching and patient care.

WashU prides itself on being a place where people matter and serious work is done. Our people work together in an inclusive community that celebrates diverse perspectives, collaboration and innovation. We are a community of individuals inspired to work together to develop big ideas and tackle challenging problems.

We value the well-being of our people. Washington University strives to create a positive employee experience where faculty and staff thrive, both personally and professionally. Our faculty and staff find meaning, connection and vitality in their work and life with a healthy work-life balance and support to learn, grow and make an impact at WashU, the community and the world.