Scheduled Hours
37.5
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 proposals 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. The senior advancement writer will cultivate and strengthen relationships with colleagues throughout UA, contribute to and advance overall communications strategies, and serve as an active member of the Advancement Communications team and the senior advancement writer cohort.
Job Description
Primary Duties & Responsibilities:
- Plan, write, and edit proposals and solicitation materials for use by UA and other university leaders for gifts of seven figures or more. Prepare solicitation materials, such as appeal letters and emails, proposal templates, and case statements for targeted fundraising initiatives. These efforts include offering input on and implementing strategies for major gift asks and annual giving communications.
- Produce stories for university publications, including Washington magazine, The Spirit of Washington University, and university websites in consultation with the content strategy team and/or digital strategy team in Advancement Communications.
- Plan, write, edit, and produce high-end and highly individualized materials including brochures, speeches for events, and other communications.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Working Conditions:
Job Location/Working Conditions
- Normal office environment
Physical Effort
- Typically sitting at a desk or table
- Repetitive wrist, hand or finger movement
- Has the ability to move to on and off-campus locations as needed
Equipment
The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all job duties performed by the personnel so classified. Management reserves the right to revise or amend duties at any time.
Required Qualifications
Education:
Bachelor's degree
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No specific certification/professional license is required for this position.
Work Experience:
Strategic Communications, Donor Communications, Or Related Areas, Preferably In Higher Education Or Other Large, Complex Organization (10 Years)
Skills:
Not Applicable
Driver's License:
A driver's license is not required for this position.
More About This Job
Preferred Qualifications
- 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.
- Understanding of Washington University history and culture.
This position is located in St. Louis, MO and the targeted hiring range for this position is $75,200 - $95,000.
Preferred Qualifications
Education:
Master's degree
Certifications/Professional Licenses:
No additional certification/professional licenses unless stated elsewhere in the job posting.
Work Experience:
Writer And Editor (10 Years)
Skills:
Adobe Creative Studio, Adobe InDesign, Adobe Photoshop, Communications Strategy, Computer Literacy, Confidentiality, Cross-Functional Teamwork, Deadline Management, Detail-Oriented, Diplomacy, Donor Communications, Donor Stewardship, Editorial Editing, Graphic Design, High Accuracy, Interactive Communication, Microsoft Office, Persuasive Writing, Prioritization, Professional Ethics, Professional Writing, Proposal Writing, Strategic Communication Planning, Tactful, Writing
Grade
G14
Salary Range
$75,200.00 - $128,800.00 / Annually
The salary range reflects base salaries paid for positions in a given job grade across the University. Individual rates within the range will be determined by factors including one's qualifications and performance, equity with others in the department, market rates for positions within the same grade and department budget.
Questions
For frequently asked questions about the application process, please refer to our External Applicant FAQ.
Accommodation
If you are unable to use our online application system and would like an accommodation, please email CandidateQuestions@wustl.edu or call the dedicated accommodation inquiry number at 314-935-1149 and leave a voicemail with the nature of your request.
All qualified individuals must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship.
Pre-Employment Screening
All external candidates receiving an offer for employment will be required to submit to pre-employment screening for this position. The screenings will include criminal background check and, as applicable for the position, other background checks, drug screen, an employment and education or licensure/certification verification, physical examination, certain vaccinations and/or governmental registry checks. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.
Benefits Statement
Personal
Up to 22 days of vacation, 10 recognized holidays, and sick time.
Competitive health insurance packages with priority appointments and lower copays/coinsurance.
Take advantage of our free Metro transit U-Pass for eligible employees.
WashU provides eligible employees with a defined contribution (403(b)) Retirement Savings Plan, which combines employee contributions and university contributions starting at 7%.
Wellness
Wellness challenges, annual health screenings, mental health resources, mindfulness programs and courses, employee assistance program (EAP), financial resources, access to dietitians, and more!
Family
We offer 4 weeks of caregiver leave to bond with your new child. Family care resources are also available for your continued childcare needs. Need adult care? We’ve got you covered.
WashU covers the cost of tuition for you and your family, including dependent undergraduate-level college tuition up to 100% at WashU and 40% elsewhere after seven years with us.
For policies, detailed benefits, and eligibility, please visit: https://hr.wustl.edu/benefits/
EEO Statement
Washington University in St. Louis is committed to the principles and practices of equal employment opportunity and especially encourages applications by those from underrepresented groups. It is the University’s policy to provide equal opportunity and access to persons in all job titles without regard to race, ethnicity, color, national origin, age, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, protected veteran status, or genetic information.
Washington University is dedicated to building a community of individuals who are committed to contributing to an inclusive environment – fostering respect for all and welcoming individuals from diverse backgrounds, experiences and perspectives. Individuals with a commitment to these values are encouraged to apply.