Writer, Advancement Communications

The Writer, Advancement Communications is an exceptional writer who creates compelling and persuasive materials in support of donor relations and philanthropic priorities at Bentley University. Reporting to the executive director of Advancement Communications within University Advancement (UA), and working in close partnership with frontline fundraisers, donor relations and other University Advancement colleagues, they will be a collaborative, strategic, motivated and deadline-oriented team member who can translate institutional priorities to inspire philanthropy and engagement. The writer will create high-quality material for use across UA including major gift proposals, cases for support, stewardship reporting, fundraising collateral and more.

 

 

Essential Duties

• Develop a keen understanding of the university and its strategic priorities and articulate in clear, tailored content for various audiences and communications channels.
• Work with fundraisers and senior leaders to write persuasive individual gift proposals to present to prospective donors, highlighting the need for and impact of possible gifts.
• Write and create cohesive materials as needed for supporting UA’s strategic priorities, including but not limited to stewardship reporting, gift acknowledgements, solicitations, fundraising collateral, gift announcements, talking points, etc.
• Actively develop, update and customize a robust content library for fundraisers and donor relations.
• Edit and proofread UA communications and materials prepared for external audiences, ensuring high-quality content is reviewed and approved as required prior to distribution.
• Work collaboratively with UA partners to strategize, create and execute ideas for materials supporting UA goals. Identify opportunities for storytelling to share impact and translate initiatives into compelling cases for support.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

 

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree with at least 2-3 years of relevant experience in donor relations or philanthropy communications.
• Must submit 2 writing samples as part of application.
• Excellent editorial judgement and the ability to translate programmatic and academic concepts to compelling content with the goal of inspiring various audiences, maximizing philanthropic support and stewarding donors.
• Experience in creative proposal writing at all gift levels in a nonprofit setting, higher ed preferred.
• Demonstrated ability as a driven, versatile, creative and persuasive writer with strong grammar, spelling and proofreading skills, including the ability to shift voice and tone based on audience and channel.
• Excellent research skills and the ability to gather and synthesize large quantities of information, organize ideas and turn institutional objectives and messages into compelling cases for philanthropic support and engagement.
• Flexibility and ability to receive edits and adjust work, incorporating feedback from stakeholders.
• Ability to handle confidential information with a high level of discretion.
• Ability to produce high-quality work in a timely manner, adhering to deadlines while managing and prioritizing multiple projects.
• Collaborative and collegial approach to working with teams; ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

 

Preferred Qualifications

• Relevant experience and knowledge of the university fundraising profession and methods of higher education institutional advancement and fundraising.
• Keen eye for design and ability to develop, package and produce written content for a variety of channels and mediums.
• Knowledge of current and evolving marketing and communications concepts, as well as shifting donor relations practices.
• Experience with annual giving and direct response marketing.
• Occasional travel or event attendance, sometimes outside of regular business hours, to learn about fundraising priorities.

 

Work Environment

• Typical office setting with extensive sitting and computer work.
• Ability to travel around and outside of campus for work related meetings and other work, travel may occur outside of normal business hours including evenings and weekends.

 

 

Bentley University requires references checks and may conduct other pre-employment screening.

 

 

 

DIVERSITY STATEMENT

Bentley University strives to create a campus community that welcomes the exchange of ideas, and fosters a culture that values differences and views them as a strength in our community.

 

Bentley University is an Equal Opportunity Employer, building strength through diversity. The University is committed to building a community of talented students, faculty and staff who reflect the diversity of global business. We strongly encourage applications from persons from underrepresented groups, individuals with disabilities, covered veterans and those with diverse experiences and backgrounds.