Advancement Communications Writer, Donor Relations

Advancement Communications Writer, Donor Relations

Must live in Utah and have the ability to work on campus.

University Advancement Donor Relations Marketing and Communications (DR MarComm) seeks an advancement communications writer to join our expanding team. Reporting to the senior director of communications, the advancement communications writer knows how to harness the power of storytelling to inspire philanthropy and deepen engagement. This writer is comfortable crafting compelling narratives, translating complex ideas into accessible language, and collaborating across teams to bring projects to life. Portfolio pieces highlight experience in working closely with subject matter experts to produce traditional fundraising communication pieces and writing content that can be used for philanthropic marketing and advertising initiatives. They're also no stranger to taking editorial feedback and making revisions under tight timelines. With experience in advancement work, the advancement communications writer is well-versed in donor relations communications and excels at capturing the heart and humanity behind initiatives.

The DR MarComm team provides creative services for advancement colleagues across the university and University of Utah Health. In addition to producing dynamic and engaging content, the advancement communications writer will lead editorial assessments and scoping sessions with our colleagues to get to the heart of the communications request and advise on best strategy to meet the communication needs of the audience.

Responsibilities

• Produce longform and shortform content for university and health sciences advancement such as white papers, proposals, impact reports, case statements, and one-sheets.
• Write letters on behalf of leadership for proposals, reports, etc.
• Write content for impact reports, proposals, one-pagers, endowment reports, the giving website, and UtahMed magazine-as well as other communication pieces as requested.
• Provide copyediting services.
• Support editorial team on all projects as assigned.
• Work with designers as needed to have content ready to layout.
• Manage multiple projects on competing timelines.
• Communicate with fundraisers and other stakeholders for project requests, review, and approval of content.
• Assist with The Post, UWAM, and other internal communications projects.
• Interview subject matter experts to inform stories.
• Conduct independent research to inform stories, one-pagers, etc.
• Use Unite to do donor research and track projects where necessary.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a high-paced environment with many stakeholders involved.
• Participate in the development of creative briefs and strategic and tactical plans, including building out deadlines and working with the design team to establish production timelines.
• Ensure copy tone and style are consistent with brand and style guidelines.
• Interact with fundraisers and advancement colleagues to understand university initiatives and priorities.
• Present content in pitch meetings.
• Take feedback to revise and modify content for pieces to meet client needs and expectations.

Additional responsibilities may include:

• Write stories for web and donor magazines.
• Liaise with other communications professionals within advancement and across the university and U of U Health to repurpose content and engage in a One-U approach.

Minimum Qualifications

Requires a bachelor's degree in a related area or equivalency (one year of education can be substituted for two years of related work experience); plus at least five years of experience in the field or in a related area.

Applicants must demonstrate the potential ability to perform the essential functions of the job as outlined in the position description.

Preferences

• 5+ years experience of writing with a portfolio that demonstrates experience in advancement/donor relations writing.
• Marketing writing experience: short, tight copy making bold statements and getting to the point quickly.
• Experience leading interviews and conducting individual research to tell a dynamic story.
• Experience working with a creative team.
• Experience leading editorial discussions.
• Project management.

Special Instructions

Portfolio of writing samples.

Requisition Number: PRN44522B

Full Time or Part Time? Full Time

Work Schedule Summary:

Department: 00289 - Development

Location: Campus

Pay Rate Range: 60000 to 80000

Close Date: 6/20/2026

Open Until Filled: