Associate Director of Proposal Development

The Associate Director of Proposal Development plays a pivotal role in advancing the university’s fundraising success by crafting persuasive, high-quality written solicitations for individual donors, foundations, and corporations.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development for Foundation Relations, this position collaborates with development officers, faculty, senior administrators, and staff across the university to deliver compelling proposals that inspire investment in Miami’s mission and strategic priorities. The role requires a skilled writer, meticulous editor, and detail-oriented project manager who thrives under deadlines and consistently exceeds client expectations.

This position also works with the Senior Associate Vice President of Development; University Advancement Communications, Marketing and Events; and the Office of Research and Innovation to ensure brand and messaging alignment and grant policy compliance.

This is an opportunity to contribute to a high-performing advancement team and directly support initiatives shaping the future of Miami University and its students. Your work will help secure transformative gifts and grants that make a lasting impact.

Key Responsibilities

• Write, edit, and refine major gift proposals for individual donors; occasionally support grant proposals.
• Gather research and background information across diverse academic disciplines, including conducting interviews with key stakeholders.
• Partner with development staff to set expectations, define timelines, and coordinate proposal submissions.
• Ensure proposals meet quality, accuracy, and deadline expectations agreed upon with clients.
• Manage a shared donor solicitation library and maintain proposal templates.
• Track and report project progress within the team’s project management system.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree and at least three years of progressively responsible writing and project management experience. Finalists will be asked to provide writing samples and may also be requested to complete a writing exercise.

Preferred Qualifications

Five or more years of client-based professional writing and project management experience in a nonprofit or higher education environment, or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Exceptional customer service orientation.
• Strong organization skills with the ability to prioritize effectively and work under deadline pressure.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Mastery of editing, grammar, formatting, and common style guides (e.g., AP, Chicago).
• Collaborative approach and proven ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Proficiency with Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and Adobe Acrobat.
• Familiarity with project management tools (e.g., Wrike).
• Ability to leverage Artificial Intelligence tools to enhance editing, research, and content development.

Required Application Documents

To be considered for this position please upload a resume and cover letter.