"Philanthropy Writer"

Philanthropy Writer

Company: Dartmouth College

Job Location: Lebanon, NH 03766
35 Centerra Parkway

Category: Publications and Editing

Type: Full-Time

Posting date: 12/05/2025

Open Until Filled: Yes

Position Number: 1129490

Hiring Range: $72,100 - $90,200

Remote Work Eligibility: Hybrid

Position Purpose

An integral part of the Medical & Healthcare Advancement office, the Philanthropy Writer plays a critical role in advancing fundraising goals by crafting compelling, donor-centric content-from highly customized proposals to cases for support, campaign content, and related written materials-that support the solicitation and closure of major and principal philanthropic gifts to Dartmouth Health and the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. The writer also contributes to efforts by additional teams within MHA that deepens donor engagement and demonstrates the impact of philanthropy. Reporting to the Director of Content & Creative Strategy, this position is both creative and collaborative, requiring a deep understanding of the academic medical and healthcare fundraising landscape.

Required Qualifications - Education and Yrs Exp

Bachelors or equivalent combination of education and experience

Required Qualifications - Skills, Knowledge and Abilities

Skills & Knowledge

• Deep knowledge of the academic medical and healthcare ecosystem and fundraising landscape.
• Proven previous experience in proposal or grant writing for a major university, research institution, or health system.
• Exceptional editorial judgement and content development ability, with a demonstrated capacity to translate complex medical and scientific subjects into compelling, inspirational, adaptable content frameworks.
• The ability to both be a creative thinker and adhere to the highest standards of writing and editing, with an unparalleled attention to detail.
• Editorial leadership, with the ability to guide others in customizing content while maintaining consistency in tone, style, and messaging.
• Understanding of donor engagement strategies, especially how messaging evolves from general priorities to personalized solicitations.
• Ability to handle sensitive and highly confidential information with discretion and judgment.
• High degree of professionalism for working with colleagues, faculty, and organizational stakeholders.
• A self-starter with a demonstrated ability to meet deadlines and manage multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal and verbal communication skills, with a commitment to respectful communication and collaboration within a diverse community.
• Brings joy and humor to the workplace.

Required Experience

• 5-7 or more years' professional experience in philanthropic communications work and/or grant/proposal writing is required.
• Demonstrated success writing and reviewing proposals, donor correspondence, or similar materials in a collaborative environment.
• Experience providing editorial oversight or coaching to colleagues customizing donor-facing materials.
• Experience working in a collaborative, deadline-driven environment.

Education

• Bachelor's degree required
• Professional training in writing or fundraising communications is a plus.

Preferred Qualifications

• Significant professional experience (7+ years) in communications and/or philanthropy in the health and healthcare arena.
• Proven previous experience in creating proposals that resulted in the closure of major or principal-level gifts from high-capacity donors.
• Master's degree or equivalent in a related field.

Department Contact

Anne Holden
Phone: (603) 646-5116
Director of Content & Creative Strategy

Key Responsibilities

Research and Writing (70%)

• Develop a deep understanding of each institution's philanthropic priorities and strategic vision and learn how to infuse that understanding into your work.
• Develop templated proposals for major and principal gift prospects that focus on specific funding priorities and areas and that inspire individuals, foundations, or organizations to make philanthropic investments in Dartmouth Health and/or the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth. The templates will serve as foundational documents to be customized for individual solicitations.
• Partner with gift officers to gain a deep understanding of donor interests and motivations, and use these insights to build communication tools as appropriate that support strategic cultivation and solicitation efforts for fundraising priorities.
• Support the development of other fundraising materials as needed, including, but not limited to: cases for support, campaign content, and stewardship materials.
• Ensure that all materials adhere to the highest standards for written content and align with Medical & Healthcare Advancement's Editorial Style Guide.

Project Management and Collaboration (20%)

• Appropriately communicate status of current projects to key stakeholders to ensure that work can be prioritized and leveraged appropriately as part of broader engagement and fundraising strategies.
• Assist in the preparation and planning related to the delivery of gift proposals, including correspondence, talking points, and presentations.
• Partner with Medical & Healthcare Advancement's Creative Team to ensure materials adhere to appropriate brand standards and convey a professional look and feel.
• Develop and maintain a robust project tracking, review, and approval process that ensures appropriate buy-in from gift officers, content leadership, and organizational stakeholders.

Editorial Support and Strategy (10%)

• Serve as a resource for writing best practices and donor-centric messaging across advancement teams.
• Provide editorial support for fundraising content as needed.
• Participate in content strategy discussions and ensure consistency in voice and tone across communications.

Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, inclusion, and cultural awareness through actions, interactions, and communications with others.

Performs other duties as assigned.

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