"Senior Writer for Donor Relations"

Senior Writer for Donor Relations

The University of Pennsylvania, the largest private employer in Philadelphia, is a world-renowned leader in education, research, and innovation. This historic, Ivy League school consistently ranks among the top 10 universities in the annual U.S. News & World Report survey. Penn has 12 highly-regarded schools that provide opportunities for undergraduate, graduate and continuing education, all influenced by Penn's distinctive interdisciplinary approach to scholarship and learning. As an employer Penn has been ranked nationally on many occasions with the most recent award from Forbes who named Penn one of America's Best Large Employers in 2023.

Penn offers a unique working environment within the city of Philadelphia. The University is situated on a beautiful urban campus, with easy access to a range of educational, cultural, and recreational activities. With its historical significance and landmarks, lively cultural offerings, and wide variety of atmospheres, Philadelphia is the perfect place to call home for work and play.

The University offers a competitive benefits package that includes excellent healthcare and tuition benefits for employees and their families, generous retirement benefits, a wide variety of professional development opportunities, supportive work and family benefits, a wealth of health and wellness programs and resources, and much more.

Job Description Summary

Reporting to the Executive Director of Donor Relations, the Senior Writer is an exceptional writer, conceptual thinker, and project manager working to advance the University's mission and goals, specifically supporting the highest priority development initiatives at the University level. This individual will contribute to creative problem-solving, planning, and timely execution for an evolving portfolio of writing and communications projects, and will often work independently and in a consultative capacity around writing needs with senior staff and academic leadership across the University.

Working as key member of the Donor Relations team within the AVP Campaign and Engagement area, the Senior Writer's projects may include conceptual frameworks for new communications initiatives, particularly pertaining to Campaign; written case statements, collateral materials, and templated proposal language for University-level initiatives; principal gift level personalized cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship materials, including proposals; and other varied and unique needs arising.

Job Responsibilities

• Provide senior-level planning and execution for mission-critical writing projects for high-profile DAR initiatives especially directed at soliciting and stewarding our highest level donors.
• Work closely as needed to execute assigned projects with the Office of the President, the Secretary's Office, Principal Gifts, senior DAR leadership, Development Directors in the Schools and Centers, and other University staff and faculty.
• Respond to emerging and sometimes unexpected needs for timely and compelling written communications.
• Produce unique and compelling digital and print pieces for Principal Gifts and other fundraising areas to be presented to donors by the University President and other top Penn administrators.
• As needed, serve as a DAR liaison with outside vendors to ensure a high standard of excellence in outsourced communications projects.
• Interact comfortably and effectively with top levels of the University's leadership and faculty, as well as with valued philanthropists and high level volunteers.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Bachelors degree and 5-7 years relevant work experience in communications or related field or equivalent combination of education and experience is required. Expert writing, editing, and proofreading skills. Experience writing for fundraising, including compelling case materials, fundraising proposals, and donor stewardship materials required. Comfort level and skill with technologies including digital platforms for sharing proposals and other resources with donors, eg. Qwilr. Experience writing high visibility executive communications. Excellent project management skills. Excellent interpersonal skills with the ability to function with diplomacy and build positive working relationships with peers and leadership. Demonstrated history of effective performance within demanding, deadline-driven environments, and ability to maintain a calm, professional demeanor when under pressure.

Job Location - City, State: Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. Department / School: Development and Alumni Relations. Pay Range: $76,000.00 - $85,000.00 Annual Rate.

Equal Opportunity Statement: The University of Pennsylvania is an equal opportunity employer. Candidates are considered for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, religion, creed, national origin (including shared ancestry or ethnic characteristics), citizenship status, age, disability, veteran status or any class protected under applicable federal, state or local law.