Essential Job Duties

As the largest philanthropic effort in NC State history, the Think and Do the Extraordinary Campaign is transforming the university. The Development Writer will work across channels and platforms on storytelling and messaging aimed at illustrating the impact of private financial support on students, faculty, facilities and more; raising Campaign awareness and communicating progress toward related strategic goals; stewarding donors; and inspiring constituents to build a culture of philanthropy at NC State that continues beyond the Campaign’s close.
Primary duties of the Development Writer include, but are not limited to:

• Creating compelling and concise content in support of philanthropic priorities, which may include writing and editing stewardship and cultivation materials, event and video remarks and scripts, Campaign website features, acknowledgment letters, social media templates and more.
• Crafting on-brand and compelling content for projects that support the fundraising, acquisition and stewardship goals of the Office of Annual Giving, which may include digital and print solicitations, web copy and impact reporting.
• Working closely with development and communications colleagues within University Advancement and across campus to imagine, plan, create and implement strategic communications conveying the impact of philanthropy to a variety of audiences.
• Reviewing and editing Annual Giving communications.
• Attending university philanthropy-related events as appropriate.

Minimum Experience/Education

Bachelor’s degree in a discipline related to the area of assignment; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Other Required Qualifications

• Experience in professional writing and editing for higher education, nonprofit fund development work or the communications/ public relations fields.
• Knowledge of annual giving for higher education or nonprofits.
• Knowledge of standard concepts, practices, and procedures related to the position, including expertise in English grammar, punctuation and syntax.
• Familiarity with appropriate software applications.
• Ability to conduct research and interviews, and to synthesize large amounts of information in a clear, accurate way.
• Understanding of branding and positioning strategies for the institution and for specific projects.
• Ability to write on behalf of various university administrators, staff, and volunteers.
• Experience using various channels of communication.
• Strong project management/time management skills and demonstrated ability to meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and to collaborate successfully with internal and external partners, and ability to work with confidential information and high-level donors.
• Flexibility and adaptability in responding to changing priorities and new opportunities.
• Ability to set priorities and manage multiple tasks and projects with strong attention to detail and accuracy.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, technical communications, marketing, or similar field.
• Experience writing for fundraising campaigns within higher education or other persuasive writing experience.
• Knowledge of digital communications practices and tools such as WordPress, MailChimp, and Google Analytics.