About SMU: 

SMU’s more than 12,000 diverse, high-achieving students come from all 50 states and 90 countries to take advantage of the University’s small classes, hands-on research opportunities, leadership development, community service, international study and innovative programs. The University offers a strong foundation in the humanities and sciences and undergraduate, graduate and professional degree programs through eight schools.

Now in its second century of achievement, SMU is increasingly recognized for the ways it supports students, faculty and alumni as they become ethical leaders in their professions and communities. On the most beautiful college campus in the country, SMU Mustangs are energized by unbridled opportunities – from teaching, learning and research to creativity, performance and athletic endeavor.

About the Department: 

Development and External Affairs (DEA) supports SMU by securing funding for University priorities; by promoting meaningful involvement in the life and work of the University; by heightening international, national, state and local awareness of SMU; and by supporting the enrollment of a diverse and able student body.

DEA comprises the offices of Office of the Vice President, Annual Giving and Alumni Relations, Development Services, Program Services and Donor Relations, Marketing and Communications, Principal and Major Gifts, and School and Project Development.

SMU continues to leverage the benefits from the largest fund-raising campaign in its history to achieve dramatic increases in academic quality and impact.

About the Position: 

Join SMU in the launch of an exciting fundraising campaign that will take the University to the next level in shaping world changers.

The Lead Writer will articulate SMU’s campaign key messages and create content that inspires major and principal gift donors including alumni, North Texans and supporters across the country to invest in SMU.

This position reports to the Executive Director of Creative Marketing and leads a small team of writers to strengthen engagement with current and prospective SMU major donors. This person will collaborate with the extended marketing team and with the fundraising team to support SMU brand messaging.

Essential Functions: 

• Manages and leads a small team of writers to create content that inspires and strengthens engagement with current and prospective SMU major and principal gift donors. Serves as writer but also the main editor for all campaign content, coaching the team on using SMU’s voice and tone, key messages, and storytelling.
• Teaming with marcom colleagues produces highly visual and compelling digital and print development/campaign related materials such as proposals to donors; gift summaries, announcements and impact stories; video testimonials and stories; gift and donor-related content for speeches and events; quarterly campaign newsletter; vibrant campaign website; social media; etc.
• This position will also build a digital library of resources for the fundraising team that are easy to use and enables them to be self-sufficient in the fundraising of leadership and major gifts (examples: templated proposals for merit- and need-based scholarships,  endowed positions, etc.)

Qualifications – Education and Experience: 

• Bachelor’s degree is required, preferably in Writing, English or Journalism.
• A minimum of five years of work experience in creative and professional writing and editing is required, preferably in higher education or non-profit. Previous experience supervising a professional staff is also required.
• Experience in the areas of development or advancement communications is preferred. Experience writing proposals and other content for major and principal gift donors is highly desirable. Experience engaging sophisticated donors in interviews to share their stories is a plus.

Qualifications – Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: 

• Candidate must demonstrate strong verbal and interpersonal communication skills, as well as the ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with a wide range of constituencies in a diverse community. Must also be a good listener and experienced at collaborating with fundraisers, designers, videographers, social media, project managers and others in the creation of content.
• Candidate must have proven ability to articulate complex ideas in writing and verbally. Strong writing skills with the ability to produce error-free communications and other materials are required. Strong knowledge of AP Style; usage, grammar and punctuation rules for proofreading; fact checking; and quality control are essential.
• Candidate must possess strong organizational, planning and time-management skills with the ability to proactively manage multiple concurrent projects, ensure high-quality standards, ensure deadlines are met and delegate effectively. Must also demonstrate a strong attention to detail, the ability to be flexible and have a strong sense of urgency. Demonstrated understanding of audience and placement is essential; example: able to make decisions of when to start with a mobile or print concept first.
• Candidate must possess strong problem solving skills with the ability to be resourceful, proactive and seek assistance as needed. The ability to work both independently and in a team-focused, collaborative environment is essential. Must also be a team player with a can do attitude and have proven experience collaborating with many stakeholders.
• Candidate must possess strong leadership skills with the ability to provide focus and motivation to professional staff in a goal-driven, fast-paced and changing environment.
• Candidate must have a strong working knowledge of Microsoft Suite, especially Word and Excel. The ability to edit content in InDesign, Illustrator or other design software is strongly preferred.

Salary Range: 

Salary commensurate with experience and qualifications

Deadline to Apply: April 22, 2022

EEO Statement: 

SMU will not discriminate in any program or activity on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, sexual orientation, or gender identity and expression. The Executive Director for Access and Equity/Title IX Coordinator is designated to handle inquiries regarding nondiscrimination policies and may be reached at the Perkins Administration Building, Room 204, 6425 Boaz Lane, Dallas, TX 75205, 214-768-3601, [email protected].

Benefits: 

• SMU offers staff a broad, competitive array of health and related benefits. In addition to traditional benefits such as health, dental, and vision plans, SMU offers a wide range of wellness programs to help attract, support, and retain our employees whose work continues to make SMU an outstanding education and research institution.
• SMU is committed to providing an array of retirement programs that benefit and protect you and your family throughout your working years at SMU and, if you meet SMU’s retirement eligibility criteria, during your retirement years after you leave SMU.
• The value of learning at SMU isn’t just about preparing our students for the future. Employees have access to a wide variety of professional and personal development opportunities, including tuition benefits.