Advancement Proposal Writer

University of Manitoba; Winnipeg; On-site; CAD 65,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits and pension

Generous vacation time

Employee and Family Assistance Program

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. This Advancement Proposal Writer role supports telling the University’s fundraising stories to inspire philanthropy and strengthen donor relationships.

You will research, write and craft compelling proposals and donor materials, collaborating with fundraisers, faculty and campus partners to ensure content is impactful and on-brand.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Communications or related field.
• 3 years of related administrative experience.
• 3–5 years in journalism or advancement writing; philanthropic copywriting is a plus.
• Experience with not-for-profit or post-secondary institutions is an asset.
• Strong writing and editing, ability to interview senior staff.
• Ability to manage multiple stakeholders and projects.

Responsibilities

• Compose and edit proposals and donor materials with fundraisers.
• Gather compelling content by interviewing researchers, faculty, and donors.
• Provide project management oversight to ensure on-schedule deliverables.
• Coordinate proposal design, branding and production.
• Develop templated content for future proposals.
• Support cross-functional advancement marketing initiatives.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Editing skills

Interviewing senior leaders

Multitasking

Stakeholder collaboration

Education

Bachelor's degree in Communications or related field

Equivalent education/experience

Job description

Advancement Proposal Writer

The University of Manitoba is a driving force of innovation, discovery and advancement. Our momentum is propelled by our campus community – UM faculty, staff and students whose determination and curiosity shape our world for the better. Our teaching, learning and work environment is uniquely strengthened and enriched by Indigenous perspectives. With two main campuses in Winnipeg, satellite campuses throughout Manitoba, and world-wide research, UM’s impact is global.

Discover outstanding employee benefits, experience world-class facilities and join a dynamic community that values reconciliation, sustainability, diversity, and inclusion. We are one of Manitoba’s Top Employers and one of Canada’s Best Diversity Employers. At the University of Manitoba, what inspires you can change everything.

The opportunity:

This is an exciting time to join the University of Manitoba (UM). As we prepare to celebrate our 150th anniversary in 2027 and launch the University’s next major philanthropic campaign, there is an extraordinary opportunity to help tell the stories that connect our community, inspire philanthropy and shape the future of Manitoba and beyond.

As part of the Strategic Marketing and Communication (SMC), Advancement Marketing team, the Advancement Proposal Writer plays a vital role in bringing the University’s fundraising priorities and impact to life. Working closely with UM fundraisers, faculty and campus partners, you will research, write and craft compelling proposals and donor materials that connect people with the ideas and opportunities their philanthropy can make possible.

You are an experienced philanthropic copywriter and storyteller who knows how to uncover the most meaningful details, turn complex information into compelling narratives, and write with both purpose and heart. You’ll engage with fundraisers, donors and faculty to understand fundraising projects from the ground up and develop persuasive, highly personalized content that inspires action and strengthens relationships.

This is an amazing opportunity to use your writing to help tell the University of Manitoba’s story at a pivotal moment in its history—and help shape what comes next.

The qualifications and experience we’re looking for:

• Bachelor’s degree required or equivalent education/experience in Communications or a related field of study.
• Three years of directly related administrative experience required.
• Minimum 3-5 years of journalism, communications, or advancement writing experience with philanthropic copywriting experience an asset.
• Experience working with not-for-profit organizations or a post-secondary institution is an asset.
• Demonstrated ability to write for a wide variety of mediums and audiences is required.
• Experience interviewing senior level individuals is required.
• An acceptable equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills are required.
• Proven ability to communicate in written and verbal form is required.
• Outstanding attention to detail is required.
• Demonstrated ability to act positively and efficiently under pressure is required.
• Demonstrated ability to work well with multiple stakeholders in person and remotely is required.
• Demonstrated ability to understand partner needs and goals and to translate those into clear content is required.
• Demonstrated ability to multitask is required.
• Demonstrated project management skills related to proposal writing (research, writing, reviews, editing, approvals) are required.
• Satisfactory work record, including satisfactory attendance and punctuality, is required.
• Compose and edit proposals, cases for support, for specific donors and groups of donors in collaboration with fundraisers across a variety of programs and Faculties at UM.
• Work with Donor Relations team members to gather compelling content by interviewing researchers, faculty, donors, students and UM partners.
• Provide project management oversight for proposal development, partner reviews and needed approvals, to ensure deliverables are completed accurately and on schedule.
• Coordinate proposal design and production using the template design suite, ensuring brand alignment and consistency, and managing printing as required.
• Use the department’s project management tool for file management, and to track assignments and support needed from SMC team members.
• Build and nurture relationships within the SMC department, with Donor Relations and faculties to ensure communication is clear and writing projects stay on track.
• Keep up to date on UM stories, stats and news, and community-at-large news, to ensure proposals are current and relevant.
• Participate in Donor Relations planning sessions and regular meetings to stay up to date on fundraising projects and initiatives.
• Support writing for a wide variety of mediums and audiences.
• Support copywriting on other Advancement Marketing projects as assigned.
• Develop and maintain a clear and consistent brand experience by adhering to brand guidelines, editorial style guides and other brand documentation.
• Participate in cross‑functional project teams as a subject matter expert in philanthropic writing.
• Provide support and guidance to colleagues and clients to assist in achieving a positive donor experience and consistent brand presence across advancement marketing and communications materials.
• Ensures a high level of quality across all deliverables.
• Proofread, edit and revise content, ensuring copy is clear and effective.
• Perform quality assurance tests and editorial reviews through peer reviews on drafts and final proofs.
• Evaluate processes and make recommendations for improving effectiveness and efficiency.
• Follows CP standards and UM’s style guide.
• Develop an inventory of proposals and up‑to‑date content that can be used as templated content for future proposals and appeals.
• Act as a university-wide resource providing expertise on Advancement marketing copywriting.
• Remain current on emerging trends and technologies related to advancement writing and marketing.
• Other duties as assigned.

Why the University of Manitoba?

Along with being one of Manitoba’s top employers, we are proud to provide a collaborative and enriching work environment. In addition to a strong compensation package with a competitive salary, the University provides an exceptional workplace that includes:

• Comprehensive group benefits and pension plan.
• Competitive vacation time.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program.
• A full spectrum of professional development opportunities.

Closing Date: October 18, 2026

The University of Manitoba is committed to the principles of equity, diversity & inclusion and to promoting opportunities in hiring, promotion and tenure (where applicable) for systemically marginalized groups who have been excluded from full participation at the University and the larger community including Indigenous Peoples, women, racialized persons, persons with disabilities and those who identify as 2SLGBTQIA+ (Two Spirit, lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans, questioning, intersex, asexual and other diverse sexual identities).

If you require accommodation supports during the recruitment process, please contact [e-mail] or 204-474-7195. Please note this contact information is for accommodation reasons only.

Application materials, including letters of reference, will be handled in accordance with the protection of privacy provisions of The Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (Manitoba). Please note that curriculum vitae will be provided to participating members of the search process.