Development Writer

Broad Institute; Cambridge (MA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

Life insurance

Disability insurance

401(k) retirement plan

Job summary

The Broad Institute is seeking a Development Writer to translate complex biomedical concepts into donor-friendly copy. You will draft acknowledgements, stewardship reports, and materials for development activities, working closely with frontline fundraisers and senior leaders.

The ideal candidate has 4+ years of professional writing experience, an English/biology focus is preferred, and a keen eye for clarity and precision.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, journalism, or life sciences. An advanced degree would be a bonus.
• 4+ years of professional writing experience, preferably in development, nonprofit, higher education, or science communications.
• Exceptional written, expository, and verbal communication skills; copy editing and proofreading a plus.
• Keen editorial judgment with regard to clarity, concision, and precision.

Responsibilities

• Produce copy that is clear, accurate, compelling, inspiring, and donor-centered, translating complex scientific concepts into lay language.
• Draft gift acknowledgements and other correspondence for senior leaders as needed.
• Draft stewardship reports conveying scientific progress and impact with input from fundraisers and editors.
• Draft and edit materials for Development activities (biographies, invitations, post-event correspondence, etc.).
• Manage multiple writing assignments and track drafts, revisions, approvals, and deadlines.

Skills

Excellent writing

Editing

Communication skills

Fact-checking

Collaboration

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Education

Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, or life sciences

Tools

Microsoft Office

Google Workspace

Job description

The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard is one of the world’s leading biomedical research institutes. Our mission is to propel the understanding of the biological roots of human disease, with the aim of improving diagnostics and therapeutics for patients worldwide. Founded in 2004, the Broad Institute includes faculty, professional staff, and students from throughout the MIT and Harvard biomedical research communities, with collaborations spanning the globe.
The Broad’s Development Office is recruiting for a Development Writer to join our nimble, fast-paced, and dynamic team. The ideal candidate is a talented, self-motivated, and thoughtful writer, who is creative, adaptable, and enthusiastic about writing content that effectively communicates scientific concepts to donor audiences. They thrive in a fast-paced environment, are excited about having a front-row view of transformative science, and are passionate about helping to advance the Broad Institute’s mission of improving human health. They are eager to improve their craft, enjoy the editing process, and are deft at incorporating feedback.
The position reports to the Manager and Senior Editor, Development Communications, and will also work closely with the rest of the Development Communications team as well as frontline fundraisers. Applicants for this role are expected to have cover letters (not AI-generated or assisted) and will be asked to submit writing samples and complete a writing evaluation test.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Produce copy that is clear, accurate, compelling, inspiring, and donor-centered, translating complex scientific concepts into clear lay language and ensuring that they are aligned with the Institute’s priorities and messaging.
• Draft gift acknowledgements and other correspondence on behalf of the Chief Development Officer, senior frontline fundraisers, Broad principal investigators, and other senior leaders as needed.
• Draft stewardship reports that effectively convey scientific progress and impact, with guidance from fundraisers, the Manager and Senior Editor, and the Senior Director of Development Communications.
• Draft and edit materials for Development activities, including prospect visits and events (biographies, invitations, post-event correspondence, etc.).
• Manage multiple writing assignments simultaneously by tracking drafts, revisions, approvals, and deadlines, and maintaining organized records of work.
• Perform other job duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in either English, journalism, or life sciences. An advanced degree would be a bonus.
• 4+ years of professional writing experience, preferably in development, nonprofit, higher education, or science communications.
• Truly exceptional written, expository, and verbal communication skills. Copy editing and proofreading skills are a plus.
• Keen editorial judgment with regard to clarity, concision, and precision.
• Must be enthusiastic and familiar with the scientific research and accomplishments of the Broad Institute. The ideal candidate will also be acquainted with the research of the larger Boston biomedical ecosystem.
• Ability to work independently, complete complex, multiple assignments, conduct independent research, and fact-check for detail and accuracy.
• Ability to think and work across different subject areas at a high level simultaneously.
• Excellent problem-solving, organizational, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills and ability to collaborate effectively.
• Proficiency with standard productivity tools (e.g., Microsoft Office, Google Workspace).
• Discretion with confidential material is a must.
• Must be able to thrive in a dynamic environment and work under deadline pressure.
  The Broad will not provide sponsorship for this position.

The expected base pay range for this position as listed above is based on a 40 hour per week schedule. Broad provides pay ranges representing its reasonable and good faith estimate of what the organization reasonably expects to pay for a position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will vary based on factors including but not limited to, relevant skills, experience, education, qualifications, and other factors permissible by law.

At Broad, your base pay is just one part of a comprehensive total rewards package. From day one, this role offers a competitive benefits package including medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance; a 401(k) retirement plan; flexible spending and health savings accounts; at least 13 paid holidays; winter closure; paid time off; parental and family care leave; and an employee assistance program, among other Broad benefits.

The Broad Institute is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, national origin, religion, age, color, sex, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by local, state, or federal laws, rules, or regulations.

Should you need a reasonable accommodation to complete the application or interview process, please contact [e-mail] for assistance.