Interim Senior Proposal Writer

University of Oregon; Eugene (OR); Hybrid; USD 90,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement plans

Paid time off

Job summary

The Senior Proposal Writer at the University of Oregon focuses on creating high-level donor proposals and white papers to secure transformational gifts in support of the university’s comprehensive campaign. The role requires expert narrative storytelling, strong editing, and the ability to translate complex academic goals into compelling donor materials.

You will collaborate with leadership and frontline fundraisers, manage multiple projects, ensure inclusion and accessibility in materials, and

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or a related field.
• 8 years' experience in journalism, programmatic research/writing, development, or public relations.
• Demonstrated experience securing grants from foundations, governments, corporate funders, and individuals.

Responsibilities

• Produce persuasive fundraising proposals and white papers for major gifts of $1M+ and above.
• Craft strategic narratives aligned with the University's comprehensive campaign and brand standards.
• Collaborate with executive leadership, development officers, and academic partners; manage multiple projects and deadlines.

Skills

Strong writing

Editing

Research

Grant writing

Communications

Education

Bachelor's degree in journalism/English/related field

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Chicago Manual of Style

Job description

Interim Senior Proposal Writer

Department: University Advancement

Appointment Type and Duration: Interim (OA), Limited

Salary: $90,000 - $100,000 per year

Compensation Band: OS-OA08-Fiscal Year2025-2026

FTE: 1.0

Hybrid eligible

Application Review Begins

July 19, 2026; position open until filled

Department Summary

University Advancement (UA) supports the University of Oregon's(UO) mission of providing exceptional teaching, discovery, andservice by strategically positioning the university to createawareness, build long-term relationships, and secure resources thatincrease understanding and furthers its aims. The division consistsof approximately 200 employees primarily working out of Eugene,with offices in Portland and Bend. We are committed to fosteringequity and inclusion in a welcoming, safe, and respectfulenvironment that recognizes the value of all members of ourcommunity.

Position Summary

The Senior Proposal Writer role is an interim position focusedexclusively on producing high-level donor proposals (targetinggifts of $1M or $5M and above) and white papers that articulatetransformational giving opportunities aligned with the Universityof Oregon's comprehensive campaign.

In compliance with brand standards set by University Communicationsand the comprehensive campaign, you will leverage your expertise tocraft compelling, strategic narratives and engaging content thatdrive principal gift support for the University of Oregon. Yourprimary responsibilities will center on preparing persuasivefundraising and institutional development materials for asophisticated audience, including institutional prospects, majordonors, and UO leadership.

This position demands close collaboration with executiveleadership, development officers/relationship managers, andacademic partners to clearly and compellingly convey theuniversity's highest fundraising priorities and campaigninitiatives. You must be adept at project management andtranslating complex academic and institutional goals intoimpactful, donor-centric proposals and white papers that inspiresubstantial philanthropic investment.

The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced proficiency innarrative storytelling for personalized, high-stakes donorcommunications, as well as the ability to produce highly technicalwriting for white papers and campaign materials. Strong projectmanagement skills and the ability to navigate a fast-paced,multifaceted workload are essential, as is the capacity to moveseamlessly between projects and audiences.

Key competencies include strategic thinking, exceptional persuasivewriting, deep familiarity with the university's mission, values,strategic plan, Oregon Rising, and the comprehensive campaign, aswell as a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and culturalsensitivity. You will also be responsible for ensuring diversity,inclusion, and accessibility are integrated throughout allmaterials.

The Senior Proposal Writer is a vital member of the campaign teamand reports to the Associate Vice President for AdvancementStrategies and Campaign Director. The position can offer a hybridwork arrangement based in Eugene, with occasional evening andweekend work required.

Minimum Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or a relatedfield.


• 8 years' experience in a journalism, programmaticresearch/writing, development, or public relations field.


• Demonstrated experience successfully securing grants fromfoundations, governments, corporate funders, and individuals.

Professional Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.


• Highly detail-oriented and organized with superior research andediting skills.


• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environmentmanaging numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.


• Ability to plan for and meet deadlines.


• Ability to work effectively with people from differentbackgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.


• Thorough command of the Chicago Manual of Style; fluency andwriting journalistic, marketing, and fundraising styles acrossmultimedia.


• Professionalism and discretion in managing client and donorrelationships and sensitive data.


• Expert knowledge of fundraising best practices related to writtenproposals and case statements.


• Ability to craft messages for segments and audience, especiallyat donor centered approach to writing, producing fundraisingappeals that secure gifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns,including writing and producing gift proposals, fundraisingappeals, white papers, case statements gift announcements, targetedcollateral, and other materials designed to support and enhance thework of frontline fundraisers.


• Experience managing projects that serve both donor stewardshipand communications objectives.


• Fundraising communications experience in a higher educationsetting.


• Master's degree in journalism, English, or a closely relatedfield.

FLSA Exempt: Yes

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background check.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefitspackage to eligible employees, including health insurance,retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information aboutbenefits, visit ourwebsite.

The University of Oregon is an equal-opportunity institutioncommitted to cultural diversity and compliance with the Americanswith Disabilities Act. The University encourages all qualifiedindividuals to apply and does not discriminate on the basis of anyprotected status, including veteran and disability status. TheUniversity is committed to providing reasonable accommodations toapplicants and employees with disabilities. To request anaccommodation in connection with the application process, please email us or call541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion,national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, genderexpression, pregnancy (including pregnancy-related conditions),age, physical or mental disability, genetic information (includingfamily medical history), ancestry, familial status, citizenship,service in the uniformed services (as defined in federal and statelaw), veteran status, expunged juvenile record, and/or the use ofleave protected by state or federal law in all programs, activitiesand employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicablelaws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy.Questions may be referred to the Office of Equal Opportunity andAccess. Contact information, related policies, and complaintprocedures are listedhere.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon preparesan annual report on campus security and fire safety programs andservices. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report isavailable online.