Philanthropy Writer

nshs; Evanston (IL); On-site; USD 63,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Endeavor Health Health is seeking a Philanthropy Writer to translate clinical priorities into donor-ready proposals and narratives, inspiring giving across the donor cycle. This role collaborates with physicians, executives, and fundraisers to craft compelling cases for major gifts for five hospital foundations.

The ideal candidate is an outstanding writer/editor with knowledge of philanthropy, capable of managing projects end-to-end, developing editorial plans, and creating brand-aligned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English or related field preferred.
• 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development/advancement, healthcare preferred.
• Knowledge of AP Style and brand guidelines.
• Ability to meet deadlines while managing multiple projects.
• Experience in writing multi-channel direct marketing or annual giving appeals.
• Proficiency with Canva and basic graphic design.
• MS Office and Salesforce experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Lead end-to-end major gift and principal gift proposals and cases for support.
• Lead multi-channel annual giving appeals and mid-level proposals.
• Translate funded proposals into high-level impact reports for donors.
• Provide editorial leadership on fundraising priorities and program concepts.
• Oversee visual production of proposals using Canva and templates.
• Navigate governance through Gift Policy Committee with leadership.
• Maintain repository of boilerplate language and ensure brand standards.

Skills

Exceptional writing

Editing

AP Style

Project management

Brand guidelines

Canva proficiency

Education

Bachelor's degree in Journalism/Communications/English

Tools

Salesforce

MS Office

Job description

Hourly Pay Range: $30.46 - $45.69 - The hourly pay rate offered is determined by a candidate's expertise and years of experience, among other factors.

Philanthropy Writer

Reporting to the Director of Philanthropy Communications and Donor Relations, the Philanthropy Writer is a strategic messaging partner who crafts compelling narratives to inspire giving across the entire donor cycle. This role translates complex clinical priorities into sophisticated donor investment opportunities for major and principal gift proposals and philanthropic cases for support, while also crafting customized, compelling narratives that inspire and grow Endeavor Health's base of annual and mid-level donors for each of its five hospital foundations. They serve as a bridge between clinical leadership and the donor, ensuring that every proposal and impact report is not only technically accurate but emotionally and philanthropically persuasive.

The ideal candidate is an outstanding writer and editor who understands philanthropy and donor motivations as well as a proactive and collaborative partner who independently manages writing projects from conception to completion. The ideal candidate combines high-level editorial skill with the ability to develop and execute project plans, manage deadlines, and build strong internal partnerships in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Position Highlights

• Position: Philanthropy Writer
• Location: Evanston or Warrenville, IL
• Full Time/Part Time: Full Time (40 hours)
• Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 am - 5:00 pm
• Required Travel: travel to other Endeavor Health locations may be required

What you will do:

• Gift Proposal and Case Development: Lead the end-to-end project management and creation of major gift and principal gift proposals and cases for support. This includes developing project plans, interviewing physicians and executive leaders, synthesizing complex medical or operational data, and crafting a visionary 'pitch' that aligns with donor motivations, collaborating closely with the system's fundraisers across Endeavor's five foundations
• Annual and Mid-Level Giving Communications: Lead the project management, writing, and creation of multi-channel annual giving appeals and mid-level proposals, often in collaboration with outside vendors. Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors across Endeavor Health's five foundations.
• Post-Gift Impact Reporting and Stewardship: In partnership with the Philanthropy Communications team and with Donor Relations and the frontline fundraisers, translate the success of funded proposals into high-level impact reports. Ensure that donors who give to specific initiatives receive customized, substantive updates that demonstrate the direct power of their investment.
• Strategic Narrative and Messaging Counsel: Provide editorial leadership on system-wide fundraising priorities. Partner with frontline fundraisers to write and "package" new programs or clinical trials into donor-ready concepts before a formal proposal is presented.
• Visual Communications and Design: Manage the visual production of proposals and other communications materials. Independently create and adapt designs using tools like Canva and approved corporate templates to produce visually compelling and brand-aligned collateral in collaboration with the Philanthropy Communications team.
• Clinical Liaison and Governance: Navigate the internal approval process, working with the CDO and AVP of Philanthropy Operations to shepherd proposals through the Gift Policy Committee. Ensure all narratives align with the health system's strategic clinical roadmap.
• Knowledge Management and Brand Standards: Maintain a central repository of approved boilerplate language for clinical programs and system facts. Ensure all high-level collateral meets Endeavor Health's editorial and brand standards of the organization.

What you will need:

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field preferred.
• Certification: n/a
• Experience: 5+ years of experience in nonprofit development/advancement (with experience in a healthcare-related organization preferred)
• Unique or Preferred Skills:Knowledge of AP Style and experience working within corporate brand guidelines
• Demonstrated ability to meet required project deadlines while concurrently managing multiple projects
• Experience in writing and managing multi-channel direct marketing or annual giving appeals (e.g., direct mail, email)
• Proficiency with basic graphic design principles and tools (e.g., Canva) is preferred. Must be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and proactively address challenges in a fast-paced, emerging and dynamic environment with ongoing deadlines.
• Proficiency with MS Office and proactively working with Salesforce or similar CRM is strongly preferred.
• Tech-savvy and avid learner with a keen interest in fundraising, nonprofit trends, data, and a strategic