Senior Development Writer — Major & Principal Gifts

Ocean Conservancy; Northern (KY); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Conservancy seeks a Development Senior Writer, Strategic Giving in Washington, DC, to lead proposal writing for Major and Principal Gifts and shape donor communications. This role emphasizes translating policy and program data into persuasive narratives for diverse donors and partners.

Reporting to the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving, you will craft timely, high-impact content, collaborate across departments, and drive a coalition of writers to advance Ocean Conservancy's

Qualifications

• 10+ years of directly related work experience as a professional writer.
• Expert knowledge of writing fundamentals, grammar, syntax, style and punctuation.
• Advanced skills to write clear, engaging and compelling copy and translate technical content into persuasive donor-facing language.
• Expert knowledge of editorial style and publication guidelines.
• Expert research and fact verification skills.
• Expert interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and collaboration.
• Expert analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Passion for our ocean.

Responsibilities

• Plan, write and edit fundraising proposals and other communications for donors, with a focus on Major and Principal Gifts.
• Lead content development and strategies for stewardship reporting and donor engagement, including individualized reports, general support and broader impact reports, and other creative touchpoints like newsletters, donor profiles, impact stories and thank-you messages.
• Write vision pieces for transformational concepts, new initiatives and existing programs, as well as foundational content like a case for support, building out a robust suite of collateral aligned with the organization’s top funding priorities.
• Create processes for proposal and stewardship writing and delivery.
• Work in close concert with Development leadership to craft compelling and timely donor communications and talking points.
• Function as a true partner to Strategic Communications leadership, working in tandem toward shared goals.

Skills

10+ years experience

Strong writing

Editorial style

Research skills

Interpersonal communication

Analytical thinking

Ocean passion

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Ocean Conservancy seeks a Development Senior Writer, Strategic Giving in Washington, DC, to lead proposal writing for Major and Principal Gifts and shape donor communications. This role emphasizes translating policy and program data into persuasive narratives for diverse donors and partners.

Reporting to the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving, you will craft timely, high-impact content, collaborate across departments, and drive a coalition of writers to advance Ocean Conservancy's