Senior Development Writer, Major & Principal Gifts

Ocean Conservancy; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 110,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Ocean Conservancy is seeking a Development Senior Writer, Strategic Giving to lead fundraising proposals and donor communications for Major and Principal Gifts. Reporting to the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving, the role requires translating complex policy and program information into compelling narratives for high-level donors and coordinating writing across departments.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years as a professional writer, mastery of editorial standards, and strong research

Qualifications

• 10+ years of directly related work experience as a professional writer in a related field.
• Expert knowledge of writing fundamentals, grammar, syntax, style and punctuation.
• Advanced skills to write clear, engaging and compelling copy in various styles 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

Writing fundamentals

Translate technical content

Editorial guidelines

Research and verification

Interpersonal communication

Analytical thinking

Passion for ocean

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

Ocean Conservancy is seeking a Development Senior Writer, Strategic Giving to lead fundraising proposals and donor communications for Major and Principal Gifts. Reporting to the Vice President of Major and Planned Giving, the role requires translating complex policy and program information into compelling narratives for high-level donors and coordinating writing across departments.

The ideal candidate has 10+ years as a professional writer, mastery of editorial standards, and strong research