Senior Writer

Ohio State University; North Carolina; On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Senior Writer for proposals and impact communications. This role develops donor-centered fundraising materials and persuasive narratives for major gift audiences, translating academic priorities into clear stories that demonstrate outcomes.

You will lead writing for proposals, impact reports, stewardship messages, and collaborate with advancement colleagues to tailor content for donor strategy, audience, and engagement.

Qualifications

• Experience crafting donor-centered fundraising materials.
• Ability to translate complex academic priorities into clear narratives.
• Proficient in researching and editing proposals and impact communications.
• Experience with donor databases and data-driven storytelling.

Responsibilities

• Plans, researches, writes and edits customized proposals for major gift solicitations.
• Develops cases for support and impact/ stewardship content.
• Translates complex information into persuasive donor-facing narratives.
• Collaborates with leadership and donor experience staff to gather content.

Skills

Strong writing

Research

Editing

Storytelling

Content strategy

AI tools

Collaboration

Tools

The Advancement System

AI tools

Job description

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Job Title: Senior Writer

Department: External Affairs | Advancement | Strategy and Operations | Marketing Communications

Position Overview

The senior writer for proposals and impact communications develops persuasive, donor-centered fundraising materials and meaningful impact and stewardship communications for major and principal gift audiences. The role leads writing for proposals, cases for support, impact reports and other highly personalized communications that connect donor interests with Ohio State priorities and demonstrate the outcomes of philanthropy. The senior writer researches, plans, writes, edits, proofs and manages the review of philanthropic communications that support cultivation, solicitation and stewardship. Serving as a content strategist and liaison for central/university Advancement, the writer translates complex academic and institutional priorities into clear, compelling narratives tailored to donor strategy, audience and stage of engagement.

As part of Advancement Marketing and Communications (AMC), the senior writer contributes to a proactive team that fosters excellence, collaboration, responsiveness, and flexibility. This role requires an adaptable, curious and strategic writer and editor who becomes an expert in utilizing The Advancement System constituent database and skilled in researching and leveraging AI tools. The senior writer will effectively partner with development officers and donor experience colleagues to translate raw data into compelling proposals and human‑centered messages of gratitude. The senior writer is expected to demonstrate superior writing, research, organizational and interpersonal communication skills, to show initiative and motivation, to thrive in a fast‑moving environment with nimbleness and critical thinking, and to bring creativity and sound judgment to problem‑solving.

All members of External Affairs are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State University's Shared Values. The Office of External Affairs is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues' ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 80% - Establishes subject‑matter expertise and serves as a strategic content partner to Advancement/development colleagues and university stakeholders. Plans, researches, writes and edits customized proposals and supporting materials for major and principal gift solicitations, aligning each narrative with donor interests, gift strategy, funding opportunities and anticipated outcomes. Develops and maintains cases for support, proposal templates, one‑page summaries and other foundational fundraising content that can be adapted for colleges, units, priority initiatives and campaign needs. Translates complex academic, scientific and programmatic information into clear, persuasive and accessible donor‑facing narratives while preserving accuracy, nuance and institutional voice. Creates impact and stewardship communications, including individualized impact reports, donor updates, stories of philanthropy, leadership correspondence and messages of gratitude, that demonstrate how gifts are used and the difference they make. Uses donor, gift and fund information from The Advancement System, approved research and partner‑provided data to personalize communications and connect giving with people, programs, progress and outcomes. Interviews and collaborates with senior leaders, development officers, donor experience staff, deans, faculty, program leaders and marketing and communications partners to gather, verify and synthesize content. Shapes messaging and tone of writing to align with the target donor audience and develops compelling storytelling and calls to action across cultivation, solicitation and stewardship communications. Manages multiple complex assignments from intake through final delivery. Builds, te.