Senior Writer

The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center; United States; On-site; USD 72,000 - 88,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental and vision coverage

Paid time off

Retirement plan

Job summary

The Ohio State University is seeking a Senior Writer in External Affairs to develop donor-centered fundraising materials, cases for support, and stewardship communications. The role partners with Advancement Marketing and Communications to translate complex academic priorities into clear narratives tailored to donor strategy and engagement.

The senior writer will manage multiple assignments, maintain content libraries, and ensure high-quality, accessible storytelling across cultivation and

Qualifications

• Four (4) years of professional writing/strategic communications experience.
• Must demonstrate advanced research, writing and customer service skills.
• Must demonstrate superior organizational, collaborative, editorial and interpersonal skills.
• Master’s degree in English, journalism, marketing, liberal arts or related field.
• Five (5) years of relevant experience.
• Experience writing in a university setting.
• Experience with proposal/persuasive writing.
• Experience with fundraising, donor relations or related experience.

Responsibilities

• Establishes subject‑matter expertise and serves as a strategic content partner to colleagues and stakeholders.
• Plans, researches, writes and edits customized proposals and supporting materials for major and principal gift solicitations.
• Translates complex academic information into clear donor‑facing narratives.
• Creates impact and stewardship communications demonstrating how gifts are used.
• Interviews and collaborates with senior leaders and staff to gather content and verify accuracy.
• Manages multiple complex assignments from intake through final delivery and uses AI‑assisted workflows responsibly.

Skills

Advanced research

Writing skills

Customer service

Editorial coordination

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications/marketing/English/journalism

Master’s degree in English/journalism/marketing/communication

Job description

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, tests and refines responsible AI‑supported research and writing workflows while exercising editorial judgment, protecting confidential information and ensuring human review of final content. Serves as a consultative partner with development officers in determining the right format, timing and channel for delivery of fundraising messages and materials.

20% Provides surge support for high‑priority acknowledgments and leadership correspondence during peak periods, coordinating with the lead acknowledgment writer and donor experience colleagues. Contributes to shared message libraries, proposal and case content inventories, stewardship resources and editorial practices that improve consistency, quality and efficiency across Advancement. Adheres to university style and brand standards, accessibility and inclusive‑language practices, confidentiality requirements, and the preferences, voice and tone of university leaders. Performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, English, journalism or a related field, or an equivalent combination of education and work experience. Four (4) years of relevant experience in professional writing/strategic communications experience. Must be able to demonstrate advanced research, writing and customer service skills. Must be able to demonstrate superior organizational, collaborative, editorial and interpersonal skills.

Desired Qualifications (We’re committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills and experiences and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

Master’s degree in English, journalism, marketing, liberal arts, communication sciences or a related field Five (5) years of relevant experience Experience writing in a university setting Demonstrated superior writing, organizational, collaborative and interpersonal skills Experience with proposal/persuasive writing Experience with fundraising, donor relations or related experience

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life‑changing teaching and research. Learn more here: Careers at Ohio State.

Additional Information

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position. To learn more about the Office of External Affairs, please visit Advancement Careers. The budget for this position is up to $80,000.00. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications. Function: Marketing and Communications Sub‑function: Writing and Editing Career Band: Individual Contributor – Specialized Career Level: S3 Senior Location: Longaberger Alumni House (0022) Position Type: Regular Scheduled Hours: 40 Shift: First Shift Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post‑offer process.

Benefits

• Medical, dental and vision coverage, with Ohio State paying a significant portion of the cost.
• Paid time off, including sick and vacation time and 11 holidays.
• State retirement plan or an alternative retirement plan, both with generous employer contributions.

Company Culture

We offer roles and growth opportunities in countless fields and specialties — including a job that’s right for you.

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.

At Ohio State, you’ll find work that inspires you.

Working at Ohio State means you’re part of a team with a strong sense of community and an unwavering commitment to excellence — and, of course, incomparable Buckeye spirit.

We bring out the best in people, help each other succeed and learn together. By joining Ohio State, you become part of a top‑20 public university with one of America’s leading academic health centers.