Senior Writer & Foundation Relations Lead

ACLU; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 128,000 - 157,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid time off

Healthcare benefits

401k with employer match

Professional development funds

Job summary

The ACLU’s National office in New York, NY is hiring for the full-time role of Assistant Director/Senior Writer in the Development Department, a hybrid position requiring two days in the office each week. January 2027 start date.

The Assistant Director will lead foundation funders and individual donors, drafting proposals, reports, and stewardship materials while supporting donor relationships for a high-volume institutional fundraising program.

Qualifications

• Significant experience applying exceptional writing skills in foundation fundraising or a related field, including ability to synthesize and communicate complex issues clearly and concisely.
• Maintain high level of accuracy and detail, adapting writing styles for varied audiences, and persuading positively.
• Experience creating persuasive organizational-level messaging and cases for support in changing political environments.
• Ability to manage several complex projects simultaneously and independently, and manage deadlines effectively.
• Edit the work of others and develop/maintain productive relationships across teams.

Responsibilities

• Synthesize complex information into clear and compelling grant proposals and reports for foundation and individual donors.
• Draft proposals, reports, and stewardship materials on civil liberties issues.
• Meet all writing deadlines for the assigned portfolio.
• Fact check materials produced by other Development teams.
• Assist program staff with stewardship of current funders, including substantive updates on the ACLU’s work.
• Conduct research for new potential funders and develop cultivation strategies.
• Engage in special projects and other duties as assigned.

Skills

Exceptional writing skills

Foundation fundraising experience

Synthesize complex issues

Persuasive messaging

Project management

Edit others' work

Relationship building

Fundraising databases

Experience in national organizations

Tools

Fundraising databases

Job description

The ACLU’s National office in New York, NY is hiring for the full-time role of Assistant Director/Senior Writer in the Development Department, a hybrid position requiring two days in the office each week. January 2027 start date.

The Assistant Director will lead foundation funders and individual donors, drafting proposals, reports, and stewardship materials while supporting donor relationships for a high-volume institutional fundraising program.