Strategic Development Writer

Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research; Boston (MA); Hybrid; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

401K plan

Generous flextime policy

Job summary

A public policy research organization in Boston seeks a full-time Strategic Development Writer to support fundraising through compelling proposals and donor communications. The role requires strong writing and project management skills, as well as the ability to convey complex policy concepts in an accessible manner. Ideal candidates will have experience in persuasive writing and a background in philanthropy. This position offers a hybrid work model and comprehensive health benefits.

Qualifications

• Experience in writing grant proposals, impact reports, and solicitation letters.
• Ability to translate complex concepts for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of philanthropy landscape.

Responsibilities

• Write compelling grant proposals tailored to specific priorities.
• Manage multiple writing projects and deadlines.
• Develop donor newsletters and impact reports.

Skills

Long-form persuasive writing

Excellent written communication skills

Research and analytical skills

Donor database management

Ability to work independently

Education

Bachelor's degree preferred

Job description

Strategic Development Writer (Full-Time)

Pioneer Institute empowers Americans with choices and opportunities to live freely and thrive through expert research, educational initiatives, legal action, and coalition-building in K-12 Education, Health, Economic Opportunity, and American Civic Values. In partnership with Pioneer New England Legal Foundation, our research, communications, and litigation efforts drive change regionally and nationally.

Pioneer Institute is seeking a Strategic Development Writer to join our team. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Development, the position will support fundraising efforts for both the Institute's policy research initiatives and the Foundation’s legal programs. This role offers a unique opportunity for a development professional to translate complex policy and legal concepts into compelling funding proposals, donor communications, and fundraising materials. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, strategic, motivated, and deadline-oriented team member who can translate institutional priorities to inspire philanthropy and engagement.

Key Responsibilities

Writing (85%)

• Write compelling grant proposals for project-based initiatives across Pioneer Institute and the Foundation, tailoring content to specific foundation priorities and guidelines
• Develop proposals and solicitations for both organizations' corporate portfolios
• Create email campaigns for donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation
• Write direct mail appeals and housefile communications
• Develop donor newsletters, impact reports, and stewardship materials
• Adapt, customize, and maintain existing institutional proposal templates for different foundation and corporate audiences and organizational priorities
• Collaborate with program staff and the legal team to gather project details, budgets, and supporting materials
• Track proposal outcomes and follow up on reporting requirements for both foundation and corporate funders
• Prepare briefing materials and prospect profiles for meetings
• Maintain accurate records across both organizational entities in a donor database

Project Management (15%)

• Manage multiple writing projects and deadlines, working with internal and external partners, including researchers, lawyers, and contractors
• Develop a robust content library for the Development team, including policy pillar one-pagers, giving circle overviews, and stewardship materials

Qualifications

• Experience in long-form, persuasive writing in areas including but not limited to grant proposals, impact reports, and solicitation letters
• Excellent written communication skills with ability to translate complex policy and legal concepts for diverse audiences
• Strong research and analytical skills
• Proficiency with donor database management systems
• Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines
• Knowledge of foundation and corporate philanthropy landscape and grant-making trends in policy research preferred
• Bachelor’s degree preferred, though extensive experience will be considered in lieu of formal education
• Hybrid work schedule based in Boston, MA (3 days in office)
• Health insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability, and a generous 401K plan
• Generous flextime policy

How to Apply

Send your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Caitlin Marple at [e-mail] with the subject line: "Strategic Development Writer." To learn more about Pioneer Institute, please visit our website.

Pioneer Institute is an equal opportunity employer.