University of Michigan

Senior Writer Marketing and Annual Giving

Office of University Development

Working Title

: 

Senior Writer Marketing and Annual Giving

Posting Number

: 

56515

Job Category

: 

Marketing and Communications

Salary

: 

$60,000.00 - $65,000.00

Reports To

: 

Creative Director, Marketing and Annual Giving

Date Posted

: 

4/14/2011

Experience Range

: 

7 to 10 Years

A cover letter is required for consideration for this position and should be attached as the first page of your resume. The cover letter should address your specific interest in the position and outline skills and experience that directly relate to this position.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume as one document on the University of Michigan Careers at the U site.

If you are unable to apply via the U-M Jobs site, please submit your cover letter and resume to dev.careers@umich.edu. In the subject line, please type in the Job ID# for which you are applying.

For questions about the U-M application process, please refer to the FAQ page

Position Description

The Senior Writer develops and produces a variety of print and electronic communications materials to support the University’s fundraising activities. This position oversees the creation of development publications, including interviews, content selection, story assignments for staff and freelancers, reporting and writing, editing as well as interaction with designers and photographers. The Senior Writer also works closely with  the Interactive Development Communications team to identify new opportunities for expanding the University’s online presence related to philanthropy, and to create and produce content for the Giving website—including web stories, blogs and multimedia projects—as well as for social media platforms. The Senior Writer also serves as a consultant for development officers throughout the U-M development community who seek new tools and channels for connecting with their donors, prospects, volunteers and alumni.

The Senior Writer drafts and edits copy in a variety of genres and formats, from newsletters and magazines to annual giving appeals, fundraising proposals, presentations, speeches, event invitations and related collateral.  The position requires an ability to work effectively with colleagues and donors, adapt to a variety of assignments and work independently with limited direction on multiple projects simultaneously.

Characteristic Duties and Responsibilities

Copywriting – 65%

Work closely with Development colleagues across the University to strategically plan, create and implement a wide range of communications that support our fundraising efforts.  Assignments include:

• Create print and electronic newsletters for gift officers and units
• Author direct mail annual giving and planned giving solicitations, invitations, collateral and scripting for university events
• Interview subject matter experts and author talking points and briefs on related University-wide development initiatives
• Compose and participate in the production of videos
• Author Case statements and gift proposals

Concept Development and Collaboration– 20%

Partner with the Creative Director and other marketing / annual giving personnel to:

• Develop fundraising and stewardship strategies
• Develop innovative ways to reach audiences

Partner with Interactive Development team to establish messaging strategies

Personal Development – 10%

Learn about new ideas, concepts, communication techniques that could be proactively implemented for the benefit of the Office of University Development.

Perform other duties as assigned – 5%

Key Characteristics:

Marketing Passion – an understanding of marketing strategy and willingness to embrace marketing priorities

Creative – ability to develop innovative approaches and new solutions

Professionalism – willing and able to ethically lead by example

Risk-Taking– willing to lead and participate in entrepreneurial initiatives

Transparent – ability to openly collaborate across many organizational levels

Required Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is required

Ten years of copywriting experience, including but not limited to:

• Personal portfolio of work demonstrating experience across a range of business categories
• Highly competent in personally authoring editorial content – feature articles, direct response and on-line content
• Strong project management skills: demonstrating the ability to meet deadlines for multiple simultaneous projects

Five years of direct response or on-line marketing experience, including but not limited to:

• Demonstrated cohesive thinking and hands-on involvement in direct mail and/or e-direct
• Willingness to test and modify campaigns based on results

Preferred Qualifications

• An advanced degree or comparable certification, training, or educational life experience.
• Experience working on higher education creative projects and familiarity with the higher education culture.

Mission Statement

The Office of University Development maximizes private support for the University of Michigan through high-quality collaboration with the development programs of schools, colleges, and units. We also provide fundraising leadership through the stimulation and facilitation of healthy, productive and life-long relationships with our colleagues, alumni, friends, foundations and corporations.

U-M EEO/AA Statement: The University of Michigan is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer.