Senior Development Writer
Wellesley College

Job Info

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At Wellesley, our mission is to deliver an outstanding liberal arts education
to women who will make a difference in the world. Our collaborative
community, comprising faculty, students, staff, and alumnae, is guided by
our shared values. We champion intellectual discovery and excellence,
uphold gender equality as foundational to progress, affirm diversity as
crucial to educational excellence, value connection and community, empower
individuals for social change, and commit to integrity and academic freedom
in our pursuit of knowledge. Join us in this transformative journey!

When applying for the position, please ensure a thorough review of the job
details. If you are an internal employee, kindly utilize the internal portal on
Workday for your application. Prepare a comprehensive resume/cv and cover
letter for upload. Acceptable formats for these documents are either PDF
(.pdf) or Word (.doc).

Job Posting Title
Senior Development Writer

Job Description Summary
Admin Exempt

Job Description
Position Summary
Wellesley College is looking for an experienced and detail-oriented Senior Development Writer to support the major fundraising initiatives of the Development Office. The Senior Development Writer will play a critical role in advancing these efforts by crafting compelling and persuasive written materials to engage donors, alumnae, and other stakeholders in supporting the college's strategic priorities. Reporting to the Director of Development Marketing, this position will work in close partnership with Development colleagues in donor engagement, major giving, and annual giving, as well as Wellesley's Office of Communications and Public Affairs. This role requires a high level of creativity, excellent project management skills, and an in-depth understanding of the higher education development landscape.

Primary Position Responsibilities

• Develop compelling copy for various fundraising materials, including focus-area collateral, major gift proposals, donor impact stories, and direct marketing appeals that effectively communicate the college's mission, vision, and priorities.
• Collaborate closely with college leadership, development officers, and programmatic teams to understand fundraising priorities and develop persuasive messaging tailored to various donor segments.
• Write and edit high-quality content with attention to detail, accuracy, and consistency, ensuring that all materials align with the college's brand voice and messaging guidelines.
• Work with fundraisers and senior leaders to craft persuasive individual gift proposals to present to prospective donors, highlighting the need for and impact of possible gifts.
• In close partnership with the Director of Marketing, develop content for marketing materials including one-pagers and brochures for fundraising priorities.
• Identify and produce engaging donor impact stories for The Lamppost enewsletter three times per academic year.
• Actively develop a robust content library and create proposal toolkits and content templates for fundraisers.
• Manage multiple writing projects simultaneously, meet deadlines, and prioritize tasks effectively in a fast-paced environment.
• Edit and proofread wide range of communications to ensure compliance with the Wellesley style guide and brand standards.

Performance Profile

• Excellent writing and exceptional attention to detail.
• Superior ability to successfully manage multiple projects simultaneously and consistently meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated ability as a driven, versatile, creative, and persuasive writer with strong grammar, spelling, and proofreading skills, including the ability to shift voice and tone based on audience and channel.
• Excellent research skills and the ability to gather and synthesize large quantities of information, organize ideas, and turn institutional objectives and messages into compelling cases for philanthropic support.
• Ability to work as part of a cross-departmental team.
• This person is seen as a reliable partner-someone who brings good ideas to the table, and identifies ways to be more efficient and effective.
• Great communicator and team player.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, with a demonstrated understanding of and sensitivity to the needs and perspectives of diverse communities.

Supervisor Responsibilities

• None

Education Required

• Bachelor's degree (communications, marketing, or a related field preferred)

Experience Required

• 4-6 years of experience in communications, preferably philanthropy communication.
• Strong customer service skills interacting with internal and external groups
• Ability to handle multiple priorities/projects at the same time with a calm can do approach

Skills and Abilities Required

• Has knowledge of basic fundraising practices
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Possesses problem-solving skills and inherent decision-making ability as well as the ability to take initiative, be assertive, and manage multiple streams of work
• Detail-oriented and able to work productively and flexibly in a high-volume and fast-paced environment
• Able to work independently and as part of a team, while fostering collaboration and peer support
• Demonstrates a commitment to diversity within the office using a personal approach that values all individuals and respects differences regarding race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expresion, sexual orientation, religion, disability, and socio-economic circumstance
• Demonstrates a commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts
• Able to communicate effectively with all levels of staff and end users
• Flexibility and a good sense of humor.
• Commitment to the mission and goals of Wellesley College

Company Description
Wellesley's mission is to provide an excellent liberal arts education to women who will make a difference in the world. We advance our mission by working together as a community-faculty, students, staff, and alumnae.

Embark on a fulfilling career journey at Wellesley College, where we prioritize your well-being and professional growth. As a valued member of our team, you'll enjoy a comprehensive array of benefits and resources designed to enhance both your work-life balance and long-term success.

• Competitive Compensation : Experience competitive wages ensuring your dedication is recognized and rewarded.
• Exceptional Benefits Package: Access a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, vision and pre-tax saving benefits, life insurance, disability coverage, and more to safeguard your health and that of your loved ones.
• Commuting and Transportation: Enjoy the convenience of free parking on our picturesque campus, easily accessible from major roadways. We are also accessible via the MBTA commuter rail.
• Paid Time Off : Take advantage of paid vacations, personal days, sick time, and holidays to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life harmony.
• Retirement Savings : Plan for the future with our retirement savings plan. Wellesley College contributes up to 10.5% towards your 403(b) plan for eligible employees
• Work/Life and Wellness: A hybrid work environment for select positions (additional details will be provided during the interview process), caregiving support through Wellthy, legal plan insurance, pet insurance discount and a variety of other resources including retirement planning, and access to cultural and leisure activities throughout metro-Boston.
• Professional Development: Enhance your skills and explore growth opportunities through continuing training and pathways for growth within our supportive environment.
• Tuition and Education Benefits : Invest in your education with tuition benefits, and access resources to navigate student loan forgiveness, reinforcing our commitment to your ongoing learning.
• Campus Privileges : Enjoy free use of our state-of-the-art athletic and fitness facilities with onsite fitness classes, Library resources, and seize opportunities to attend diverse campus events that contribute to a vibrant community.

Apply today and take your first step toward a rewarding career with Wellesley College - where your unique strengths and success are celebrated as part of our shared commitment to inclusivity!

Worker Sub-Type
Administrative

Time Type
Full time

EEO Statement
At Wellesley, we embrace and honor difference and diversity. We believe the best ideas-the best solutions-draw on a range of voices, perspectives, and experiences. As a college, and as a community, we are dedicated to assuring that all members for the Wellesley community have an equal opportunity to flourish.

Wellesley College is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to the diversity of the college community and the curriculum . Wellesley College and all its subcontractors shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Moreover, these regulations require that Wellesley College and all of its subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability or veteran status. Candidates who believe they can contribute to that goal are encouraged to apply.

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