Advancement Writer Jobs

Ranked in 2022-2023 among the top ten U.S. public institutions in U.S. News World Report’s list of Best Global Universities, the UW propels the ideas and ideals of students and faculty through active research, engagement, teaching, and volunteering. University Advancement works to advance the goal of making the UW recognized globally as the greatest public university as measured by its impact on the lives of people here and around the world.
The UW and University Advancement (UA) must weave equity and anti-racism into everything we do. Becoming a more equitable organization starts with us, and focusing on groups that have been excluded and under-engaged will lead to better outcomes for our whole community. Ensuring that diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) are natural outcomes of our activities will require us to state our values, live by those values and work toward our vision every day. To sustain our efforts, we have defined a path forward with our values clearly articulated and shared throughout the organization.
For more detailed information, please visit our UA website.
The University of Washington Bothell has an outstanding opportunity for a full-time advancement writer.
The advancement writer is part of UW Bothell Advancement, whose mission is to advance the reputation of, catalyze resources for and inspire engagement with UW Bothell so that our campus community can have the greatest impact possible.
The position reports directly to the Assistant Vice Chancellor for Marketing & Communications and will work closely with the Associate Vice Chancellor for Philanthropy & Engagement, the director of Development Operations and other members of the Philanthropy & Donor Relations team to develop communications that inspire private support.
What You Will Do

Research, write, edit, and/or review a range of strategic communications and templates — including case statements, proposals, gift agreements, stewardship materials, donor stories, acknowledgment letters, impact reports, annual impact reports, website content, social media content, newsletters, talking points, scripts, and fundraising one-pagers — that are important to institutional relationships with individual, corporate and foundation donors and prospects. Peer-edit teammates' stories for AP Style, grammar, flow, and readability before publication.

Partner with the UW Bothell Marketing and Communications team and development staff on identifying leads and implementation of these articles and stories.

Participate in and contribute to communications and engagement initiatives with the Marketing & Communications team, the Alumni Engagement team, and the Ceremonies & Special Events team.

Based on direction from the supervisor and from Philanthropy & Engagement leadership, develop communications (print, digital, online, event-related), create and track schedules, and partner to ensure the timely participation of a range of content providers, reviewers, and approvers.

Serve as a liaison from development to the Marketing & Communications team to assist in the creation of communications strategies and materials.

Strategic Development Communications (55% of your time), Collaboration, Project Management, Process Development (40%), and other duties as assigned (5%).
Who You Are

Advanced degree in writing, marketing, or related field

Experience working in development, donor relations, marcomm, or alumni relations — especially within a higher education setting

Experience writing letters and emails for annual giving

Experience with higher education fundraising, including the use of the development database and other customer relationship management software
Minimum Requirements:

Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, marketing or a related field; an equivalent combination of education and experience from which comparable knowledge and skills have been acquired may substitute for a degree

Four to five years of experience in professional writing, preferably in a fundraising, nonprofit, grant writing, or related field

Thorough knowledge of and experience with written communications, including skills in crafting clear and persuasive case statements and arguments; an ability to make complex information accessible and engaging for multiple audiences; a sensitivity to the nuance of both content matter and diverse audiences; a mastery of grammar, syntax, punctuation, and style

Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to conduct interviews and the ability to communicate or present verbally in a clear and professional manner

Demonstrated ability to work on a team: mindfulness of deadlines, respect for varying skill sets, ability to juggle priorities, and willingness to do a variety of tasks, including administrative ones

Ability to work with internal and external constituents such as students, faculty, staff, donors, alumni, partners, and community

Computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office suite for documents, reports, spreadsheets, databases, forms, etc.

Strong project management skills
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
What You Can Expect

You will work with an open-minded and inclusive team that values diversity.

Cubicle/Open workspace environment which may result in additional or higher levels of noise and visual distraction.
Application Process:
The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready. Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.