Job Description

This position serves as a core member of the communications team, responsible for conveying the impact of philanthropy and articulating fundraising priorities to key audiences across multiple communication channels to inspire giving and steward donors. The role includes creating strategic storytelling for foundation publications and the organization’s website, producing marketing and event collateral, and developing personalized donor communication materials. Occasional participation in evening and weekend work-related activities is required. 

Core Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Serve as the lead writer/editor for one or more donor newsletters. Conceptualize and develop stories and content for other foundation publications and websites as assigned. This includes conducting research and interviews, collaborating with foundation colleagues and university partners, writing, and editing.
• Develop persuasive and compelling donor communications that engage and motivate individuals and organizations to give to Iowa State University.
• Collaborate with foundation colleagues to execute donor stewardship strategies including developing and/or editing impact reports, video scripts, event collateral, and email.
• Supervise and mentor student writers.
• Serve as an in-house expert on grammar, usage and style. Provide editorial feedback as needed on materials produced by the communications team, development officers, or university constituents to ensure accuracy, grammatical correctness, and effectiveness.
• Uphold brand standards and effectively influence others to do so.

Qualifications

Education & Work Experience

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in English, journalism, creative writing, or communications, or appropriate related years of experience.
• 3+ years of professional experience related to employment area, preferably in donor or marketing communications.

Desired Skills & Experience

• Be a critical and creative thinker, skilled researcher, and excellent persuasive writer who can adapt their writing style to the needs of a particular audience and craft a compelling message that resonates.
• Experience writing newsletters, news stories, and narrative nonfiction for print and digital channels, as well as other fundraising communications.
• Experience working for or with nonprofits; higher education preferred.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be adaptable, flexible, and self-directed.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and ability to learn new software.
• Must be able to handle several activities simultaneously with attention to detail and adherence to deadlines and accuracy.
• Must adhere to strict confidentiality standards.
• Creativity, patience, a sense of humor and a belief in our organizational mission of:  Aligning donor passion and generosity to advance Iowa State University’s land grant ideals

Travel:  None

FLSA Status:  Exempt

Location:  Ames, IA; potentially hybrid

TO APPLY: Please include a cover letter, resume and three relevant writing samples.

Job Tags

Similar Jobs