Development Writer, Donor Communications
The University of Chicago

Job Info

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Department

ARD Donor Communications

About the Department

Alumni Relations & Development (ARD) engages alumni (~190k), current students, parents and friends of the University through intellectual, professional and social activities on campus, around the world and online. ARD raises $550 Million annually to support faculty and researchers, practitioners and patients, and students and programs across the University. Our work supports priorities in every division, school, department, and institute. ARD Communications works with partners across ARD and the University to create fundraising and engagement materials for University of Chicago alumni, parents, and friends. Within ARD Communications, the Donor Communications team applies its creativity and expertise to the writing and editing of principal gift solicitations, annual giving appeals and event marketing, e-newsletters, and stories for various publications, including the University of Chicago Magazine. This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.

Job Summary

The job writes a variety of communications for the University. Works with moderate guidance to research, compose, and edit high-level communications, publications and/or reports with complex and specialized subject matter.

The job collaborates with teammates in ARD Comms-designers, project managers, web and email developers, and others-and with partners throughout ARD and across the University to produce creative, engaging print and electronic communications that strengthen relationships between the University and its alumni and friends and cultivate philanthropic support for University priorities.

Responsibilities

• Research and write compelling proposals that inspire philanthropy at the highest level in support of the University's strategic initiatives.
  
• Write creative, engaging copy for annual giving solicitations, donor-centric websites, and other mass-market fundraising and engagement efforts, including via social media.
  
• Fulfill other writing, copyediting, proofreading, and editorial duties as needed.
  
• Contribute ideas and writing to enhance print and electronic publications (e.g., The University of Chicago Magazine, Short List, and The Core), donor communications, and events (including Alumni Weekend and the University's annual Giving Day) to help ensure that they engage and delight their intended audiences.
  
• Collaborate with communications teams as well as fundraising officers, alumni relations staff, and communications colleagues across the University to plan and implement development communications that uphold ARD and University messaging, tone, style, and brand guidelines.
  
• Seek opportunities for professional development that will enhance job performance including attending webinars, seminars, building networks within the University and with colleagues at peer institutions.
  
• Researches, verifies, writes and edits publications, which can include technical/scientific material for manuals or journals.
  
• Uses knowledge of writing with moderate levels of guidance to write in-depth pieces relating to specialized field (e.g. scientific writing).
  
• Participates in the design and planning of communications strategies.
  
• Performs other related work as needed.
  

Minimum Qualifications

Education:
Minimum requirements include a college or university degree in related field.
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Work Experience:
Minimum requirements include knowledge and skills developed through 2-5 years of work experience in a related job discipline.
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Certifications:

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Preferred Qualifications

Education:

• Bachelor's degree.
  
• Advanced degree.
  

Experience:

• Minimum two years of professional work experience in nonprofit management, development, alumni relations, marketing, public relations, sales, or similar professional work experience.
  
• Minimum two years of relevant professional work experience in writing and editing.
  
• Experience writing creatively for newspapers, magazines, or online outlets.
  
• Experience editing the work of other writers.
  
• Experience interviewing wide range of subject matter experts, including academics and scientific researchers.
  

Technical Skills or Knowledge:

• Demonstrated skill and knowledge of, or ability to learn quickly, the internal workings of the University as well as the technology tools available to the Office of Alumni Relations and Development, including the University's donor relationship management system and the Microsoft Office Suite.
  

Preferred Competencies

• Exceptionally strong writing and verbal skills, including experience writing persuasively, and highly developed creativity.
  
• Outstanding interpersonal and communications skills characterized by the ability to listen, to speak, and to write effectively.
  
• High attention to detail and follow-up, and excellent organizational skills.
  
• Work independently on projects and events from conception to completion.
  
• Manage confidential information with discretion and tact.
  
• Act with integrity, professionalism, and confidentiality.
  
• Work collegially and collaboratively in a team setting.
  
• Prioritize multiple projects and independently follow through with detail.
  
• Self-motivation and the ability to take initiative.
  

Working Conditions

• This position has a hybrid work schedule which includes weekly in office presence.
  
• Standard office environment.
  
• Travel to campus and/or non-campus locations for University business.
  
• Work evenings and weekends as needed.
  
• This position is located in Hyde Park at 5235 South Harper Court.
  

Application Documents

• Resume/CV (required)
  
• Cover Letter, addressed to Hiring Committee (preferred)
  

When applying, the document(s) MUSTbe uploaded via the My Experience page, in the section titled Application Documents of the application.

Job Family

Communications

Role Impact

Individual Contributor

FLSA Status

Exempt

Pay Frequency

Monthly

Scheduled Weekly Hours

37.5

Benefits Eligible

Yes

Drug Test Required

No

Health Screen Required

No

Motor Vehicle Record Inquiry Required

No

Posting Statement

Employees must comply with the University's COVID-19 vaccination requirements. More information about the requirements can be found on the University of Chicago Vaccination GoForward.

The University of Chicago is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity/Disabled/Veterans Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national or ethnic origin, age, status as an individual with a disability, protected veteran status, genetic information, or other protected classes under the law. For additional information please see the University's Notice of Nondiscrimination.

Staff Job seekers in need of a reasonable accommodation to complete the application process should call 773-702-5800 or submit a request via Applicant Inquiry Form.

We seek a diverse pool of applicants who wish to join an academic community that places the highest value on rigorous inquiry and encourages a diversity of perspectives, experiences, groups of individuals, and ideas to inform and stimulate intellectual challenge, engagement, and exchange.

All offers of employment are contingent upon a background check that includes a review of conviction history. A conviction does not automatically preclude University employment. Rather, the University considers conviction information on a case-by-case basis and assesses the nature of the offense, the circumstances surrounding it, the proximity in time of the conviction, and its relevance to the position.

The University of Chicago's Annual Security & Fire Safety Report (Report) provides information about University offices and programs that provide safety support, crime and fire statistics, emergency response and communications plans, and other policies and information. The Report can be accessed online at:http://securityreport.uchicago.edu.Paper copies of the Report are available, upon request, from the University of Chicago Police Department, 850 E. 61st Street, Chicago, IL 60637.

This job has expired.