Development Writer

The Development Writer (DW) is primarily responsible for leading the development and production of external-facing communications materials for The Nature Conservancy in NY’s individual, foundation, and corporate major and principal gifts donors, and writing and editing materials in support of the organization’s and division’s conservation priorities. The DW will also be responsible for ghostwriting for members of the division’s executive team.

About the Role

The Development Writer is primarily responsible for writing and editing a variety of communications materials to engage, solicit, and steward individual and institutional donors with the capacity to give at the $100,000+ level. The DW collaborates with fundraisers, conservation, program, and finance teams to craft successful letters of intent, fundraising proposals, and impact reports for the Conservancy’s work in the NY Division and globally. They may provide editorial advice and expertise to team members around donor communications and support the donor communications and messaging needs of Division conservation leads, as requested.

The DW serves as a ghostwriter for members of the division’s executive team and helps achieve the strategic priorities of New York development communications by collaborating closely with other team members to craft and implement an annual communication strategy. They write, edit, design, and produce donor communications (often in collaboration with the NY Marketing team), including donor thank-you letters and templates, event invitations, outreach emails, presentations, and proposal/report templates.

The DW works in close cooperation with members of the NY Division, development and conservation teams, division leadership, legal and finance, individual donors and foundation program officers, freelance writers and designers, vendors, and others as needed. They stay up-to-date on market trends, best practices, and centrally produced donor communications tools and global campaign resources, applying that knowledge to the organization’s fundraising goals. The DW maintains close relationships with teams in marketing and conservation to ensure consistency of messaging and materials and to foster greater organizational collaboration.

Responsibilities

• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Write, edit, and design proposals and other materials for donors giving at the $100,000+ level, as well as proposals and letters for smaller donors.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously and serve as team lead on assigned communication initiatives.
• Accurately interpret and represent budgets and financial reports at the project, program, state, and global levels.
• Ghostwrite as needed for members of the executive team.
• Use a sophisticated understanding of TNC strategies, programs, partnerships, and funding needs to inform work.
• Build relationships with fundraisers, finance, and conservation staff, and may engage directly with external partners and funders.
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
• Take a leadership role in interdepartmental teams to coordinate the work of peers (does not supervise staff).
• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, and external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
• Work within the scope of the program’s strategic goals.
• Travel and work overtime as needed.

The work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain. Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience, coursework, or other training in principles and practices of donor communications or related fields, such as journalism or marketing communications.
• Experience writing one of the following: newsletters, magazines, annual reports, website articles/stories, donor solicitations, funding proposals or reports, campaign brochures, fact sheets, presentations, or equivalent.
• Experience working across teams and with various stakeholders to gather and synthesize information, and project-manage under tight deadlines.

Desired Qualifications

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive and write creatively for a wide variety of audiences.
• Experience translating scientific concepts into donor-friendly language.
• Proficiency with document management, strong organizational skills, and attention to detail.
• Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in major gift fundraising and working with institutional funders.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving communications trends, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Proficient in interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Basic graphic design and layout skills.
• Ability to organize time, manage diverse activities, and meet deadlines.
• Understanding of basic accounting practices.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks.

Pay

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $75,500 – $91,000 annually. This range applies only to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range depends on factors such as location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Countries outside the USA would have a different pay range in the local currency based on the local labor market, not tied to USA pay or ranges.

Benefits

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including:

• Health care benefits.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• A 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match.
• Parental leave.
• Accrued paid time off.
• Life insurance.
• Disability coverage.
• Employee assistance program.
• Other life and work well-being benefits.

TNC is proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports the health and well-being of its employees.

About the Organization

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that people and nature can thrive. Since 1951, TNC has grown from a small nonprofit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world, thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and dedicated staff and partners.

TNC cultivates an inclusive work environment where all colleagues feel a sense of belonging and recognize that their unique contributions to the mission are valued. The organization is committed to equal employment opportunity and encourages applicants from all backgrounds, beliefs, and cultures.