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 helps achieve the strategic priorities of New York development communications by collaborating closely with other team members and by helping to craft and implement an annual communication strategy. They write, edit, design, and produce donor communications (often in collaboration with the NY Marketing team). Products may include 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, including development and conservation teams, division leadership, legal and finance, individual donors and foundation program officers, freelance writers and designers, vendors, and others as needed. The DW keeps up-to-date on market trends, best practices, and knowledge of centrally produced donor communications tools and global campaign resources, applying that knowledge to the organization’s fundraising goals. They maintain close relationships with teams in marketing and conservation to ensure consistency of messaging and materials and 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 without supervising 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 will be based on factors such as the candidate’s 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.

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 we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures.

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit 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 the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience.