Interim Senior Proposal Writer

About the role

The Senior Proposal Writer role is an interim position focused exclusively on producing high-level donor proposals (targeting gifts of $1M or $5M and above) and white papers that articulate transformational giving opportunities aligned with the University of Oregon’s comprehensive campaign.

This position demands close collaboration with executive leadership, development officers/relationship managers, and academic partners to clearly and compellingly convey the university’s highest fundraising priorities and campaign initiatives. You must be adept at project management and translating complex academic and institutional goals into impactful, donor-centric proposals and white papers that inspire substantial philanthropic investment.

Responsibilities

• Leverage expertise to craft compelling, strategic narratives and engaging content that drive principal gift support for the University of Oregon.
• Prepare persuasive fundraising and institutional development materials for a sophisticated audience, including institutional prospects, major donors, and UO leadership.
• Closely collaborate with executive leadership, development officers/relationship managers, and academic partners to clearly and compellingly convey the university’s highest fundraising priorities and campaign initiatives.
• Translate complex academic and institutional goals into impactful, donor-centric proposals and white papers that inspire substantial philanthropic investment.
• Collaborate with academic partners to ensure alignment with campaign initiatives and strategic plan.
• Ensure diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are integrated throughout all materials.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or a related field.
• 8 years’ experience in a journalism, programmatic research/writing, development, or public relations field.
• Demonstrated experience successfully securing grants from foundations, governments, corporate funders, and individuals.

Professional Competencies

• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Highly detail-oriented and organized with superior research and editing skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
• Ability to plan for and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
• Thorough command of the Chicago Manual of Style; fluency and writing journalistic, marketing, and fundraising styles across multimedia.
• Professionalism and discretion in managing client and donor relationships and sensitive data.
• Expert knowledge of fundraising best practices related to written proposals and case statements.
• Ability to craft messages for segments and audience, especially at a donor-centered approach to writing, producing fundraising appeals that secure gifts.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including writing and producing gift proposals, fundraising appeals, white papers, case statements, gift announcements, targeted collateral, and other materials designed to support and enhance the work of frontline fundraisers.
• Experience managing projects that serve both donor stewardship and communications objectives.
• Fundraising communications experience in a higher education setting.
• Master’s degree in journalism, English, or a closely related field.

Skills

• Advanced proficiency in narrative storytelling for personalized, high-stakes donor communications.
• Deep familiarity with the university’s mission, values, strategic plan, Oregon Rising, and the comprehensive campaign.
• Strategic thinking, exceptional persuasive writing, and strong project management skills.
• Commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity.

Benefits

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans, and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit our website.

Pay

$90,000 - $100,000 per year

Schedule

Hybrid eligible