Specialist, Development Communications

About the Organization

The Union of Concerned Scientists (UCS) is an independent nonprofit that puts rigorous, independent science into action, developing solutions and advocating for a healthy, safe, and just future. We envision a peaceful, healthy, and just world where science serves people and the planet by guiding policy decisions, reducing risks, and improving lives.

For over five decades, we have worked as scientists, engineers, economists, advocates, and everyday people to create and advocate for innovative, practical solutions to some of our planet's most pressing problems—from combating global warming and developing sustainable ways to feed, power, and transport ourselves, to fighting disinformation, advancing racial equity, and reducing the threat of nuclear war.

Values informing our work include:

• Science in the service of people and the planet.
• Justice and equity for people of all races and incomes—now, and for future generations.
• Courage to take principled, science-based stands in the public arena.
• Integrity to always examine evidence critically, openly, and honestly.
• Democracy to promote a voice for all in government decisions.
• Action inspiring and mobilizing people to build a healthier, safer, and more just world.

About the Role

The Development Communications Specialist supports the UCS Development Team in raising $40-$50M annually through creating dedicated content for fundraising collateral for a wide range of donor audiences (with a particular focus on Major and Mid-Level Donors and Family Foundations). They work collaboratively across teams to translate the organization and its program priorities into narratives that steward established donors and cultivate new ones to invest meaningfully into the organizational vision through strategies and timebound tactics that result in measurable impact.

The Development Communications Specialist will curate anecdotes that exemplify our work through compelling storytelling that pulls on heart, while balancing those narratives with data and visuals that demonstrate tangible impacts. This role will report into the Stewardship, Engagement, and Events team but have a strong and collaborative working relationship with the Major Gifts, Membership, and other Development teams.

Responsibilities

• Collaborate across teams and internal stakeholders to develop compelling proposals, reports, and other donor communications collateral, with a focus on Major Gift and Family Foundation donor audiences.
• Build relationships and information bridges with program teams to support the translation of programmatic priorities and workplans into compelling donor-facing narratives, and to deliver rapid response donor communications on programmatic developments, achievements, and related news events that impact the trajectory of UCS strategies.
• Develop donor-targeted program narratives that are solutions-oriented, impact-driven, and combine compelling data that demonstrates our theory of change and measures progress with storytelling that illustrates our work in action and the results of that work.
• Serve as a Development department-wide resource to share updated donor-ready programmatic language, ensuring consistent and updated language is used by Major Gifts, Stewardship, Membership, and other teams.
• Coordinate and lead on creation of portfolio-wide communications (e.g., acknowledgement letters, bi-annual appeals, cultivation mailings, event invites, etc.).
• Develop three-to-five program briefs annually for donors that offer compelling solutions and impact-oriented narrative that set up major gifts officers for success in their personalized solicitation strategies.
• Project management, including working in collaboration with Development, Communications, and Data teams to manage lists, liaise with mail houses/vendors, assemble content, etc.
• Maintain major donor and family foundation proposal report calendar, and assist in assembling materials, drafting/designing/repurposing materials.
• Assist in preparing briefing materials for donor meetings, among other copy-editing, writing, communications-related responsibilities.
• Ensure proper data management and coding to support accurate and thoughtful inclusion (or exclusion) of MG donor/prospect audiences within various communication streams across development and the organization.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

People Management Authority

While this position typically does not have direct reports, it may coordinate, manage, and provide technical direction to staff, interns, fellows, consultants, and volunteers allocated to specific projects, as assigned.

Physical Requirements

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position for long periods of time.
• Continuously operate a computer and must have the ability to control a mouse and keyboard.
• Communicate in verbal and written formats with internal staff and external constituents.

Requirements

• At least 5-7 years of experience in nonprofit fundraising, with at least 5 years of development writing experience.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Major gifts or foundations fundraising experience, including direct donor contact and solicitation experience, as well as knowledge of donor tracking systems, is a plus.
• Ability to manage complex projects and multiple tasks with thorough attention to detail and follow-through; plan, organize, and communicate effectively; collaborate well with colleagues within and outside of the Development department.
• Demonstrated success managing and prioritizing all tasks associated with writing successful and compelling proposals/reports.
• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to manage relationships and multiple tasks with ease.
• Strong computer skills, including facility with Microsoft Office suite and constituent databases (experience with Raiser's Edge, Mission CRM, Lexis, Microsoft Dynamics, and/or DonorSearch a plus).
• Ability to work remotely, independently, and in a team environment.
• A bachelor's degree. Comparable training and/or experience can be substituted for degrees when appropriate.

Benefits

This is a full-time remote position. For those who meet all position requirements, the salary is $97,090. UCS offers excellent benefits and a rewarding work environment. CA residents receive a 12% salary differential.

Schedule

• Regular office hours, may include occasional nights and weekends.
• Must be able to travel nationally, including overnight trips, up to 15%.

About the Team

Our team is made up of a dedicated group of researchers, scientists, communicators, campaigners, and advocates from wide-ranging backgrounds and experiences. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive team and a collaborative and supportive work environment where all staff can thrive. We continually strive to create an environment that is a welcoming place for the LGBTQ+ community, people of color, parents, empty-nesters, and people with a wide variety of interests and backgrounds.