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Wayne State University
Donor Experience Writer
Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Donor Experience Writer at its Detroit campus location.
Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society.
Responsible for writing and copy-editing stewardship and solicitation materials including executive-level communications, endowment reports, and annual giving appeals to encourage philanthropic support, convey impact and gratitude and promote the mission, vision and values of Wayne State University (WSU). This role collaborates with Advancement Communications and University Communications and Marketing to ensure alignment with the university’s brand and identity guidelines and messaging.
This position reports to the Director, Donor Experience.
(Essential functions are the primary duties/major job responsibilities that an employee must be able to perform, with or without reasonable accommodation. The essential functions are listed in order of importance.)
% Time
Draft customized acknowledgment letters and other communications from executive leadership for the university’s top donors to encourage philanthropic support, convey impact and gratitude, and promote the mission, vision, and values of WSU. Effectively capture the voices of multiple university leaders. 25%
Develop content for a variety of communications to support the activities of the Donor Experience and Individual Giving (DX & IG) teams including acknowledgments, solicitations, impact reports, and personalized correspondence. Proof and copy edit communications to ensure consistency in messaging and alignment with WSU’s mission, vision and values and industry best practices. 20%
Collaborate on the management and execution of the annual impact reports and scholarship recipient survey processes. Ensure endowment-related content across all communications channels is reviewed and updated annually. Work with impact reporting software vendor to ensure templates are up to date and refreshed annually. 20%
Lead the “Welcome to the Endowment” process including creating and maintaining content for and distribution to new endowment donors and faculty beneficiaries. Update and distribute the Donor Experience and Individual Giving policies and protocols including the “Donor Journey” document periodically. 10%
Collaborate with the Donor Experience coordinator and unit colleagues to refresh content for the centralized Thank-You Letter program and update templates throughout the year. 10%
Prepare talking points as requested to support events, donor meetings, presentations, etc. Provide event support as needed. 5%
Analyze data and prepare reports to monitor the success of communication pieces. Assist in meeting the Donor Experience and Individual Giving stewardship and solicitation goals. Assist in the updating of the comprehensive fundraising calendar. 5%
Remain current with donor relations and annual giving industry best practices and seek additional educational opportunities to strengthen knowledge base. Perform other related duties as assigned. 5%
This grid characterizes the position scope.
Job Reports to: Director
Leadership Accountability: Implements operating plans
Supervisory Accountability: None
Organizational Accountability: None
Financial Accountability: None
Customer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D
Freedom to Act: Subject to regular review by supervisor
Education Bachelor's degree
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in journalism, English, communications or similar field.
Reasonable knowledge of university policies and procedures.
Experience
Intermediate (3 to 4 years job-related experience)
Minimum three (3) years of development writing experience. Familiarity with writing for a variety of communication channels (e.g., print, email, web, social media, video, etc.). Experience in writing persuasive and compelling appeals and executive-level acknowledgements.
ANALYTICAL AND PRESENTATION SKILLS: Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Must possess a demonstrated attention to detail in order to achieve a high degree of accuracy.
COLLABORATION: Exhibits a willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Possesses the ability to navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding.
COMMUNICATIONS SKILLS: Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills are a must. Demonstrates the ability to plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees.
EDITING AND PROOFREADING SKILLS: Ability to accurately edit and proofread a variety of materials under tight deadlines.
LEARNING AGILITY: Independent and innovative self-starter who displays an ability to learn quickly and easily adapts to changing situations. Experience researching topics to gain knowledge and understanding when information gaps exist.
PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously in a deadline-oriented environment.
TEAMWORK: Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.
Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams. Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms.
WRITING SKILLS: Ability to conduct research, interview subjects and write materials that are creative and interesting, with strong attention to detail, grammar and style rules.
Normal office environment. Hybrid schedule.
Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.
Due to evening and weekend donor engagement events, candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.
H86 - Development & Alumni Affairs
H8605 - Development Office
Hybrid work schedule
Normal working conditions
University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required.
Matched to your profile
We surface this role because it matches profiles like yours, not because we vet the employer. Always confirm the pay, location, and remote details on Wayne State University's official site before you apply.