Job Description

The Development Writer is responsible for writing, editing, and developing concepts to support the solicitation and stewardship of donors and prospects of Tufts Medical Center and Tufts Children’s Hospital. Through written communications, including proposals, cases for support, stewardship reports, acknowledgement letters, appeal letters and donor newsletters, the Development Writer highlights the impact of donors' philanthropy and the Medical Center’s appreciation for their support. Reporting directly to the Senior Director of Development Communications, the Development Writer works with colleagues across the department on the creation of high-quality, donor-centered materials with consistent messaging and standards. 

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Writes proposals, stewardship reports and case materials, gathering content from Development colleagues, from existing materials and through outreach and interviews with program staff, including physicians and other leaders.
• Writes materials to support annual fund activities, including appeal letters and emails and donor stewardship pieces, such as newsletters.
• Produces copy that is compelling, inspiring and donor-centered, translating complex medical concepts into clear lay language.
• Closely collaborates with major gifts team members and other colleagues to develop stewardship plans for major donors that include the creation of personalized written acknowledgements from senior leadership, the drafting of program updates and the creation of comprehensive donor appreciation reports that include both narrative and financial elements.
• Collaborates with Development communications staff to execute designed reports and proposals that reflect established stylistic standards.
• Maintains, monitors and reports on a calendar for stewardship reports, and develops strategies for expanding the number of donors stewarded through written communications. Regularly reviews and assists in prioritizing and tracking of status of stewardship reports. Ensures that reports and related activities are tracked in Raiser's Edge.
• Reviews, refreshes and writes copy for standard acknowledgement letter templates in partnership with the Development operations team.
• Writes copy and reviews specialized acknowledgement letters from the CEO and other senior leaders to major donors, board members and other constituencies, working with the Development Associate on a process for the execution of high-level, personalized acknowledgement letters.
• Keeps current on the Medical Center’s strategic plan and fundraising priorities, creating messaging that reflects these priorities for use in written communications.
• Contributes to, and maintains, a user-friendly library of current content available for the use of Development Office colleagues.
• Reviews, edits and proofreads copy written by colleagues, assisting them in the execution of high-quality, final versions of documents.
• Writes copy in support of other Development Office activities, as needed, which may include assistance with communications and events programs.
• Ensures projects are completed on deadline in accordance with established guidelines and standards.
• Performs other job duties as assigned.

Qualifications

JOB KNOWLEDGE AND SKILLS:

• Proven success in development for a nonprofit organization, preferably at an academic medical center, and particularly in the areas of donor stewardship, writing and communications.
• Excellent writing, editing and verbal communications skills.
• Excellent attention to detail.
• Strong, demonstrated skills in creating powerful, compelling written communications for fundraising, with the ability to convey complex ideas through brief, simple materials and through comprehensive proposals and stewardship materials aimed at cultivating deeper ties with donors.
• Basic understanding of the finances around named donor programs, funds, endowments and other recognition vehicles.
• Experience in project management for stewardship projects and for proposal and case development projects, including close coordination with colleagues to achieve desired outcomes.
• Ability to handle complex and multiple tasks in a professional and efficient manner, and meet deadlines, either independently or as part of a project team.
• Strong sense of initiative and with development of new projects that will help deepen current donor relationships and forge new ones.
• Solid general computer skills, including proficiency with MS Office and fundraising software, such as Blackbaud’s The Raiser’s Edge.
• Professional, courteous demeanor and professional appearance; ability to engage positively and work professionally with physicians, researchers, administrative leaders, donors, prospects and Development Office colleagues; commitment to honor confidentiality.
• Commitment to the mission of Tufts Medical Center.

EDUCATION:

• Bachelor’s degree required; concentration in English, journalism, communications or related area of study preferred.

EXPERIENCE

• Three-plus years’ experience in development stewardship, writing or related role; development experience in a health care environment is strongly preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Normal office work environment.

Additional Information

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.

AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES STATEMENT:

Must be able to perform all essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed, as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Tufts Medical Center reserves the right to modify position duties at any time, to reflect process improvements and business necessity.

All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.