The senior writer is an accomplished communications professional with broad-based responsibilities for

conceptualizing, writing, and editing content about Northwestern that supports efforts to engage alumni, parents, and friends; raises funds; and cultivates long-term commitment of donors. This position frequently interacts with major donors and senior administrators representing every area of the University. This position focuses on communications and project management for frontline fundraising, Annual Giving, the Northwestern University Leadership Circle, the Northwestern Alumni Association, and Reunion. The senior writer’s responsibilities also include writing appeals and remarks on behalf of senior administrators, as well as serving as a back-up to the other writers on the Marketing and Communications team, who handle communications for the Northwestern Alumni Association, internal communications for Alumni Relations and Development, major and principal gifts, and proposal and magazine writing.

Specific Responsibilities:

Publications

• Develop content for a variety of fundraising and stewardship newsletters and other publications (print and online)
• Conduct research and interviews, and then write articles.
• Route the drafts to MarComm team members, internal clients, subject matter experts, and sources, and then refine based on their feedback.
• Partner with the graphic designers and digital team members to determine images and graphics to accompany the articles.
• Work with the design and/or digital teams to complete the production process.

Collateral Development

• Develop content for a wide range of materials, including case statements, brochures, fact sheets, direct mail pieces, event materials, press releases, and advertisements.
• Consult with development officers (frontline fundraisers), deans, and communications professionals in the schools to develop communication materials for fundraising priorities.
• Create the editorial outline and timeline, present them to internal clients, and refine them based on feedback.
• Partner with the design team to identify images and graphics to accompany the materials.
• Work with the graphic designers to complete the production process (review and approve proofs).

Other Writing and Editing Assignments

• Edit and proofread content written by other members of the Marketing and Communications team, other colleagues, or freelance writers.
• Develop short-form promotional copy to drive response and engagement (advertisements, digital banners, headlines, etc.).
• Write appeals and remarks on behalf of senior administrators, including the vice president, provost, and president.
• Ensure copy follows the established style guide.
• Serve as back-up to the other writers on the Marketing and Communications team as needed. Projects include writing fundraising proposals.

Project Management

• Collaborate with Marketing and Communications team and internal clients on developing communications strategies and creative approaches for publications, collateral, and other programming efforts.
• Work with Marketing and Communications team members to establish project and editorial timelines. Assist with keeping progress consistent with prescribed timelines.
• Meet with internal clients, assess communications needs, keep clients updated, and ensure delivery to client satisfaction.
• Ensure project solutions meet defined goals.
• Oversee both short- and long-term projects simultaneously.

Message Development and Process Optimization

• Keep abreast of new developments and trends in communications and fundraising. Educate team members and clients on these new developments as appropriate.
• Keep abreast of editorial style conventions and the development of key messages to produce a compelling case for donor support.
• Perform related duties as required or assigned.

Miscellaneous

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Successful completion of a full 4-year course of study in an accredited college or university leading to a bachelor's or higher degree in a major such as English, journalism, marketing, or related; OR appropriate combination of education and experience.
• A minimum of three years of professional writing experience, including print and online content or related experience.

Minimum Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities.)

• Exceptional interviewing, writing, editing, fact-checking, and proofreading skills.
• Ability to manage short- and long-term projects, from concept to completion, under tight and/or competing deadlines.
• Strong portfolio of short- and long-form writing that is clear, accurate, and compelling for diverse audiences.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills. Demonstrated ability to work independently as well as collaboratively with others on a team.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Preferred Qualifications:

• Five years of professional writing experience, including print and online content or related experience.
• Experience in higher education and/or development communications
• Experience writing fundraising materials such as direct appeals and proposals

Preferred Competencies: (Skills, knowledge, and abilities)

• Knowledge of Chicago Manual of Style

Benefits:
At Northwestern, we are proud to provide meaningful, competitive, high-quality health care plans, retirement benefits, tuition discounts and more! Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/index.html to learn more.

Work-Life and Wellness:
Northwestern offers comprehensive programs and services to help you and your family navigate life’s challenges and opportunities, and adopt and maintain healthy lifestyles.
We support flexible work arrangements where possible and programs to help you locate and pay for quality, affordable childcare and senior/adult care. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/benefits/work-life/index.html to learn more.

Professional Growth & Development:
Northwestern supports employee career development in all circumstances whether your workspace is on campus or at home. If you’re interested in developing your professional potential or continuing your formal education, we offer a variety of tools and resources. Visit us at https://www.northwestern.edu/hr/learning/index.html to learn more.

Northwestern strongly recommends COVID-19 vaccinations and boosters for people who can obtain them as a critical tool for minimizing severe illness. More information can be found on the COVID-19 and Campus Updates webpage.

The Northwestern campus sits on the traditional homelands of the people of the Council of Three Fires, the Ojibwe, Potawatomi, and Odawa as well as the Menominee, Miami and Ho-Chunk nations. We acknowledge and honor the original people of the land upon which Northwestern University stands, and the Native people who remain on this land today.