Fundraising Copywriters

We are looking for a #fundraising #copywriter to work on charity appeals and donor communications projects. Based in Melbourne, Australia, we work with charities writing fundraising appeals and I need writers who love writing fundraising direct mail and donor care materials. Payment rate will be negotiated according to your skills and experience. Also, we are fast payers, usually paying within a day or two of invoicing (don't laugh, slow payment is a huge issue amongst copywriters). While I’m interested in writers who can work on projects ad hoc, I also want someone willing to commit to at least 2 days a week of work.

Projects will include various copywriting jobs for charities small and large covering sectors inc. international development, social welfare, hospitals, health and medical research, conservation and environment, faith-based organisations as follows:

-Writing fundraising campaign copy for direct mail, EDMs and web
-Writing copy for boutique projects such as capital campaigns and Gifts in Will
-Writing donor nurture and relationship development copy for impact reports, newsletters, magazines and similar

My ideal writers would have the following:

1. A heart for people and planet and the power of the written word to help them through fundraising.
2. A passion for storytelling and the right word at the right time
3. Track record of writing fundraising copy that successfully raises money
4. Excellent understanding and execution of best practice direct response copywriting principles and tactics
5. Strong knowledge and understanding of relationship fundraising, individual giving, donor development pipelines and donor psychology

BUT I am open to someone who may not have all this. Above all, we need someone who loves and “gets” fundraising, who loves giving to make a difference, and who does not find fundraising icky or distasteful. (I understand not everyone likes writing fundraising comms.) So if you have 1 and 2 and are interested in learning 3, 4 and 5, we would train you. In fact, training and learning are ongoing as we apply new evidence-based techniques to our copywriting. (NOTE: writing fundraising copy is NOT the same as journalism or marketing communications - there are transferable skills but fundraising requires donor psychology and direct response writing skills.)

This opportunity is great for a fundraising copywriter who wants to do freelance writing but finds the whole business of trying to get clients scary. Or if you're already freelancing but need more work. I'm happy for you to work around your family and personal commitments - it doesn't have to be 9-5 (I do weird hours myself) although you need to be available for online meetings during business hours.

If you’re interested, please email me some details about you and relevant work samples to june@junesfundraisingletter.com by Wed 19 July. If you know of someone who may be interested, please pass this on.