Philanthropic Proposals Writer
We currently have 2 exciting opportunities for experienced writers to join the Advancement Portfolio. One is available due to internal promotion and the other is a parental leave cover.
The Portfolio is responsible for building relationships with donors that drive financial support for education, research, and other initiatives at the University, including cancer research, restoring vision, reviving ancient languages, solving the hunger crisis, saving endangered species, diabetes prevention, and more.
As a Philanthropic Proposals Writer, you would work with the Philanthropic Proposal Manager and other colleagues in the Development Office to draft and manage fundraising proposals for major gifts ($100k+) covering for example scholarship programs, multidisciplinary research projects, or the development of buildings and other infrastructure. These proposals may be to high-net-worth individuals, foundations or companies.
You would work collaboratively with development colleagues, academic leaders, and University staff to ensure the articulation of compelling philanthropic opportunities for donors in multiple formats, for example proposal documents, letters, presentations, and occasionally videos.
Please see the attached Position Description for this role.
About you
The University values courage and creativity; openness and engagement; inclusion and diversity; and respect and integrity. As such, we see the importance of recruiting talent aligned to these values and are looking for Philanthropic Proposals Writers who:
Understand and are highly motivated by how philanthropy has the power to change the world
Bring detailed research skills to inform translating highly technical source material into donor centric narrative
Possess the interpersonal skills to engage University colleagues at all levels as required, varying from interviewing top researchers about their work, to coaching development colleagues in proposal development activities: proposition development, structure, format, budgeting
Have demonstrable experience writing in formal and informal styles
Consistently produce high quality, engaging content as required
Apply an eye for accuracy, detail and a flair for design to the visual presentation of documents
Employ sound project management to ensuring timely development, production, delivery, peer review and approval of proposal documents
Are degree qualified and have around 3-5 years of experience in copywriting/journalism/ communications or in another related field.
This role supports colleagues across the broad spectrum of university disciplines, however, a keen interest or formal background in science would be advantageous, as many proposals are in support of scientific, engineering, or medical disciplines.
About us
The Advancement Portfolio at the University of Sydney is responsible for providing the direction, coordination and management of fundraising programs including major giving, planned giving and donor relations. It also engages with alumni and the broader community through a wide range of communications, events and engagement programs.
The Portfolio ran the most successful fundraising program in Australian higher education. Having completed the nation's first $1BN fundraising campaign, the team are now planning the next, which will see even more impressive targets. It is an opportune time to join a successful, growing team, and to make a major contribution to the incredible real-world impacts that philanthropy makes possible:
Closing date for internal applications
11:59pm, Sunday 15th October 2023