Advancement Writer
Salary: $6,417 - $7,167 per month
Shift: First Shift
Notes: As a UW employee, you will enjoy generous benefits and work/life programs. For a complete description of our benefits for this position, please visit our website, click here. (https://hr.uw.edu/benefits/wp-content/uploads/sites/3/2018/02/benefits-professional-staff-librarians-academic-staff-20230701_a11y.pdf)
A portfolio will be requested for this position, please have a link or document ready to share when the University Advancement Recruiting office reaches out.
As a UW employee, you have a unique opportunity to change lives on our campuses, in our state and around the world. UW employees offer their boundless energy, creative problem-solving skills and dedication to build stronger minds and a healthier world.
UW faculty and staff also enjoy outstanding benefits, professional growth opportunities and unique resources in an environment noted for diversity, intellectual excitement, artistic pursuits and natural beauty.
The University of Washington Tacoma is an anchor institution that is deeply invested in its local communities and in student success. As one of three campuses of a world-class university, UW Tacoma’s commitment to access and diversity is central to an environment where students, staff, faculty and South Sound residents find abundant opportunities for intellectual, personal and professional growth. Supporting this legacy and important public mission—with the goal of making the UW the world’s greatest public university, as measured by positive impact—guides everything we do in University Advancement (https://www.washington.edu/advancement/) .
This starts with creating a culture of belonging ( https://www.washington.edu/advancement/ua-dei-visions-values-and-actions/) within our organization that values the diverse experiences and expertise of our team members, allowing everyone to thrive and to contribute their unique talents as we strive to achieve our shared goals.
The Office of Advancement at the University of Washington Tacoma (UWT) has an outstanding opportunity for an Advancement Writer. This is a full-time permanent position.
Reporting to the Director of Communications and working closely with members of the Development team, the Advancement Writer will create persuasive messages that engage and inform external audiences. The Advancement Writer works across Advancement to plan and execute well-crafted and timely content that inspires private and community support for UWT’s mission.
The Advancement Writer is responsible for creating and refining narratives for donor events, annual giving pieces, select proposals and stewardship communications. The Writer will work collaboratively with various colleagues and stakeholders and must be able to (1) identify powerful stories that showcase the impact of private support, (2) develop content that reflects a deep understanding of donor audiences and (3) provide proactive and reactive writing support. The Writer must take initiative, collaborate with multiple team members, work on multiple projects simultaneously and be comfortable working within a complex organization. They must maintain a high level of professionalism, be flexible with changing priorities and remain composed under pressure.
What You Will Do:
Strategic Development Communications (70%)
Research, write, edit, fact-check and review a range of strategic communications, including, but not limited to case statements, proposals, stewardship materials, donor and student profiles, acknowledgment letters, impact reports, scripts, web and social media content, newsletters and fundraising emails.
Produce communications for a variety of diverse audiences that reflect UWT’s commitment to equity and inclusion.
Create written materials that are effectively organized and presented; develop compelling, accurate and credible content that is consistent with UWT’s core brand message and institutional priorities.
Help ensure all writing is edited, proofread and meets UWT’s style and editorial guidelines.
Help determine the best ways to make stories available to various audiences including digital platforms.
Be precise, pay attention to detail, meet deadlines and work well with a close-knit team.
Identify key sources for stories, schedule and conduct in-person interviews, attend important University events and monitor the University community for potential storytelling opportunities.
Develop and maintain a strategy for stewardship content to ensure our messaging and storytelling is aligned with the University’s mission and campaign priorities.
Collaborate with graphic illustrators, photographers, videographers, audio producers and designers to create sound and visual elements to support written content.
Handle multiple tasks with varying deadlines; guide stories through the review process while working with experts and stakeholders to ensure accuracy of content.
Interact with key stakeholders, including, but not limited to, the UWT Chancellor, deans and other campus leadership, major donors and community leaders.
Collaboration, Project Management, Process Development (25%)
Partner with the UWT Marketing and Communications team and Development staff to develop articles and stories, from identifying story leads to publishing content.
Serve as a liaison between the Development and Communications teams to assist in the creation of strategies, stories and materials. Create and track schedules for annual giving solicitations and projects.
Serve as project manager for the development and production of annual fund appeals, including developing themes, content, and schedule in collaboration with units and schools.
Serve as the Tacoma team lead for Husky Giving Day; partner with the Associate Director of Alumni Relations and other team members to create and execute a messaging and promotion plan.
Work within the Marketing and Communications team on special projects, including interactive storytelling, chronicling major University events and curating content to meet the demands of the day.
Other duties as assigned (5%)
MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS:
Bachelor's degree in English, journalism, marketing or a related field AND five or more years of professional writing experience.
Equivalent education/experience will substitute for all minimum qualifications except when there are legal requirements, such as a license/certification/registration.
What You Bring::
Excellent editorial skills, lively and engaging writing style and demonstrated ability to translate complex information into communications engaging for a general audience.
Proficiency with MS Word, Excel and PowerPoint.
Outstanding writing skills, particularly in persuasive writing.
Strong attention to detail and commitment to producing high-quality work.
Ability to think with an entrepreneurial mindset.
Ability to build productive relationships and work in a diverse team environment.
Strong organizational skills; ability to meet short- and long-term deadlines without sacrificing quality; ability to adapt to changing priorities and manage multiple, complex projects simultaneously.
Ability to handle confidential and sensitive information with discretion.
Experience working with a mass email platform such as Marketo, MailChimp or Constant Contact.
Experience with use of donor databases and other customer relationship management software.
Experience using social media for marketing or promotional purposes.
Experience working in development, donor relations, communication or alumni relations — especially within a higher education setting.
What You Can Expect:
You will work with an open-minded and inclusive team that values diversity.
Cubicle/open workspace environment which may result in higher levels of noise and visual distraction.
This is an in-person position that requires working on campus.
Application Process: The application process for UW positions may include completion of a variety of online assessments to obtain additional information that will be used in the evaluation process. These assessments may include Work Authorization, Cover Letter and/or others. Any assessments that you need to complete will appear on your screen as soon as you select “Apply to this position”. Once you begin an assessment, it must be completed at that time; if you do not complete the assessment you will be prompted to do so the next time you access your “My Jobs” page. If you select to take it later, it will appear on your "My Jobs" page to take when you are ready.
Please note that your application will not be reviewed, and you will not be considered for this position until all required assessments have been completed.