Posting Details
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Posting Details (Default Section)
Posting Number: 20233547S
Position Title: Major Gifts Writer
Position Type: Staff
Location: Villanova, PA
Recruitment Type: Internal/External Applicants
Work Schedule: full-time/12-months
Avg Hours Week
Department: 654 - University Communications and Marketing - Advancement
Position Summary:
Reporting to the Director of Major Gifts and Development Communication, the
Major Gifts Writer will assist in preparing proposals and other material
associated with soliciting and securing major gifts to the University. Their
primary work will involve conceptualizing, researching, writing and editing
major gift proposals for individual donors on a wide range of topics, as well
as case statements, concept papers, donor correspondence, fundraising
collateral and stewardship communications. Each piece must tell a clear,
substantive and persuasive story in support of Villanova's top philanthropic
priorities and align with the University's message and brand. The Major Gifts
Writer will work closely with major gift officers as well as University staff,
faculty and administration.
Villanova is a Catholic university sponsored by the Augustinian order.
Diversity and inclusion have been and will continue to be an integral
component of Villanova University's mission. The University is an Equal
Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and seeks candidates who understand,
respect and can contribute to the University's mission and values.
Duties and Responsibilities:
In close collaboration with the Director of Major Gifts and Development
Communication, the Major Gifts Writer will assist in the execution of
strategic proposal writing to support the University's fundraising
initiatives. This includes conceptualizing, researching, writing and
editing major gift proposals for individual donors, case statements,
concept papers, donor correspondence, fundraising collateral and
stewardship communications, ensuring that all deliverables are produced on
deadline, within budget and align with the University's message and brand.
The Major Gifts Writer effectively produces pieces that tell a clear,
substantive and persuasive story in support of Villanova's top
philanthropic priorities.
This individual will work closely with major gift officers as well as
University staff, faculty and administration.
This individual will also help to track all major gift material and
develop new systems and processes to streamline workflow and meet evolving
and growing major gifts communication needs.
As a member of the broader University Advancement Communication team, the
Major Gifts Writer will also work on a variety of advancement writing
projects as needed. These include creating copy for a range of development
and alumni relations pieces, managing design and production of digital and
print pieces and editing copy for accuracy, effectiveness and Villanova
style.
The Major Gifts Writer serves as a resource to gift officers, University
Advancement, University Communication and Marketing and other University
staff seeking information and assistance related to proposals and the
University's philanthropic priorities.
Performs other duties and assists with projects as assigned.
Minimum Qualifications:
Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, English or a related
discipline, or an equivalent combination of education and experience can
be considered.
The individual must have 3 or more years of relevant professional major
gift proposal and/or grant writing experience in an academic or non-profit
setting and familiarity with development communication.
The individual selected must be a team player with strong writing,
research, interpersonal, management, organizational and planning skills.
Must have a demonstrated ability as a versatile, creative and persuasive
writer with strong grammar, spelling and proofreading skills.
Must have excellent research skills and the ability to synthesize large
quantities of information, organize ideas and turn institutional
objectives and messages into compelling cases for philanthropic support.
Must be a flexible self-starter who enjoys collaboration with a wide
variety of constituencies.
Must have a strong commitment to client services and the ability to handle
multiple projects, priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced, multifaceted
environment.
Must be able to handle confidential information with a high level of
discretion.
The individual must have a deep commitment to the well-being of the
University, a commitment to the University's heritage and mission and to
serving the needs of a diverse community.
This individual must have a broad working knowledge of creative proposal
writing for major gifts, marketing, and digital communications with a
proven record of developing, executing and assessing strategic and
tactical communication and marketing plans.
Preferred Qualifications:
Master's degree in communications or related field preferred.
Graphic design experience is a plus.
Physical Requirements and/or Unusual Work Hours:
Must have the ability to work some evenings, weekends and possibly
holidays as the demands of the job dictate.
Special Message to Applicants:
Posting Date: 05/12/2023
Closing Date (11:59pm ET):
Salary Posting Information:
Commensurate with experience.
Salary Band: I
Job Classification: exempt
References Needed
References Needed
Minimum Number of References Needed 3
Maximum Number of References Needed 3
Supplemental Questions
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Documents needed to complete your application:
Required Documents
Cover Letter / Letter of Interest
Resume / Curriculum Vitae
Optional Documents
