Development Writer
- Employer
- Lucile Packard Foundation for Children's Health
- Location
- Palo Alto, California
- Closing date
- Oct 13, 2019
View more
- Focus Areas
- Healthcare, Human Services
- Job Function
- Development / Fundraising, Marketing / Communications
- Position Type
- Full Time
Development Writer
We are seeking a strategic communicator who is passionate about improving the health of expectant moms and children and who understands the power of philanthropy to make a difference. This person is an experienced advocacy writer with an interest in science and the skill to translate complex business plans and medical information into a compelling case for support.
Reporting to the Director of Stewardship, the Development Writer has primary responsibility for developing written proposals detailing major and principal gift opportunities for individuals and family foundations. These gifts would support the work of Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital Stanford and the pediatric and maternal health programs at Stanford University School of Medicine.
Please include three writing samples with your resume and cover letter.
GENERAL POSITION DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Produce high-quality, inspiring, custom communication pieces to support major and principal gift asks. Research, interview sources, write, design, and edit proposals, whitepapers, vision statements, gift stories, and other materials that articulate the philanthropic case for support.
- Partner and maintain relationships with gift officers to develop personalized communication strategies for each gift opportunity.
- Establish relationships and work collaboratively with faculty, Stanford leadership, and internal stakeholders.
- Interview Stanford Medicine researchers and physicians about scientific and clinical programs. Serve as a partner in selecting gift opportunities that align with donor interests.
- Manage production of various communication products at the same time. Co-ordinate reviews by internal and external partners and incorporate feedback. Track schedules and adhere to deadlines.
- Provide general writing and editing support to Stewardship, Major and Principal Gifts, and Executive teams. Duties may include writing and editing gift acknowledgment letters, stewardship impact reports, cover letters, and meeting briefings.
- Serve as a trusted source of information about maternal and child health care programs, and pediatric research at Stanford. Build detailed knowledge about the faculty, structure, and history at Packard Children’s and Stanford Medicine.
- Maintain records of proposals, other donor communications, and tracking spreadsheets.
Other Responsibilities:
- Understands, supports, and models the Foundation’s Core Values at all times.
- Takes responsibility for own career development and seeks opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge of the department and the Foundation.
- Shows initiative to take on additional tasks, duties, and assignments to ensure the department fulfills its responsibilities.
- Recommends new approaches, procedures, and processes to effect continual improvements in efficiency of department and services performed.
- Performs other related duties as assigned.
- Regular and predictable attendance is required.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, AND EXPERIENCE
EDUCATION
Required:
- Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience.
SKILLS, EXPERIENCE, AND JOB-RELATED REQUIREMENTS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
Required:
- Minimum 4 years’ related writing experience.
- Professional, persuasive writing and editing experience in both long- and short-form content.
- Strong analytical and strategic thinking. Ability to quickly grasp complex and technical information—especially about medicine—and synthesize it into clear, accurate, and persuasive prose.
- Highly organized with meticulous attention to detail.
- High level of productivity and initiative.
- Ability to handle multiple projects simultaneously in a fast-paced environment.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills, including ability to communicate directly and effectively with others.
- Tactfulness, flexibility, and collaboration are essential in working with diverse population groups (co-workers, constituents, physicians, faculty, staff, vendors, etc.).
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability and willingness to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- Ability to work independently in a team environment.
- Resilient and adaptable in the face of changing priorities.
- Ability to exercise good judgment and work with sensitive/confidential information with the utmost discretion at all times.
- A positive, resourceful, solution-oriented attitude.
- Ability to work with minimal supervision.
- Valid driver’s license and vehicle, an acceptable driving record and proof of full-coverage auto insurance.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
- Ability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
- A genuine interest in improving the health and well-being of children.
Preferred:
- Previous experience working in a nonprofit environment.
- Prior experience with Raiser's Edge or other non-profit database software.
- Experience writing specifically for fundraising, public relations, or marketing.
- Education or professional experience in medicine, biology, scientific research, or science writing.
- Proficiency with Adobe InDesign.
- A good eye for design and the ability to communicate visually.
- Familiarity with trends and best practices in fundraising.
SALARY AND BENEFITS
We know that building a diverse and inclusive workforce is key to our success and enables us to do extraordinary work for kids and their families. When you become part of our team, you’ll be joining a group of passionate and dedicated individuals who truly care about and believe in the work they do.
We provide competitive compensation and a wide range of benefits designed to meet the needs of our employees and their families. We are strong supporters of work life balance. Learn more by visiting the careers page on our website.
Apply online by submitting a cover letter, resume and three writing samples.
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