Writer, Annual Giving

Job Category

Job Profile

Job Title

Department

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range is the span between the minimum and maximum base salary for a position. The midpoint of the range is approximately halfway between the minimum and the maximum and represents an employee that possesses full job knowledge, qualifications and experience for the position. In the normal course, employees will be hired, transferred or promoted between the minimum and midpoint of the salary range for a job.

Posting End Date

Note: Applications will be accepted until 11:59 PM on the Posting End Date.

Job End Date

You will be our resident storyteller who cares deeply about your audiences, and what is most important to them. Understanding how to structure your writing for different fundraising and communication mediums is your super power. In this role, you balance great writing with applying tested direct-response techniques that drive action—and gifts.

Great at managing multiple priorities in a high-volume environment, you are committed to delivering the best quality product you can—even when doing so at speed.

Your portfolio will include direct-response campaigns, small-run customized appeals, cases for support, peer-to-peer fundraising projects, internal communications and other fundraising materials.

As this is a writing position, please ensure you submit a cover letter. Candidates are encouraged to write in the style of direct-response, or to submit a sample of previously written direct-response pieces with their application.

Questions about the role or our team can be directed to annual.giving@ubc.ca.

At UBC, we believe that attracting and sustaining a diverse workforce is key to the successful pursuit of excellence in research, innovation, and learning for all faculty, staff and students. Our commitment to employment equity helps achieve inclusion and fairness, brings rich diversity to UBC as a workplace, and creates the necessary conditions for a rewarding career.

Job Description Summary

Is responsible for developing and delivering a full range of communications programs in support of the University's fundraising and alumni engagement objectives; this may include writing general correspondence, alumni and donor communications related to both philanthropy and engagement, letters on behalf of UBC's President or Faculty Dean, direct response materials, stewardship materials, and fundraising proposals/case statements. Provides strategic input on communications projects undertaken by Development units, directs internal and external individuals to ensure the completeness, accuracy and consistency of messaging and content, and oversees the successful production of Development Communications.

Organizational Status

Reports to: Manager, Director or Assistant Dean, Development & Alumni Engagement

Works with: UBC faculty and staff involved in fundraising

Contacts: Donors, outside community groups and organizations

Supervises: No supervisory responsibilities

Work Performed

• Write donor/prospect solicitation materials and correspondence; may be for both 1:1 and broad-based fundraising.

• Draft fundraising proposals for senior management.

• Research, write and edit a variety of communications materials, including letters, case statements, reports, newsletter/magazine content, online and social media content, donor/prospect stories, speeches and other fundraising materials.

• Depending on the specific needs of the role, this may include, but is not limited to, proof-reading, basic design skills, and interviewing donors, alumni, professors and staff.

• May write materials on behalf of University senior leadership including, but not limited to Deans, VP's AVP and faculty.

• Prepare and manage timelines and work plans on writing/communications projects.

• Ensure multiple, overlapping deadlines are met.

• Assist other Development units in all aspects of presidential communication when required.

• May interact with key university donors, staff or faculty to ensure accuracy of content and messaging in relevant writing/communications projects.

• Problem-solve to assist in resolving strategic, logistical and prioritization issues related to writing/communications projects.

• Perform other related duties.

Consequence of Error/Judgement

Expected to function with a high degree of autonomy and independence, working under broad guidelines. Makes decisions requiring judgement in analyzing, organizing and presenting complex information. Makes recommendations on appropriate communications vehicles to achieve stated goals

Supervision Received

Works under direction from manager to achieve objectives. Work is reviewed for achievement of objectives, soundness of judgement and quality of work.

Supervision Given

None.

Minimum Qualifications

Undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline. Minimum five years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience.

- Willingness to respect diverse perspectives, including perspectives in conflict with one's own

- Demonstrates a commitment to enhancing one's own awareness, knowledge, and skills related to equity, diversity, and inclusion

Preferred Qualifications

• The ideal candidate will have a University degree or an equivalent combination of experience or education in a related discipline.

• Minimum five years experience in development or related field. Experience in developing and writing proposals, reports, case statements, broad-based and 1:1 fundraising materials, and newsletter/magazine content, and donor and alumni engagement materials.

• Highly effective written communications skills.

• Ability to write for various audiences, settings, and tones.

• Experience in creative direction and page layout skills is an asset.

• Strong writing, editing and proofreading skills with an exceptional ability to generate enthusiasm and interest in readers; previous experience with fundraising communications preferred.

• Knowledge of fundraising in a university environment.

• Ability to interpret information, determine implications and provide recommendations.

• Proven ability to interact effectively and positively with staff and managers.

• High level of attention to detail and accuracy of work.

• Effective computer skills including MS Office products, Adobe, WordPress, html.