Senior Writer and Content Strategist

Senior Writer and Content Strategist Wayne State University is searching for an experienced Senior Writer and Content Strategist at its Detroit campus location. Wayne State is a premier, public, urban research university located in the heart of Detroit, Michigan where students from all backgrounds are offered a rich, high-quality education. Our deep-rooted commitment to excellence, collaboration, integrity, diversity and inclusion creates exceptional educational opportunities which prepare students for success in a global society. Essential Functions (Job Duties) Job Purpose Support efforts to create a variety of integrated fundraising initiatives, as well as informative and inspiring messages that promote the mission, priorities, and values of Wayne State University. Develop partnerships with university leaders, fundraising professionals and faculty to gain an understanding of impactful projects and programs throughout the university, develop pathways to funding, and articulate their relevance to the university's mission, through high-quality written case statements, proposals, and other fundraising materials. Support fundraising activities by helping to strengthen communications within the division, across campus and in the community to encourage long-term investment with Wayne State from diverse audiences. This position reports to the Senior Director, Advancement Communications. Support the development of written and designed materials for principal and major gift fundraising, including case statements, proposals, executive summaries, special letters, briefing materials, reports, and white papers. Partner with university leadership, development professionals, university faculty, and staff to identify projects and programs for fundraising initiatives, from dean-approved and faculty-led projects to university-wide strategic initiatives. Develop associated materials. Support and create comprehensive campaign and fundraising materials for the university and for each school and college in collaboration with university and division leadership. Support work to identify communication strategies for fundraising initiatives within comprehensive and micro-campaigns. Strategize with frontline fundraisers in the units as well as division leadership, University-wide Philanthropy, Donor Experience, and others to develop unified language and materials that help achieve fundraising goals. Partner with division colleagues to develop and support their content creation as needed, including but not limited to Annual Giving, Donor Experience, University-wide Philanthropy and Planned Giving. Assist team with copyediting and proofreading. Perform other related duties as assigned. Qualifications Minimum Qualifications Education: Bachelor’s degree in English, communications, marketing, or journalism. Master’s degree preferred. Experience: 3 to 4 years of professional writing experience within advancement or fundraising communications for a college, university or nonprofit preferred. Strong research, interviewing, writing, and editing skills with demonstrated proofreading skills. Strong knowledge and understanding of fundraising and stewardship processes and communications. Experience in a higher education fundraising environment preferred. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Analytical and Presentation Skills: Evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Demonstrate attention to detail for high accuracy. Collaboration: Partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Navigate difficult situations with grace and understanding. Communication Skills: Communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. Strong interpersonal skills. Plan and deliver oral and written communications that are impactful and persuasive including presentations to university management and committees. Editing and Proofreading Skills: Accurately edit and proofread a variety of materials under tight deadlines. Learning Agility: Independent and innovative self-starter who learns quickly and adapts to changing situations. Research topics to gain knowledge when information gaps exist. Planning and Organization: Manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Strong organizational and time-management skills required. Maturity, sound judgment and ability to handle multiple tasks in a deadline-oriented environment. Teamwork: Collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects. Technical Skills: Proficient in the use of complex administrative systems software, preferably in the higher education environment. Proficient with Microsoft Office suite, especially Word, Excel and Teams. Ability to understand and translate complex concepts into lay terms. Writing Skills: Conduct research, interview subjects and write materials that are creative and interesting, with strong attention to detail, grammar, and style rules. Preferred Qualifications Preferred qualifications: [None specified] Employment Information Regular Employee Job type: Full Time Job category: Staff/Administrative Compensation Information Salary: $68,000 – $75,000 annually Working Conditions Normal office environment. Hybrid schedule. Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division. Additional Information Background check requirements: University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. If you are offered employment, the university will inform you if a background check is required. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans. Wayne State is an equal opportunity employer. #J-18808-Ljbffr Wayne State