Senior Development Writer

Success Academy Charter Schools is a high‑performing network of public charter schools that is rapidly expanding in New York and Florida. We provide a fun, rigorous, whole‑child education to all students, regardless of zip code or economic status. Job Summary Reporting to the Leader of External Relations and serving as a key member of the Advancement team, the Senior Development Writer will advance the mission of Success Academy by authoring and editing compelling philanthropic narratives. Responsibilities include developing major and principal gift/grant proposals, mid‑level solicitation materials, stewardship reports, bespoke donor correspondence, and related documents—often writing on behalf of others. The incumbent will engage with executives and team members to clearly articulate Success Academy’s impact through storytelling and stewardship that inspires increasing generosity from donors, institutional funders, and prospective supporters. Candidate Qualities Strong self‑motivation and collaborative spirit Detail‑oriented and analytical Strategic, proactive, and forward‑thinking Persuasive, outgoing, and confident with exceptional communication skills Highest standards of personal and professional integrity; adherence to and promotion of Success Academy’s mission and priorities Essential Functions Content Development: Writing and Editing Bring the Success Academy story to life through compelling content that fosters engagement and inspires philanthropic support. Write and edit a significant volume of fundraising proposals, case‑for‑support documents, solicitation materials, and stewardship assets. Develop, adapt, and customize content that outlines funding priorities and expected outcomes. Ensure consistency in tone, style, and messaging, aligned with Success Academy’s priorities. Author and edit bespoke donor correspondence. Collaborate closely with executives and the Advancement team to craft effective storytelling that meets Success Academy standards. Partner with colleagues to develop content for various donor constituencies, segments, and platforms across cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship objectives. Execute editorial content with precision, accuracy, and expediency. Author and edit donor newsletters and updates to deepen engagement. Assist with content for special events, website updates, and digital appeals. Stewardship Coordinate bespoke communications with principal donors and VIPs in close collaboration with the CAO and Leader of External Relations. Draft customized gift acknowledgements per established protocols. Support donor‑specific stewardship plans and actions with relevant content. Contribute to bespoke donor reports, including the annual Impact Report. Gather stories and data from across the organization to showcase scholar achievements and philanthropic impact. Maintain records of donor communications in the donor database. Content Management and Project Management Create and share content that supports donor engagement and fundraising missions while ensuring consistent messaging across platforms. Integrate Advancement strategies with broader communications, marketing, and advocacy efforts. Serve as primary steward of digital content resources, ensuring organization, accessibility, and navigation. Track and manage proposals and critical documents through review and approval processes. Create and manage templates, decks, boilerplate language, and style guides for the department. Liaise with other departments to coordinate content calendars and ensure consistency and accuracy of content, including media assets. Other Administrative Responsibilities Stay abreast of Success Academy programs, activities, accolades, and initiatives for effective donor engagement. Utilize and optimize Raiser’s Edge NXT to manage bespoke correspondence and stewardship actions. Participate in and support SA/Advancement events as needed. Qualifications Education Preferred: Advanced degree. Work Experience Minimum required: 4+ years of persuasive writing; experience in fundraising/development strongly preferred. Experience writing on behalf of executives across a broad range of voices and styles is highly beneficial. Specialized Knowledge Needed for Performance of the Job Demonstrated success in donor engagement, stewardship, and communications. Ability to adapt to varied writing styles and produce high‑quality work on tight timelines. Creative problem‑solving skills. Experience managing projects to specification and meeting deadlines. Knowledge of charter schools and education reform is beneficial. Skills Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading abilities. Strategic and contextual thinking with the ability to anticipate managerial and executive needs. Competence in managing competing priorities, multiple tasks, and meeting deadlines. Data analysis and presentation skills aligned with organizational priorities. Discretion and confidentiality in handling sensitive information. Nice to Haves Strong computer skills, including fluency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite. Familiarity with Raiser’s Edge NXT or similar CRM systems. Other Passion for Success Academy’s mission. Local travel capability, occasional work after hours, and on weekends as required. Compensation Exact compensation may vary based on skills and experience. This position is not bonus eligible. Compensation Range: $95,000 - $120,000 USD Equal Opportunity Statement Success Academy Charter Schools is an equal opportunity employer and actively encourages applications from people of all backgrounds. Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience. Success Academy offers a full benefits program and opportunities for professional growth. #J-18808-Ljbffr Team Postings