Weekend Writer

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.

Responsible for writing and copy-editing stewardship and solicitation materials including executive-level communications, endowment reports, and annual giving appeals to encourage philanthropic support, convey impact and gratitude and promote the mission, vision and values of Wayne State University (WSU). This role collaborates with Advancement Communications and University Communications and Marketing to ensure alignment with the university’s brand and identity guidelines and messaging. Draft customized acknowledgment letters and other communications from executive leadership for the university’s top donors to encourage philanthropic support, convey impact and gratitude, and promote the mission, vision, and values of WSU. Develop content for a variety of communications to support the activities of the Donor Experience and Individual Giving (DX & IG) teams including acknowledgments, solicitations, impact reports, and personalized correspondence. Proof and copy edit communications to ensure consistency in messaging and alignment with WSU’s mission, vision and values and industry best practices. Collaborate on the management and execution of the annual impact reports and scholarship recipient survey processes. Ensure endowment-related content across all communications channels is reviewed and updated annually. Work with impact reporting software vendor to ensure templates are up to date and refreshed annually. Lead the “Welcome to the Endowment” process including creating and maintaining content for and distribution to new endowment donors and faculty beneficiaries. Update and distribute the Donor Experience and Individual Giving policies and protocols including the “Donor Journey” document periodically. Collaborate with the Donor Experience coordinator and unit colleagues to refresh content for the centralized Thank-You Letter program and update templates throughout the year. Prepare talking points as requested to support events, donor meetings, presentations, etc. Provide event support as needed. Analyze data and prepare reports to monitor the success of communication pieces. Financial Accountability: None

Customer Accountability: Interfaces with customers outside the S/C/D

Bachelor's degree

Graduation from an accredited college or university with a degree in journalism, English, communications or similar field.

Reasonable knowledge of university policies and procedures.

Experience: Minimum three (3) years of development writing experience. Familiarity with writing for a variety of communication channels (e.g., print, email, web, social media, video, etc.). Experience in writing persuasive and compelling appeals and executive-level acknowledgements.

Ability to evaluate, interpret, and present complex information effectively in professionally prepared documents or presentations. Exhibits a willingness to partner with units across the university with integrity and high character to reach unified goals. Ability to communicate clearly, concisely and professionally both orally and in writing. EDITING AND PROOFREADING SKILLS: Ability to accurately edit and proofread a variety of materials under tight deadlines.

PLANNING AND ORGANIZATION: Ability to manage several projects simultaneously, prioritize and plan work activities while meeting respective deadlines. Ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues within the division and other units to gain full understanding of the project and desired outcome; ability to produce high quality and consistent results with assistance of team members; provide support to teammates when tackling complex projects.

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. WRITING SKILLS: Ability to conduct research, interview subjects and write materials that are creative and interesting, with strong attention to detail, grammar and style rules.

Normal office environment. Adhere to confidentiality and data usage policy for the division.

Due to evening and weekend donor engagement events, candidate must be willing to work extended hours as needed.

H8605 - Development Office

Full Time
Staff/Administrative

Hourly rate:
Hybrid work schedule Normal working conditions

University policy requires certain persons who are offered employment to undergo a background check, including a criminal history check, before starting work. The university welcomes applications from persons with disabilities and veterans.