Associate Copywriter

United Way of the National Capital Area - TOTALSOURCE•Washington, DC

4d•$46,646 - $60,640•Hybrid

About The Position

United Way of the National Capital Area is seeking a mission-driven, collaborative Associate Copywriter for its Marketing & Communications team. The role develops clear, compelling, persuasive narratives that support local community impact initiatives and inspire people to give, advocate, and volunteer. The writer translates complex community issues into accessible, conversion-focused copy across channels and works with graphic designers, donor relations, program managers, and other teams to maintain a consistent, authentic brand voice. The position creates and curates content such as fundraising appeals, email campaigns, donor communications, social media posts, newsletters, web articles, impact stories, annual reports, and marketing materials. It also gathers stories from community partners, program participants, staff, and volunteers; supports editorial strategy and mission-driven multimedia partnerships; and manages the integrated editorial and marketing calendar. The position is full-time, entry-level (P1), and hybrid/local office, with offices listed in Washington, DC and Vienna, VA. Candidates must submit a cover letter, resume, and digital portfolio or writing samples. Successful candidates must pass criminal background and reference checks.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, English, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
1–3 years of professional copywriting or content-writing experience.
Ability to adapt tone and messaging styles, including shifting between crisis-response messaging and stewardship content.
Basic familiarity with content management systems such as WordPress and mass email platforms such as HubSpot, Mailchimp, or Salesforce Marketing Cloud.
Strong interpersonal skills, ability to accept constructive feedback, and ability to implement edits quickly.
Digital portfolio or writing samples showcasing diverse work, such as email campaigns, social media posts, or article features.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office.
Demonstrated mission focus, relationship-building, collaboration, results orientation, and brand stewardship.
Submit a cover letter and resume to Human Resources.
Pass criminal background and reference checks.

Nice To Haves

Internship experience or writing experience for a nonprofit or advocacy organization is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Draft persuasive direct-response and donor-engagement copy, including email campaigns, direct-mail appeals, donor thank-you letters, and seasonal giving initiatives.
Create short-form copy for Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn, paid digital ads, and monthly community e-newsletters.
Write blog posts, impact stories, landing pages, and website updates using basic SEO guidelines.
Interview community partners, program participants, and volunteers to develop dignified narratives about the outcomes of United Way investments.
Collaborate with resource development, community impact, and other teams to interpret creative briefs and align copy with organizational goals.
Fact-check, edit, and proofread materials for accuracy, quality, and adherence to United Way brand guidelines.
Write, edit, and proofread high-priority communications, presentations, talking points, donor materials, and other content as needed.
Support coordination of vendors and external partners to ensure alignment with timelines, quality expectations, scope, and budget.
Own and manage the integrated editorial and marketing calendar with Development, the Office of the President, Impact, and other teams.
Write, edit, and curate donor stories, web articles, newsletters, annual reports, social media content, direct mail and direct-response campaigns, and marketing materials.
Develop storytelling strategies to achieve organizational goals.
Support partnerships or proposals related to mission-driven multimedia content.
Identify and develop compelling stories about programs, staff, and community issues.
Gather content from the field in support of editorial strategy.
Deliver packaged content for predetermined marketing and communications tactics.