Donor Communications Writer

The Beach•Long Beach, CA

11d

About The Position

Under the direction of the Assistant Vice President for Planned Giving & Stewardship, the Donor Communications Writer develops impactful messages that highlight the importance of philanthropy and strengthen donor stewardship across the university. This position is responsible for planning, researching, writing, editing, and proofreading editorial content across print, digital, and social media platforms to support fundraising, donor engagement, and strategic communications. Working collaboratively with colleagues across University Relations & Development and campus partners, the writer crafts stories that inspire giving, convey appreciation, and deepen connections with alumni, donors, and friends of the university.

Requirements

Expert writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a demonstrated ability to tailor content for print, web, email, and social media platforms while maintaining tone, voice, and message consistency.
Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills, including the ability to work effectively with faculty, donors, university leaders, designers, and other communication professionals to develop cohesive materials.
Broad knowledge of communication, marketing, and storytelling principles, with an interest in developing strategies that strengthen donor engagement and highlight the impact of philanthropy.
Excellent organizational and project management skills to coordinate multiple priorities and deliver high-quality materials under tight deadlines.
Familiarity with marketing and content strategy techniques, including the use of digital analytics and audience insights to guide creative approaches and measure engagement.
Understanding of university or nonprofit communication objectives, with the ability to translate strategic goals into effective donor and stewardship messaging.
Strong consultative and persuasive communication skills, with the ability to build productive relationships and represent the division professionally.
Ability to handle confidential donor and university information with discretion, ensuring accuracy and professionalism in all written communications.
Ability to communicate with an ethnically and culturally diverse campus community.
Ability to follow all university policies, procedures, and guidelines including but not limited to safety, civility, information security, and non-discrimination policies and procedures.
Ability to contribute to a positive university experience for each and every student, and assist in achieving the university's commitment to a "vision of excellence."
Equivalent to a bachelor's degree in a related field and two years of related professional or technical experience required.

Nice To Haves

Five years of professional writing and editing experience preferred.

Responsibilities

Research, write, edit, and proofread compelling written materials—including stewardship pieces; scholarship and endowment impact reports; donor briefings and proposals; acknowledgment letters; donor and student stories or testimonials; event materials and scripts; website and newsletter content; and planned giving marketing communications—that express gratitude, demonstrate impact, and inspire continued or future giving.
Cultivate partnerships with colleagues across the division, campus departments, faculty, and donors to proactively identify meaningful stories, testimonials, and engagement opportunities.
Coordinate with design, photography, videography, and media relations teams to produce cohesive, high-quality communications that align with university messaging and brand standards.
Collaborate with the division colleagues to develop and share content across digital and social media platforms that amplifies stewardship and planned giving messages.
Monitor engagement metrics and recommend strategies to strengthen donor connections and increase visibility across channels.