Midwest Division Development Writer

The Nature Conservancy•GEO / Remote - Wisconsin, WI

1d•$73,000 - $75,650•Hybrid

About The Position

The Midwest Division Development Writer is part of The Nature Conservancy’s regional Development Operations Team and reports to the Donor Communications Manager. The role partners with development teams in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin to create donor communications for individual, foundation, and corporate donors with major or principal gift capacity. Typical materials include letters of intent, fundraising proposals, and impact reports, along with acknowledgements, appeals, donor profiles, outreach emails, talking points, presentations, and reusable proposal and report templates. The writer may need to meet tight corporate and principal-gift deadlines, although requests are generally identified four to six weeks in advance. The position supports the Midwest Division Donor Communications team’s strategic priorities and works across Conservation, Legal, Finance, and Marketing & Communications. It requires learning TNC’s conservation work in the Midwest and priority work globally, and translating complex work for donor audiences. The role primarily supports internal fundraising staff, with occasional opportunities to interact with individual and institutional donors. The writer works independently within broad program goals, manages multiple projects and deliverables, interprets financial information, and may coordinate peer contributions on interdepartmental teams, but does not supervise staff. This is a hybrid position for candidates living within a reasonable driving distance of TNC’s Madison, Wisconsin office. Greater Madison and Milwaukee candidates are strongly preferred. For at least the first six months, the writer is highly encouraged to work from the Madison office once a week. Travel and overtime may be needed. The position requires a valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program, including completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement and possible motor vehicle record review.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and three years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
Experience, coursework, or other training in donor communications principles and practices, or a related field such as journalism or marketing and communications.
Experience working across departments.
Experience writing or editing materials such as newsletters, magazines, annual reports, website articles or stories, donor profiles, funding proposals or reports, campaign brochures, fact sheets, or presentations.
Experience with graphic design software, including Canva and/or Adobe InDesign.
Valid driver’s license and ability to comply with TNC’s Auto Safety Program and complete a Vehicle Use Agreement.
Ability to submit both a resume and cover letter as part of the application.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual skills and multicultural or cross-cultural experience.
Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
Ability to conceive and write compelling materials for targeted audiences.
Experience translating scientific concepts into donor-friendly language.
Proficiency with document management and constituent relationship management systems.
Strong organization, accuracy, and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Knowledge of current and evolving trends in major and principal gift fundraising.
Expert knowledge of current and evolving communications trends, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
Ability to interpret guidelines to achieve desired results and strategic program goals.
Ability to implement complex processes.
Understanding of basic accounting practices.

Responsibilities

Write and edit donor proposals and other materials for donors with the capacity to give $100,000 or more.
Use global campaign resources, including the donor content center, case for giving, and fundraiser discussion guide.
Manage multiple projects and deliverables simultaneously, establish realistic deadlines, oversee timelines, and ensure accountability.
Accurately interpret and represent budgets and financial reports at project, program, state, and global levels.
Apply knowledge of TNC strategies, programs, partnerships, and funding needs to communications work.
Build relationships with fundraisers, finance staff, and conservation staff.
Handle confidential information sensitively.
Take a leadership role on interdepartmental teams when needed to coordinate peers’ work.
Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external donor, legal, and IRS requirements.
Provide input on developing new initiatives and improving existing programs.
Travel and work overtime as needed.