Midwest Division Development Writer

The Nature Conservancy•GEO / Remote - Illinois, IL

1d•$65,500 - $83,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Midwest Division Development Writer reports to the Donor Communications Manager and supports the region’s Development Operations Team. The role works closely with state-based 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. Common deliverables include letters of intent, fundraising proposals, and impact reports concerning The Nature Conservancy’s work in individual states, the Midwest Division, and globally. Other materials may include donor acknowledgements, annual appeals, donor profiles, outreach emails, talking points, presentations, and customizable proposal and report templates. Requests are generally identified 4–6 weeks ahead, though some work must be completed under tight deadlines, including corporate and principal gift deadlines. The writer helps carry out the strategic priorities of the Midwest Division Donor Communications team, collaborating with Conservation, Legal, Finance, and Marketing & Communications. The role requires staying informed about TNC’s conservation work in the Midwest and its highest-priority global work. It serves as a bridge between conservation and development staff and may provide editorial expertise to translate complex work for donor audiences. Although the materials are intended for external audiences, the position primarily supports internal fundraising staff; occasional interaction with individual and institutional donors may occur. This is a hybrid position open to candidates living in Illinois. Candidates in Chicagoland are highly preferred. The position does not supervise staff, but may lead interdepartmental teams in coordinating peers’ work. Travel and overtime may be required as needed. A valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program are required; employment is contingent on completing a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a motor vehicle record review. Applicants must submit both a resume and cover letter.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years of related experience, or an equivalent combination.
Experience, coursework, or 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 newsletters, magazines, annual reports, website articles or stories, donor profiles, funding proposals or reports, campaign brochures, fact sheets, presentations, or equivalent materials.
Experience with graphic design software, including Canva and/or Adobe InDesign.
Valid driver’s license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program; completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement is required.
Submit 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.
Demonstrated 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 skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in major and principal gift fundraising.
Expert knowledge of current and evolving communications trends, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
Proficiency interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results and strategic program goals.
Ability to implement complex processes.
Understanding of basic accounting practices.

Responsibilities

Write and edit proposals and other materials for donors with the capacity to give $100,000 or more.
Develop donor communications such as letters of intent, fundraising proposals, impact reports, acknowledgements, annual appeals, donor profiles, outreach emails, talking points, presentations, and templates.
Independently prioritize tasks, exercise judgment, and identify and solve problems within broad program goals.
Manage multiple projects and deliverables, set realistic deadlines, manage timelines, and ensure accountability.
Accurately interpret and represent budgets and financial reports at project, program, state, and global levels.
Use knowledge of TNC strategies, programs, partnerships, and funding needs to inform communications.
Build relationships with fundraisers, Finance staff, and Conservation staff, and collaborate with other departments.
Translate complex conservation work into clear, donor-oriented communications and provide editorial advice as needed.
Use global campaign resources, including the donor content center, case for giving, and fundraiser discussion guide.
Handle confidential information sensitively.
Lead interdepartmental coordination of peers when needed.
Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures and external donor, legal, and IRS requirements.
Provide input into new initiatives or improvements to existing programs.
Travel and work overtime as needed.