Philanthropy Writer

Endeavor Health•Evanston, IL

4d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Philanthropy Writer is a strategic messaging partner who crafts compelling narratives to inspire giving across the entire donor cycle. This role translates complex clinical priorities into sophisticated donor investment opportunities for major and principal gift proposals and philanthropic cases for support, while also crafting customized, compelling narratives that inspire and grow Endeavor Health’s base of annual and mid-level donors for each of its five hospital foundations. They serve as a bridge between clinical leadership and the donor, ensuring that every proposal and impact report is not only technically accurate but emotionally and philanthropically persuasive. The ideal candidate is an outstanding writer and editor who understands philanthropy and donor motivations as well as a proactive and collaborative partner who independently manages writing projects from conception to completion. The ideal candidate combines high-level editorial skill with the ability to develop and execute project plans, manage deadlines, and build strong internal partnerships in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, English, or related field preferred.
5+ years of experience in nonprofit development/advancement (with experience in a healthcare-related organization preferred)
Knowledge of AP Style and experience working within corporate brand guidelines
Demonstrated ability to meet required project deadlines while concurrently managing multiple projects
Experience in writing and managing multi-channel direct marketing or annual giving appeals (e.g., direct mail, email)
Proficiency with MS Office and proactively working with Salesforce or similar CRM is strongly preferred.
Tech-savvy and avid learner with a keen interest in fundraising, nonprofit trends, data, and a strategic openness to use AI to develop communications content for efficiency and consistency.
Strong written, verbal, organizational, and interpersonal and communication skills.
Demonstrated ability to relate and interact warmly and professionally with individuals from diverse backgrounds, including system leadership, cross-departmental partners, vendors, prospects and discerning donors.
Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately and with discretion.
Excels in project management: multi-tasking, goal setting, accountability, attention to detail and workload prioritization including experience managing relationships with outside vendors.
Experience with project management tools and techniques is required.
Ability to constructively accept and process feedback and a collaborative working style.
Continuously seek ways to improve processes, increase efficiencies and actively pursue professional development opportunities.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with basic graphic design principles and tools (e.g., Canva) is preferred.
Must be flexible and adaptable to changing priorities and proactively address challenges in a fast-paced, emerging and dynamic environment with ongoing deadlines.

Responsibilities

Lead the end-to-end project management and creation of major gift and principal gift proposals and cases for support. This includes developing project plans, interviewing physicians and executive leaders, synthesizing complex medical or operational data, and crafting a visionary 'pitch' that aligns with donor motivations, collaborating closely with the system’s fundraisers across Endeavor’s five foundations
Lead the project management, writing, and creation of multi-channel annual giving appeals and mid-level proposals, often in collaboration with outside vendors. Develop and execute a comprehensive communications plan to acquire, retain, and upgrade donors across Endeavor Health's five foundations.
In partnership with the Philanthropy Communications team and with Donor Relations and the frontline fundraisers, translate the success of funded proposals into high-level impact reports. Ensure that donors who give to specific initiatives receive customized, substantive updates that demonstrate the direct power of their investment.
Provide editorial leadership on system-wide fundraising priorities. Partner with frontline fundraisers to write and "package" new programs or clinical trials into donor-ready concepts before a formal proposal is presented.
Manage the visual production of proposals and other communications materials. Independently create and adapt designs using tools like Canva and approved corporate templates to produce visually compelling and brand-aligned collateral in collaboration with the Philanthropy Communications team.
Navigate the internal approval process, working with the CDO and AVP of Philanthropy Operations to shepherd proposals through the Gift Policy Committee. Ensure all narratives align with the health system’s strategic clinical roadmap.
Maintain a central repository of approved boilerplate language for clinical programs and system facts. Ensure all high-level collateral meets Endeavor Health’s editorial and brand standards of the organization.