Interim Senior Proposal Writer

University of Oregon•Eugene, OR

132d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Proposal Writer is an interim role in University Advancement focused on producing high-level donor proposals targeting gifts of $1 million or $5 million and above, as well as white papers articulating transformational giving opportunities aligned with the University of Oregon’s comprehensive campaign. The writer develops compelling, strategic narratives and engaging content in compliance with university brand standards, supporting principal-gift fundraising among institutional prospects, major donors, and university leadership. The position collaborates closely with executive leadership, development officers and relationship managers, and academic partners. It translates complex academic and institutional goals into donor-centric proposals and white papers, and requires strong project management, persuasive storytelling, technical writing, and the ability to manage a fast-paced, multifaceted workload across projects and audiences. Materials should integrate diversity, inclusion, and accessibility. This benefits-eligible interim appointment is initially for one year, with the possibility of renewal for up to two additional years. The position reports to the Associate Vice President for Advancement Strategies and Campaign Director. It is hybrid eligible and based in Eugene, with occasional evening and weekend work required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or a related field.
Eight years of experience in journalism, programmatic research or writing, development, or public relations.
Demonstrated experience successfully securing grants from foundations, governments, corporate funders, and individuals.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Strong attention to detail, organization, research, and editing skills.
Ability to collaborate in a fast-paced environment while managing numerous priorities and emerging opportunities.
Ability to plan for and meet deadlines.
Ability to work effectively with people from different backgrounds, lived experiences, and communication styles.
Thorough command of the Chicago Manual of Style and fluency in journalistic, marketing, and fundraising writing styles across multimedia.
Professionalism and discretion in managing client and donor relationships and sensitive data.
Expert knowledge of fundraising best practices for written proposals and case statements.
Ability to tailor messages to audience segments using a donor-centered approach and produce fundraising appeals that secure gifts.

Nice To Haves

Experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns, including writing and producing gift proposals, fundraising appeals, white papers, case statements, gift announcements, targeted collateral, and other materials for frontline fundraisers.
Experience managing projects that serve donor-stewardship and communications objectives.
Fundraising communications experience in higher education.
Master’s degree in journalism, English, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Produce high-level donor proposals targeting gifts of $1 million or $5 million and above, and white papers aligned with the University of Oregon’s comprehensive campaign.
Craft strategic, persuasive narratives and donor communications that support principal-gift fundraising.
Translate complex academic and institutional goals into impactful, donor-centric proposals and white papers.
Collaborate with executive leadership, development officers and relationship managers, and academic partners.
Manage projects and a fast-paced, multifaceted workload, moving between projects and audiences while meeting deadlines.
Ensure diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are integrated throughout written materials.
Prepare fundraising appeals and other communications designed to secure gifts.