Interim Senior Proposal Writer

University of Oregon•Eugene, OR

46d•$90,000 - $100,000•Hybrid

About The Position

The Senior Proposal Writer role is an interim position focused exclusively on producing high-level donor proposals (targeting gifts of $1M or $5M and above) and white papers that articulate transformational giving opportunities aligned with the University of Oregon’s comprehensive campaign. In compliance with brand standards set by University Communications and the comprehensive campaign, you will leverage your expertise to craft compelling, strategic narratives and engaging content that drive principal gift support for the University of Oregon. Your primary responsibilities will center on preparing persuasive fundraising and institutional development materials for a sophisticated audience, including institutional prospects, major donors, and UO leadership. This position demands close collaboration with executive leadership, development officers/relationship managers, and academic partners to clearly and compellingly convey the university’s highest fundraising priorities and campaign initiatives. You must be adept at project management and translating complex academic and institutional goals into impactful, donor-centric proposals and white papers that inspire substantial philanthropic investment. The ideal candidate will demonstrate advanced proficiency in narrative storytelling for personalized, high-stakes donor communications, as well as the ability to produce highly technical writing for white papers and campaign materials. Strong project management skills and the ability to navigate a fast-paced, multifaceted workload are essential, as is the capacity to move seamlessly between projects and audiences. Key competencies include strategic thinking, exceptional persuasive writing, deep familiarity with the university’s mission, values, strategic plan, Oregon Rising, and the comprehensive campaign, as well as a commitment to inclusion, collaboration, and cultural sensitivity. You will also be responsible for ensuring diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are integrated throughout all materials.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in journalism, English, or a related field.
8 years’ experience in a journalism, programmatic research/writing, development, or public relations field.
Demonstrated experience successfully securing grants from foundations, governments, corporate funders, and individuals.
Excellent written and oral communications skills.
Highly detail-oriented and organized with superior research and editing skills.
Ability to work collaboratively in a fast-paced environment 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; fluency and writing journalistic, marketing, and fundraising styles across multimedia.
Professionalism and discretion in managing client and donor relationships and sensitive data.
Expert knowledge of fundraising best practices related to written proposals and case statements.
Ability to craft messages for segments and audience, especially at donor centered approach to writing, producing 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 designed to support and enhance the work of frontline fundraisers.
Experience managing projects that serve both donor stewardship and communications objectives.
Fundraising communications experience in a higher education setting.
Master’s degree in journalism, English, or a closely related field.

Responsibilities

Producing high-level donor proposals (targeting gifts of $1M or $5M and above) and white papers that articulate transformational giving opportunities aligned with the University of Oregon’s comprehensive campaign.
Crafting compelling, strategic narratives and engaging content that drive principal gift support for the University of Oregon.
Preparing persuasive fundraising and institutional development materials for a sophisticated audience, including institutional prospects, major donors, and UO leadership.
Collaborating with executive leadership, development officers/relationship managers, and academic partners to clearly and compellingly convey the university’s highest fundraising priorities and campaign initiatives.
Translating complex academic and institutional goals into impactful, donor-centric proposals and white papers that inspire substantial philanthropic investment.
Ensuring diversity, inclusion, and accessibility are integrated throughout all materials.