Senior Strategic Writer
About The Position
Spirit of America is seeking an exceptional Senior Strategic Writer to serve as one of the organization's principal storytellers, strategic communicators, and proposal development leaders. This role is for someone with an extraordinary ability to translate Spirit of America's work, complex ideas, national security priorities, philanthropic opportunities, and human stories into compelling, persuasive, and inspiring written products. The Senior Writer will serve as an enterprise-wide writing resource, partnering closely within Development and across International Programs, Marketing & Communications, and Executive Leadership to produce high-impact donor communications, proposals, reports, project descriptions, strategic narratives, and other mission-critical content. The ideal candidate combines exceptional writing talent with intellectual curiosity, strategic thinking, editorial rigor, and the ability to synthesize complex information from diverse stakeholders into clear, compelling narratives. Experience writing in national security, international development, philanthropy, analytics, journalism, public affairs, or related fields is highly desirable. This position offers a unique opportunity to shape the narrative of an organization operating at the intersection of national security, philanthropy, and global impact.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, English, International Relations, Political Science, Public Policy, Marketing, or a related field required.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling ability demonstrated through a portfolio of published or professional work.
- Minimum of 5 years of progressively responsible experience in writing, communications, proposal development, journalism, publishing, philanthropy, international affairs, or a related field.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex information and translate it into compelling narratives for diverse audiences.
- Outstanding interviewing, research, and analytical skills.
- Exceptional attention to detail and commitment to editorial excellence.
- Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously while meeting tight deadlines.
- Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate effectively across teams and functions.
Nice To Haves
- Experience producing high-impact written materials for think tanks, advisory firms, policy institutions, philanthropic organizations, or other mission-driven organizations, including research reports, strategic analyses, white papers, thought leadership pieces, and executive-level communications.
- Experience in philanthropy, fundraising, grant writing, institutional giving, or donor communications.
- Background in national security, foreign policy, international development, humanitarian assistance, or related fields.
- Experience writing for senior executives, boards, or external stakeholders.
- Publications, journalism, public affairs, or editorial experience.
- Familiarity with AI-enabled writing and research tools.
Responsibilities
- Lead the development of high-quality donor proposals, concept notes, donor reports, and funding requests for institutional and individual donors.
- Translate complex operational, geopolitical, and programmatic concepts into compelling donor-facing narratives.
- Develop persuasive funding cases that align organizational priorities with donor interests and strategic objectives.
- Support the creation of strategic business cases, organizational initiatives, and executive communications.
- Draft donor reports, impact updates, stewardship communications, and campaign materials.
- Partner with Development leadership to strengthen donor engagement through compelling storytelling and strategic communications.
- Develop customized donor materials, briefing documents, and presentation content for executive leadership.
- Capture and communicate the impact of Spirit of America's work through compelling narratives and human-centered storytelling.
- Collaborate with program teams, regional leaders, and field staff to identify and develop stories that demonstrate mission impact.
- Translate operational achievements into narratives that resonate with donors, partners, board members, and external stakeholders.
- Identify and develop strategic thought leadership opportunities, including with media.
- Serve as an organizational writing and editorial resource, contributing to and improving written products across the enterprise.
- Establish and maintain high editorial standards, ensuring clarity, consistency, accuracy, and quality across all written materials.
- Provide substantive editing, coaching, and guidance to colleagues developing written content.
- Support the development of organizational messaging frameworks and narrative strategies.
- Contribute to the development of reports, publications, white papers, thought leadership pieces, and other external-facing products.
- Support executive speeches, presentations, opinion pieces, and strategic communications initiatives.
- Help capture and institutionalize organizational knowledge, lessons learned, and impact narratives.
Benefits
- medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 403(b) contribution match to 4%
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
