Senior Writer, Principal Gifts

The Rector & Visitors Of The University Of Virginia • Charlottesville, VA

278d • $75,000 - $90,000 • Hybrid

About The Position

University Advancement at the University of Virginia (UVA) seeks a dynamic and experienced Senior Writer to join the Principal Gifts team. The University of Virginia has a strong and high-performing advancement community, boasting a large number of talented, effective, and results-oriented professionals. Our community is comprised of a robust central advancement organization, 12 University schools, and more than 25 University-related programs. We offer a wide variety of career opportunities, as well as an outstanding environment for professional growth and development. The Senior Writer will work closely with the Principal Gifts team, the Office of the Senior Vice President for External Relations, senior University leadership, and other colleagues across Grounds—including faculty, school/unit partners, and Advancement staff—to create personalized messages to advance the University's philanthropic priorities. This will include crafting strategic correspondence, donor acknowledgments, recognition of milestones, and other messages on behalf of senior University leaders, primarily the University President and Senior Vice President. The successful candidate will be able to capture each leader's voice and ensure all communications are accurate, nuanced, and appropriately formal or informal, based on context. The Senior Writer will manage the entire correspondence process, ensuring efficient tracking, timely follow-ups, and clear documentation. They will also participate in best practice communities and special projects as needed.

Requirements

• Education: Bachelor's degree. In related field preferred (e.g.: communications, marketing). Master's degree preferred.
• Experience: At least five years of experience. Experience drafting professional correspondence for senior executives is preferred.
• Exceptional writing skills with strong attention to grammar, tone, clarity, and an ability to adopt others' writing styles.
• Ability to build trust, operate with discretion, and maintain confidentiality when dealing with sensitive information.
• Skill in distilling key details into compelling, executive-level communications.
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to collaborate with senior leaders and colleagues across various departments.
• Superior organizational abilities, with a focus on managing multiple tasks in a complex workflow.
• Proven ability to prioritize, manage deadlines, and handle multiple projects in a fast-paced environment.
• Proactive, self-sufficient, and able to anticipate needs and address challenges before they arise.
• Proficiency in Microsoft 365 (especially Outlook, Word, and Excel).

Nice To Haves

• Familiarity with file-sharing platforms (e.g. SharePoint).
• Experience with Customer Relationship Management platforms (e.g., Salesforce).
• Experience with, or strong interest in, applying new technologies (e.g., AI) to improve efficiency and quality of work.

Responsibilities

• Draft timely and personalized correspondence (e.g., gift acknowledgments, meeting summaries, event follow-ups, milestone messages) to donors, prospects, and other constituents on behalf of senior University leaders.
• Use data from the University's CRM platform, along with input from colleagues, to produce drafts that reflect the writing style and tone of specific leaders.
• Collaborate with University stakeholders in Advancement and other offices to ensure that correspondence is accurate, on-brand, and timely, incorporating important details and perspectives.
• Manage correspondence through a structured tracking system, ensuring drafts, reviews, and distributions are handled efficiently.
• Update and maintain records (currently in ‘contact reports') in the CRM platform to ensure timely, accurate documentation of correspondence activities.
• Maintain up-to-date donor salutation preferences for senior leaders in the CRM.
• Use the CRM platform to identify relevant constituents for personalized communication.
• Participate in communities of practice within the University to share insights, strategies, and best practices related to correspondence.
• Assist with ad hoc special projects as required.

Benefits

• Flexible and hybrid workplace.
• Access to and maintain a secure home office environment with high-speed internet service.
• Occasional remote work is possible.
• Occasional work outside of traditional office hours (evenings and weekends).
• Exempt level, benefited position.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: Bachelor's degree