Transformational Gifts Writer, Development
About The Position
Dell Medical School is seeking a Transformational Gifts Writer, Development to provide strategic communications consultation for donor-focused communications that support fundraising priorities and outcomes. Reporting to the Senior Director of Development Communications, this role serves as a lead editor and writer for external content and high-level internal communications. The position collaborates with faculty, institutional communications, and marketing teams to develop proposals, cases for support, campaign materials, and digital content aligned with brand standards, best practices, and donor engagement goals. The role develops donor communications strategy, creates and oversees campaign content, leads proposal and case development, and coordinates with institutional and campus partners. It translates complex academic, clinical, and research priorities into compelling donor-ready narratives, supports fundraising teams with content and tools, and evaluates communications effectiveness. The position is based at the UT Main Campus in a standard office environment using standard office equipment; repetitive keyboard use is required. Healthcare-related occupational hazards may apply.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field, or equivalent education and experience substitution as appropriate.
- At least 5 years of experience developing and leading fundraising or marketing communications strategy for a large institution of higher education, nonprofit, or corporate office within the health sciences.
- Knowledge of fundraising strategy and donor lifecycle, strategic communications, branding and storytelling, academic or healthcare environments, editorial standards, persuasive writing, performance measurement, and CRM tools.
- Advanced writing and editing skills, including the ability to translate complex concepts into clear narratives.
- Ability to plan strategically and align communications with fundraising goals; manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines; build relationships and influence stakeholders; drive measurable results; maintain brand consistency; lead projects independently; and adapt messaging.
- Ability to maintain the security or integrity of critical infrastructure, as applicable under Texas Executive Order No. GA-48.
Nice To Haves
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field and at least 6 years of experience in healthcare or higher education fundraising communications.
Responsibilities
- Develop donor-focused communications strategy aligned with approved institutional fundraising priorities and the cycle of giving.
- Advise internal clients on communications needs and partner with communications and marketing teams to align messaging.
- Establish annual communications goals and evaluate effectiveness using qualitative and quantitative measures.
- Partner with faculty and physicians to develop fundraising priority-specific cases for support, articulate gift concepts, and ensure brand-aligned language.
- Translate complex academic, clinical, and research priorities into compelling donor-ready narratives.
- Lead writing and strategy for externally facing content across the cycle of giving, working under tight deadlines and changing priorities.
- Input content into designed templates and collaborate with graphic designers on custom materials.
- Guide scripting and messaging for donor-focused events, campaigns, and leadership presentations.
- Develop fundraising priority-aligned cases for support and gift opportunities with administrators, faculty, and development officers.
- Maintain methods and standards for tracking proposals in process using development systems or new platforms as needed.
- Lead transformational proposals and campaign-related materials and ensure campaign messaging is consistent and adaptable across audiences and timelines.
- Work with institutional communications and marketing teams to integrate donor messaging into broader campaigns.
- Develop internal communications strategies and keep the development community informed of relevant developments.
- Liaise with campus development teams to support cohesive health communications.
- Provide content and tools for in-house and campus-wide fundraisers.
- Participate in planning sessions for major campaigns and events.
- Adhere to internal controls and reporting structures and perform related duties as required.
Benefits
- Optional Retirement Program (ORP) election in place of the Teacher Retirement System of Texas (TRS), subject to eligibility requirements.
Stand Out From the Crowd
Upload your resume and get instant feedback on how well it matches this job.
What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
