Development Writer

Title:                          Development Writer

Reports to:             Director, Donor Relations

Job Summary:         The Development Writer is responsible for effectively communicating Heritage’s work and conservative principles to multiple donor audiences (i.e. individuals, corporations, foundations) in a way that builds relationships and inspires larger gifts to The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action for America. Under the director of the Assistant Director for Donor Communications, this position writes thank you letters, introductions, proposals, and reports to donors of funded projects. The Writer also works closely with the major gifts writing team to organize and share information relevant to donor communications, such as the impact of Heritage’s work, and other significant information and statistics.

Job Duties:

• Produce significant original written content – in major gift proposals, reports, letters, and other correspondence – that communicates Heritage’s work in a clear, compelling manner and is specifically tailed to individual donors.
• Interview policy experts to understand Heritage’s position on various issues, along with the details and key themes of Heritage projects. Gather information and impacts and share with others in the department.
• Respond to donor correspondence in a highly personalized manner which accurately explains Heritage’s position on specific policy issues, while maintaining and building good relationships between Heritage and major donors.
• Work closely with all departments at Heritage to learn about current projects and grasp implications for donor base.
• Work with other development writers and the team editor to conceptualize and communicate effective donor messages which support distinct Heritage campaigns and efforts.
• Work closely with regional managers to better understand the motivations of and how best to communicate with high-level donors and foundations.

Qualifications:

Education:                  Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, or related degree

Experience:                 5 or more years of experience in development writing or journalism preferred

Communication:         Excellent grasp of English technicalities, including grammar and usage; ability to vary and control nuances of tone, diction, rhythm, pace and other stylistic features to make a piece of writing suit its purpose; familiarity with AP Style guidelines

Technology:                Proficient in Microsoft Word; knowledge of database system and Excel useful

Other Requirements:      

• Understand and support the Heritage mission and vision for America, and the department's goals and objectives.
• Ability to clearly and persuasively relate the aims of Heritage policies and programs to the philanthropic goals of donors.
• Ability to boil down technical aspects of Heritage policies and programs into language for a general audience.
• Ability to manage and complete multiple writing assignments simultaneously and often under tight deadlines.