Writer Donor Communications Senior
Western Michigan University, Kalamazoo, Michigan, United States, 49006
Position Details
Posting Summary
College VP University Advancement-DIV
Executive Area VP University Advancement
Department University Advancement
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S1442P
Job Type Full Time, Regular
Pay Type Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade G
Campus Location WMU-Kalamazoo - East Campus
Salary Range Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
General Summary
Develops compelling and strategically written materials that support fundraising priorities and strengthen donor engagement. Researches, writes, edits, and produces high level proposals, concept papers, meeting materials, and other communications that articulate clear and persuasive cases for support. Translates complex academic and research topics into accessible, impactful narratives that advance institutional fundraising goals.
Major Duties Leads the writing and editing of high quality proposals and related solicitation materials, tailoring messaging to align donor interests with institutional priorities. Develops persuasive written content such as concept notes, donor briefings, presentations, stewardship reports, case statements, and gift agreements to support fundraising efforts. Collaborates with fundraising staff to understand donor motivations and align written content with broader solicitation strategies. Conducts interviews with faculty, administrators, and program leaders to gather information and context needed to develop accurate and compelling communications. Serves as a liaison between fundraising operations and academic units, research centers, and student support programs to identify and elevate philanthropic opportunities across a wide range of disciplines and initiatives. Contributes to the development of reusable content and templates for fundraising communications. Maintains a working knowledge of institutional initiatives, funding priorities, and program strengths to inform accurate and effective written materials. Collaborates with the creative team to identify images, graphics and layouts that will enhance written materials and align with University brand standards. Works with key staff to compose acknowledgment letters for significant contributions and develops donor centered, customized, and timely communications and stewardship materials as needed. Reviews, edits and provides guidance for proposals and other donor related materials at the major gift level as needed. Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution. Experience drafting proposals or development communications in a university, nonprofit or foundation setting. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to think both analytically and creatively, and from the perspective of the target audience. Ability to collect and synthesize complex information across a broad array of subject areas into an easily understandable and persuasive product. Demonstrated professionalism. Ability to work as a team member in a complex organization. Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
External applicants should use the WMU - Application. Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application. Additional Position Information
This is a two-year terminal position, with the potential of renewal. Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at:
https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to:
https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff Physical requirements and working conditions
Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds. Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.
Posting Summary
College VP University Advancement-DIV
Executive Area VP University Advancement
Department University Advancement
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S1442P
Job Type Full Time, Regular
Pay Type Exempt/Salaried
Pay Grade G
Campus Location WMU-Kalamazoo - East Campus
Salary Range Pay is commensurate with qualifications and experience, combined with an excellent benefits package.
Number of Vacancies
General Summary
Develops compelling and strategically written materials that support fundraising priorities and strengthen donor engagement. Researches, writes, edits, and produces high level proposals, concept papers, meeting materials, and other communications that articulate clear and persuasive cases for support. Translates complex academic and research topics into accessible, impactful narratives that advance institutional fundraising goals.
Major Duties Leads the writing and editing of high quality proposals and related solicitation materials, tailoring messaging to align donor interests with institutional priorities. Develops persuasive written content such as concept notes, donor briefings, presentations, stewardship reports, case statements, and gift agreements to support fundraising efforts. Collaborates with fundraising staff to understand donor motivations and align written content with broader solicitation strategies. Conducts interviews with faculty, administrators, and program leaders to gather information and context needed to develop accurate and compelling communications. Serves as a liaison between fundraising operations and academic units, research centers, and student support programs to identify and elevate philanthropic opportunities across a wide range of disciplines and initiatives. Contributes to the development of reusable content and templates for fundraising communications. Maintains a working knowledge of institutional initiatives, funding priorities, and program strengths to inform accurate and effective written materials. Collaborates with the creative team to identify images, graphics and layouts that will enhance written materials and align with University brand standards. Works with key staff to compose acknowledgment letters for significant contributions and develops donor centered, customized, and timely communications and stewardship materials as needed. Reviews, edits and provides guidance for proposals and other donor related materials at the major gift level as needed. Minimum Qualifications
Bachelor's degree in related field from an accredited institution. Experience drafting proposals or development communications in a university, nonprofit or foundation setting. Strong interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills. Ability to think both analytically and creatively, and from the perspective of the target audience. Ability to collect and synthesize complex information across a broad array of subject areas into an easily understandable and persuasive product. Demonstrated professionalism. Ability to work as a team member in a complex organization. Desired Qualifications
Special Instructions to Applicants
External applicants should use the WMU - Application. Internal applicants should use the WMU - Internal Application. Additional Position Information
This is a two-year terminal position, with the potential of renewal. Staff Compensation System pay grades and rates are available at:
https://wmich.edu/hr/staffcompensation Western Michigan University offers generous benefits to its employees including health, dental, vision, life and disability insurance, retirement, and tuition discount for the employee and tuition remission for eligible dependents. To access information about the specific benefits available for this position, go to:
https://www.wmich.edu/hr/enrollment-staff Physical requirements and working conditions
Office or other indoor work with minimal physical demands such as occasionally lifting or moving materials less than 25 pounds. Work is generally performed in a well-lit, temperature-controlled indoor environment with occasional exposure to the outdoors or any number of elements.