Posting Details
Position Information
Position Title Staff Writer
Job Description
Application Requirements: Two sample writings must be included in the application. 1) A piece of new writing, over the signature of Dr. Arnn, making a request for a gift to Hillsdale College 2) A sample of previous writing, 2 page max, of any nature/on any topic.
Job Summary:
Write donor proposals, stewardship reports, acknowledgement letters, and other letters for the President, Vice President and Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and members of the Board of Trustees, as needed. Write copy for brochures, newsletters, and other Advancement fundraising materials as needed.
Essential Job Functions: Write donor proposals, stewardship reports, letters, and other correspondence as required for fundraising and stewardship purposes, for the College President, Vice President and Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and members of the Board of Trustees. Conduct research for these projects and develop materials (charts, budgets, etc.) as needed. Write acknowledgement letters for the College President, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and members of the Board of Trustees. Work with Marketing and External Affairs teams to assist with copy for brochures, newsletters, and other Advancement fundraising materials. Complete data entry as needed to track project deadlines, donor interactions, and other details in the database. Assist in proofreading and copy editing for Institutional Advancement. Keep informed about College activity, student achievements and statistics, faculty achievements, campus/national seminars and lectures, etc. Keep informed via Advancement resources regarding the objectives of foundations and their relationship to College. Keep informed of national issues regarding education and public policy. Assist in the printing and mailing of proposals and reports, if necessary. Answer routine questions from Advancement colleagues, other College personnel, donors, and visitors. Occasional travel on the College's behalf, as approved by supervisor, for the purpose of experiencing a College event to enhance writing projects. Essential Work Functions:
Maintain confidentiality with all information and in all situations. Occasionally assist in after-hour College activities. Perform additional duties as supervisor may assign. Maintain acceptable attendance record and be punctual. Attend staff meetings and other meetings as requested. Participate in a professional development seminar annually, if possible. Individuals must possess such knowledge, skills, and abilities and must be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience:
This position requires, at minimum, a bachelor's degree and a demonstrated facility in writing. Two years of experience in writing, editing, or project management in a communications field or nonprofit organization (preferably in education) is desirable, with a background in fundraising a plus, or a combination of education, training, and experience that fulfills the needs of the College.
Other Skills
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A firm grasp of Hillsdale College's mission and purpose. Above-average command of English grammar, style, and composition. Above-average proofreading and spelling skills. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and an above-average ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and to express ideas verbally and in writing. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under limited supervision, with attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines. Sound judgment and maturity. Able to keep calm and remain personable under pressure. Above-average computer skills and knowledge of office practices.
Physical Demands
Personal Characteristics:
The offices of Institutional Advancement interact with College staff, donors, alumni, friends, students, parents, and business contacts, and its employees serve as representatives of Hillsdale College. A clean and neat appearance is essential, as is a pleasant and professional demeanor that is supportive of the College mission while maintaining confidentiality.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S245P
Open Date 02/09/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants
Position Information
Position Title Staff Writer
Job Description
Application Requirements: Two sample writings must be included in the application. 1) A piece of new writing, over the signature of Dr. Arnn, making a request for a gift to Hillsdale College 2) A sample of previous writing, 2 page max, of any nature/on any topic.
Job Summary:
Write donor proposals, stewardship reports, acknowledgement letters, and other letters for the President, Vice President and Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and members of the Board of Trustees, as needed. Write copy for brochures, newsletters, and other Advancement fundraising materials as needed.
Essential Job Functions: Write donor proposals, stewardship reports, letters, and other correspondence as required for fundraising and stewardship purposes, for the College President, Vice President and Associate Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and members of the Board of Trustees. Conduct research for these projects and develop materials (charts, budgets, etc.) as needed. Write acknowledgement letters for the College President, Vice President for Institutional Advancement, and members of the Board of Trustees. Work with Marketing and External Affairs teams to assist with copy for brochures, newsletters, and other Advancement fundraising materials. Complete data entry as needed to track project deadlines, donor interactions, and other details in the database. Assist in proofreading and copy editing for Institutional Advancement. Keep informed about College activity, student achievements and statistics, faculty achievements, campus/national seminars and lectures, etc. Keep informed via Advancement resources regarding the objectives of foundations and their relationship to College. Keep informed of national issues regarding education and public policy. Assist in the printing and mailing of proposals and reports, if necessary. Answer routine questions from Advancement colleagues, other College personnel, donors, and visitors. Occasional travel on the College's behalf, as approved by supervisor, for the purpose of experiencing a College event to enhance writing projects. Essential Work Functions:
Maintain confidentiality with all information and in all situations. Occasionally assist in after-hour College activities. Perform additional duties as supervisor may assign. Maintain acceptable attendance record and be punctual. Attend staff meetings and other meetings as requested. Participate in a professional development seminar annually, if possible. Individuals must possess such knowledge, skills, and abilities and must be able to explain and demonstrate that the individual can perform the essential functions of the job, with or without reasonable accommodation using some other combination of skills and abilities.
Required Qualifications
Education and Experience:
This position requires, at minimum, a bachelor's degree and a demonstrated facility in writing. Two years of experience in writing, editing, or project management in a communications field or nonprofit organization (preferably in education) is desirable, with a background in fundraising a plus, or a combination of education, training, and experience that fulfills the needs of the College.
Other Skills
Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
A firm grasp of Hillsdale College's mission and purpose. Above-average command of English grammar, style, and composition. Above-average proofreading and spelling skills. Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills and an above-average ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions and to express ideas verbally and in writing. Excellent organizational skills and ability to work under limited supervision, with attention to detail and ability to handle multiple tasks while meeting deadlines. Sound judgment and maturity. Able to keep calm and remain personable under pressure. Above-average computer skills and knowledge of office practices.
Physical Demands
Personal Characteristics:
The offices of Institutional Advancement interact with College staff, donors, alumni, friends, students, parents, and business contacts, and its employees serve as representatives of Hillsdale College. A clean and neat appearance is essential, as is a pleasant and professional demeanor that is supportive of the College mission while maintaining confidentiality.
Posting Detail Information
Posting Number S245P
Open Date 02/09/2026
Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Instructions to Applicants