The Nature Conservancy is the leading conservation organization working to make a positive impact around the world in more than 35 countries, all 50 United States, and your backyard. Founded in 1951, the mission of The Nature Conservancy is to conserve the lands and waters on which all life depends. Visit www.nature.org/aboutus  to learn more.

The Nature Conservancy offers competitive compensation, 401k or savings-plan matching for eligible employees, excellent benefits, flexible work policies and a collaborative work environment. We also provide professional development opportunities and promote from within. As a result, you will find a culture that supports and inspires conservation achievement and personal development, both within the workplace and beyond.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Philanthropy Writer will develop donor communications within the Donor Stewardship and Communications philanthropy program. The Writer will be responsible for producing written materials for major donors and prospects, volunteer leadership and other influential partners, including campaign materials, donor stewardship communications, funding proposals, and acknowledgement letters.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The Philanthropy Writer will work towards meeting the strategic priorities of the program to effectively communicate with and engage our top donors, by developing and implementing tactics for approved stewardship and engagement plans, and completing and/or overseeing day-to-day tasks.  S/he will manage the development of written materials for key donor segments to include proposals, reports, letters, campaign communications, and other communication assignments as needed. The Writer must have advanced knowledge of communications best practices, excellent writing and proofreading ability, and a familiarity with the major donor audience. The Writer will keep up-to-date on market trends and best practices in order to improve services. The Philanthropy Writer will work in close cooperation with any or all of the following: Philanthropy, Marketing, Conservation and Science staff; major and principal gift donors including Board of Trustees and California Leadership Council; and vendors. S/he will also coordinate with other state, international and cross-cutting programs to ensure consistency in major donor communications and campaign communications. S/he will organize and coordinate diverse activities, projecting outcomes, and implementing solutions in consultation with leadership. S/he will serve as a resource to fundraisers, Conservation staff, and Science staff to develop and disseminate project information.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND SCOPE

• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Must gain cooperation from individuals or groups over whom there is no direct authority to accomplish program goals.
• Solicit program support through clear written communications, including proposals and other written collateral.
• Coordinate projects with several variables, set realistic deadlines, and manage a timeline.
• Decisions may bind the organization financially or legally.
• Ensure programmatic commitments, TNC policies and procedures, financial standards, and legal requirements are met and managed for compliance.
• Financial responsibility includes working within a budget, and negotiating and contracting with vendors.
• Implement and manage new initiatives that will ensure department and organization-wide goals and strategies are achieved.
• May supervise administrative, professional and/or volunteer staff, responsibility includes training and professional development.
• Travel occasionally, work long and flexible hours as needed.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Work is diversified and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in English, Journalism or related field and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience coordinating projects.
• Experience writing and editing one or more of the following: funding proposals and reports, acknowledgment letters, campaign brochures, newsletters and/or digital copy.
• Experience working across departments.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Superb writing, editing and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated confidence in providing editorial advice and donor communications strategy to senior-level staff.
• Demonstrated experience using diplomacy and tact to build strong relationships and motivate internal and external constituents.
• Experience interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results.
• Experience supervising staff, interns and/or volunteers.
• Knowledge of major gifts fundraising principles and current trends in charitable giving in the areas of campaigns, major and institutional gifts or planned giving
• Strong organization and negotiating skills, accuracy, attention to detail and ability to manage multiple tasks on deadline.
• Successful experience implementing strategic program goals.
• Excellent organizations and proofreading skills.
• Understanding of basic principles of ecology.
• Ability to use existing technology to achieve desired results.
• Experience working with MS Office suite software including MS Word and PowerPoint.

HOW TO APPLY

To apply to position number 42523, submit resume and cover letter as one document. All applications must be submitted in the system prior to 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 7, 2014.

Click “submit” to apply for the position or “save for later” to create a draft application for future submission. Once submitted, applications cannot be revised or edited. Failure to complete required fields may result in your application being disqualified from consideration.

If you experience technical issues, please refer to our applicant user guide or contactapplyhelp@tnc.org.