Lead Writer, Annual Giving

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Position Overview

The Lead Writer for Annual Giving has the primary responsibility of developing robust annual giving campaigns, which represent a critical ongoing fundraising stream that encourages constituents to become donors. A member of the Advancement Marketing and Communications (AMC) department, the Lead Writer reports to the AMC Content Director.

They contribute as a strategic partner to the teams responsible for developing and executing fundraising marketing strategies and stewardship for Ohio States many constituents with gift levels below $3,000, including donors, alumni, grateful patients, employees, and other community members in the development of annual giving campaigns and stewardship materials. Audience-centric messages are delivered multi-channel, through direct mail, email, social media, websites, etc. and align with constituent journeys across the Advancement Continuum.

The ideal candidate will be a writing professional with experience crafting persuasive, heartfelt appeals that resonate with current and potential donors, drive engagement, cultivate connections, and ultimately increase philanthropic contributions to The Ohio State University and the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center.

All members of Advancement are part of creating a culture that inspires an exceptionally multifaceted and talented team and are expected to exhibit The Ohio State Universitys Shared Values . The Office of Advancement is committed to acting with kindness, respect, and integrity at all times and welcoming our colleagues ideas, voices, and perspectives, acknowledging that we are better together.

Department Overview

The Office of Advancement at The Ohio State University builds relationships to inspire life-changing philanthropy. Responsible for overseeing, driving content strategy, and monitoring all Advancement-owned marketing channels focused on donor, alumni, friend, fan, and grateful patient audiences, the Advancement Marketing and Communications department (AMC) has a broad base of responsibilities spanning Advancement that helps us identify connections and develop opportunities for collaboration.

Duties and Responsibilities

75% Collaborates with Advancement partners develop engaging and persuasive content, copy, and storytelling that communicates the impact of a gift to prospective donors. Collaborates and coordinates with the annual/individual giving development, donor loyalty, stewardship and Advancement Marketing and Communications teams to support a cohesive messaging strategy that aligns with organizational goals. Conducts reviews and research necessary to uncover storytelling opportunities that highlight the impacts of annual giving; works with subject matter experts throughout the university and medical center to gather and confirm information. Works independently to successfully complete complex assignments that are broad in nature requiring significant originality, flexibility and ingenuity. Edits and proofreads and reviews content to ensure accuracy, clarity and consistency with brand voice. Responsible for understanding audiences and tailoring messages that appeal to different donor segments. Collaborates with designers and digital strategists to create high-impact materials. Manages multiple writing priorities simultaneously, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to deadlines. Strictly adheres to brand and style guidelines.

20% Collaborates with colleagues and partners, to develop key performance indicators for each annual giving effort. Coordinates with data partners, to analyze materials against KPIs; optimize future campaigns to improve donor counts and increase dollars raised. Responsible for leveraging market data and industry trends to inform decision making. Leads A/B testing to refine annual giving strategies and messaging. Evaluates and continuously improves messaging that drives fundraising initiatives and inspires a pipeline of loyal donors.

5% Completes special projects and performs other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in writing, communications, English, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Six (6) years of relevant experience; preferred professional content generation, copywriting and editing experience.
• Exceptional writing, editing and proofreading skills.
• Ability to conduct necessary research which may include interviews.

Desired Qualifications ( Were committed to building a team that reflects a variety of skills and experiences and encourage you to apply even if your experience does not align perfectly)

• Masters degree in writing, communications, English, journalism, public relations, marketing, or related field.
• Eight (8) years of relevant experience; preferred professional content generation, copywriting and editing experience.
• Direct experience in fundraising or nonprofit sectors, writing annual giving or other fundraising appeals and solicitations.
• Ability to craft compelling messages that inspire action.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to write to precise standards and accuracy.
• Experience with content strategy and multi-channel message distribution.
• Familiarity with digital marketing tools and strategies.

The Office of Advancement is committed to providing tools and resources for you to learn our business, proprietary databases, university-specific processes, and advancement practices.

You Need to Know

Aside from the unparalleled benefits of working for The Ohio State University and working in the vibrant, smart, enjoyable, and growing city of Columbus, Ohio, this opportunity will provide exceptional rewards that arise from working for an institution doing worldwide life-changing teaching and research. Learn more here: Careers at Ohio State .

In accordance with the Disaster Preparedness and University State of Emergency Policy 6.17 this position has been designated as a standby position.

To learn more about the Office of Advancement, please visit Advancement Careers .

The budget for this position is up to $85,300.00. The offer for this position will be based on internal equity and the candidate's qualifications.

Function: Marketing and Communications

Sub-function: Writing and Copyediting

Career Band: Individual Contributor - Specialized

Career Level: S4

Final candidates are subject to successful completion of a background check. A drug screen or physical may be required during the post offer process.

Thank you for your interest in positions at The Ohio State University and Wexner Medical Center. Once you have applied, the most updated information on the status of your application can be found by visiting the Candidate Home section of this site. Please view your submitted applications by logging in and reviewing your status. For answers to additional questions please review the frequently asked questions .

The university is an equal opportunity employer, including veterans and disability.