Philanthropy Writer

As a key member of the Writing Services team, the Philanthropy Writer works collaboratively with ASUF and ASU leadership, faculty, staff and development colleagues to write, edit, review and otherwise prepare proposals, case statements, concept notes, letters of inquiry, pitch decks, impact reports and other fundraising documents for submission to philanthropic funders.

What you'll do

• Develop effective and compelling proposals, case statements, concept documents, LOIs, pitch decks, acknowledgement letters, progress and stewardship reports, grant materials and other donor-focused communications in support of ASU units, programs and initiatives.

• Research and analyze information and data on a wide variety of topics to support development of a compelling narrative.

• Identify and collaborate with appropriate personnel and departments across ASU and ASUF on assigned writing projects.

• Cultivate and maintain professional working relationships with colleagues, leaders and faculty across ASU and ASUF to generate narrative ideas and gather information for ongoing efforts.

• Provide revising and editing support to ASUF and unit fundraising colleagues for proposals, reports and other written development communications.

• As appropriate, work with development colleagues on preparation, completion and submission of proposals and proposal materials to organizational funders, ensuring compliance with funder forms and requirements.

• Work with sponsored research administration, faculty and development staff to support them in their efforts to develop proposal budgets; provide budget narratives as needed.

• Assist with the cataloguing of written proposal materials that can be used as a resource by ASUF development staff for future proposals.

• Maintain active, current body of knowledge relative to ASU.

• Serve as a resource for unit development officers and professional staff.

• Complete other duties as assigned.

What you'll need

• Demonstrated experience in proposal or grant writing with a track record of success in securing large gifts from individuals, foundations and/or corporations.

• Ability to synthesize complex ideas into coherent, compelling proposals seeking major philanthropic support from prospective donors and organizational funders.

• Excellent writing, proofreading and editing skills; precise attention to detail.

• Commitment to meeting deadlines and motivating project collaborators to do the same.

• Strong and collegial interpersonal skills and an ability to communicate effectively in person, in writing and by phone.

• Collaborative style, combined with the ability and desire to work in a team-based environment.

• Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and responsibility regarding information related to Enterprise Partners, its subsidiaries and University business and confidential prospect information.

• Ability to work successfully with diverse constituencies in an academic community.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.

• Problem solver who can take initiative and set priorities while being flexible.

• Highly organized and able to handle multiple projects simultaneously.

• Ability to represent the institution well.

• An advocate’s belief in the vision of ASU as a New American University.

• Adept at navigating complex environments with evolving priorities and communication plans.

• Ability to learn appropriate levels of information about a broad range of academic disciplines and interdisciplinary areas.

• Knowledge of all facets of the proposal development process, including prospect identification, project research, proposal creation and budget development.

• Knowledge of all facets of the development process, including prospect identification, cultivation, solicitation and stewardship.

Relevant qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in communications, marketing, journalism, English or related field, AND four years of related writing experience. Strong preference for individuals with philanthropic proposal or grant writing experience.

The ASU Foundation is an Equal Opportunity Employer

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