Senior Advancement Writer

If you have any questions about the position or our application process, reach out to us at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

Job Summary

The Senior Writer for the Alumnae Relations and Development department is responsible for supporting division communications, events, volunteer opportunities, and other programs aimed at encouraging alumnae and donor engagement. The position will propose, research, write, edit and copy edit individualized as well as mass communications and education pieces for alumnae and donors. Projects include gift proposals, background papers, newsletters, news articles and profile stories, brochures, event collateral, website and social media content, video scripts, solicitation letters and presidential communications.

Take appropriate actions to support a diverse workforce and participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Essential Functions

Support the cultivation, proposal and stewardship efforts of principal and major gift officers, as well as annual support officers (40%)

• Research, write, design, edit and proofread customized proposals and other correspondence to alumnae, donors and friends of the college.

• Research and write talking points and background papers that provide the case for an array of college priorities and that can be adapted for individualized proposals and other communications. Maintain and share knowledge of factors and trends that connect Smith to national and world issues and that shape perceptions that affect constituent support.

• Research, write and edit Smith Fund solicitation letters, emails, social media posts, video scripts and more that encourage regular giving to the college's annual fund, an important source of academic innovation, global education, scholarships and other resources for the college.

• Assist with the development of other printed and digital communications that support Smith's fundraising efforts, recognize donors and reinforce the positive impact of donor support. Projects include but are not limited to stewardship and impact reports, brochures, video scripts, presidential communications, presentations, speeches and event materials.

Support the efforts of alumnae engagement (40%)

• Research and write strategic, innovative and inspiring newsletters as well as website and social media content, such as donor profiles, student profiles, news items, case statements and more. Propose creative and innovative ways to connect with alumnae and donors.

• Work collaboratively with colleagues in Alumnae Relations, Development, academic departments and College Relations as well as with selected faculty, staff and students to develop compelling content.

• Assist with the development of other printed and digital communications that support Smith's alumnae engagement efforts. Projects include but are not limited to video scripts, communications, presentations, speeches and event materials.

Support special projects and general editorial needs (15%)

• Review and edit written materials generated by staff to ensure quality and consistency.

• Participate in relevant staff meetings and planning sessions.

• Copyedit department materials as needed.

• Adhere to and promote the college's and the department's communication plan and branding standards.

Other Functions (5%)

Participate in team meetings, task forces and committees as required. Back up other staff needs as necessary. Perform related duties as required.

All employees are expected to participate in the College's efforts to create a respectful, inclusive, and welcoming work environment.

Minimum Qualifications (knowledge, skills, education, experience, certifications, licenses)

Bachelor's degree and seven years or more of proven professional business, proposal or journalistic writing experience.

Experience working with individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience working in a higher education development and/or public relations setting. Working knowledge of digital media and content development. Experience with philanthropy and major gift fundraising processes.

Skills

• Excellent communication, organizational and interpersonal skills

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously

• Ability to collaborate with team members as well as colleagues across the college

• Excellent research, writing and editing skills as well as demonstrated grammatical and proofreading skills; knowledge of AP style

• Demonstrated ability to research and translate complex information into clear, concise and compelling content, as well as the ability to adapt writing style to a variety of situations and audiences

• Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, etc.), Google Suite (Docs, Sheets, etc). Drupal, WordPress and Adobe Creative Suite preferred

#ALMDEV#

Review of applications will begin

Compensation Grade:

Position Type:

Located in Northampton, MA, Smith College is one of the largest women's colleges in the country and is dedicated to excellence in teaching and research across the liberal arts. A faculty of outstanding scholars interact with students in small classes, as advisors, and through student-faculty research projects. The College is a member of the Five College Consortium with Amherst, Hampshire and Mt. Holyoke Colleges, and the University of Massachusetts Amherst.Students cross-enroll and faculty cross-teach across the Five Colleges.

Consistent with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and Massachusetts General Law, Chapter 151B, it is the policy of Smith College to provide reasonable accommodation when requested by a qualified applicant or employee with a disability, unless such accommodation would cause an undue hardship. The policy regarding requests for reasonable accommodation applies to all aspects of employment, including the application process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact our recruiting team at recruiting-u@smith.edu.

As set forth in our mission and values, Smith College is committed to promoting a culture of equity and inclusion among students, staff and faculty. The College will not discriminate in employment on the basis of age, race, color, ethnicity, national origin, creed, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, genetic information, age, veteran status, physical or mental disability, or any other classification protected by law. Smith College is an equal opportunity employer and complies with all state and federal laws that prohibit discrimination.