Development Writer

ABOUT OCEAN CONSERVANCY

Ocean Conservancy works to protect the ocean from today’s greatest global challenges. Together with our partners, we create evidence-based solutions for a healthy ocean and the wildlife and communities that depend on it.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Development Writer is the lead philanthropy and fundraising proposal writer for Ocean Conservancy. The incumbent will plan, write, and edit fundraising proposals for Ocean Conservancy's highest-level donors as well as lead the process for and write stewardship reports, vision statements, donor communications and development related talking points for Ocean Conservancy’s executive leadership.  We are looking for an outstanding candidate who leads through influence with intelligence, optimism, clarity, kindness and internal partnership.  This individual is not only an experienced, adaptable, and reliable proposal writer, but also one who navigates tight deadlines with a calm and thoughtful approach.  This individual will produce persuasive, compelling and powerful copy through a deep and abiding commitment to accuracy and truth.   

Reporting to the Chief Development Officer this role requires a person who possesses exceptional ease in developing collaborative and highly functional working relationships across all departments of an organization.   This person will be responsible for researching concepts while partnering closely with programmatic staff and conservation leadership to create the most compelling donor facing content. A superior ability to understand and convey complex policy approaches, both state and federal, as well as programmatic and scientific information, to a wide variety of audiences is a critical expectation of the role. The successful candidate will also be the strongest of collaborators with diverse stakeholders across and at every level of the organization. 

• DEPARTMENT: Development
• REPORTS TO: Chief Development Officer
• STATUS: Regular, Full-Time, Exempt
• LOCATION: Washington, DC preferred (hybrid); other states considered:  AK, CA, FL, MD, OR, TX, WA, WV or VA

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Plan, write, and edit fundraising proposals, both long form and pitch decks, stewardship reports and other communications for donors, with a focus on individuals but inclusive of foundations.
• Create vision pieces for transformational concepts, new initiatives and existing programs.
• Lead annual donor reporting planning, both individualized, and more broadly inclusive of donor impact reports.
• Create processes for proposal and stewardship writing and delivery.
• Work in close concert with Development leadership to craft compelling and timely donor communications and talking points for the Chief Development Officer and other Executive Leadership Team members as needed.
• Function as a true partner to Strategic Communications leadership, working in tandem toward shared goals.

REQUIRED SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS/EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's degree in related area and/or equivalent experience/training.
• 10+ years of directly related work experience as a professional writer in a related field.
• Expert knowledge of writing fundamentals, grammar, syntax, style, and punctuation.
• Advanced skills to write clear, engaging, and compelling copy in various styles.
• Expert knowledge of editorial style and publication guidelines.
• Expert research and fact verification skills.
• Expert interpersonal communication skills, including active listening and collaboration.
• Expert analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Passion for our ocean.

COMPENSATION

Ocean Conservancy is committed to fair pay practices and posts expected salary ranges for each of its positions. Compensation will be commensurate with the candidate’s specialty skills, years of experience, location, and unique background. The expected minimum salary is $110,000. We would welcome the opportunity to connect with potential candidates whose salary requirements may be outside of the expected range.

HYBRID WORK ENVIRONMENT

Ocean Conservancy embraces a hybrid work environment, which allows our staff the flexibility to work virtually and in-person while building strong connections across the institution.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Ocean Conservancy provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

We encourage applicants who have a diverse level and range of relevant skills and experiences to apply. A 100% match is not required.