Senior Writer, Development Campaign, Donor Engagement, Development and Alumni Engagement

Position Overview

Donor Engagement within Development and Alumni Engagement is currently seeking a Full-time Limited Term Senior Writer, Development Campaign for approximately 2 years.

The Development Office exists for the mutual benefit of the University of Calgary and its stakeholders and coordinates donations of gifts and gifts-in-kind. The area is an active, community-oriented team that enhances university development (fundraising) efforts in support of the Eyes High strategy and supporting Academic and Research Plans.

The University of Calgary is currently executing a $1.3 billion comprehensive fundraising campaign - Energize: The Campaign for Eyes High. This is a multi-year, university-wide initiative designed to significantly increase philanthropic revenue to the university. It is the single most ambitious program ever undertaken by the University of Calgary and the third largest post-secondary comprehensive fundraising campaign in Canadian history.

This position is part of the Campaign team and reports to the Director, Campaign Communications. The Senior Writer will provide efficient and effective strategic communications support through excellent writing and editing of all fundraising campaign collateral. This position will also provide writing guidance to central/faculty/unit Development leaders to ensure consistency in style and voice for campaign materials generated by faculties and units.

This position requires knowledge of university-wide practices, the complexities of the University, and organizational structure. The Sr. Writer provides expertise in the areas of fundraising campaigns, including research, editing and writing campaign collateral, in addition to expertise in tailoring and packaging strategic communications messaging to specific stakeholder audiences and communications channels, including digital and social media. The position works collaboratively with other members of the Development team, and builds and maintains relationships with content experts throughout the campus community (i.e. faculty, staff, leadership, students, and donors). As responsibilities are broadly delegated, the Sr. Writer contributes to the campaign communications plans and strategies, works with a high degree of independence and creativity, adds value to the work each day from his/her own skills-base, and is proactive in fulfilling the varied tasks, working under pressure to meet deadlines and deliverables on time.

The Sr. Writer will work closely with other members of the Development team to ensure the timely and effective delivery of campaign marketing and communications writing projects, including but not limited to: faculty / unit-specific cases for support, institutional proposals, information kits, backgrounders, video scripts, speaking notes, impact / donor profiles, web copy, news releases, campaign progress reports, etc.

The incumbent must operate with a high degree of discretionary judgment, be comfortable operating in an environment that is fast-paced and be able to shift priorities and work quickly. This position deals with highly confidential materials, and requires the effective management of information both internally and externally. The ability to communicate knowledgeably with internal stakeholders at all levels of the institution, as well as various external stakeholders is critical. The incumbent has very high work volume and stress levels. Consequences of errors could significantly damage the university’s reputation.

Position Description

Summary of Key Responsibilities (job functions include but are not limited to):

• Researching, writing, editing and proofing campaign communications materials to further the ability of our leadership and frontline fundraisers to communicate effectively the purpose and scope of the campaign and the philanthropic needs of the institution and, thus, generate philanthropic revenue. Projects include but not limited to:
  • Faculty, school, unit / area specific cases for support for the philanthropic community
  • Donor / gift profiles, stories that demonstrate impact
  • Institutional and principle gifts fundraising proposals
  • Campaign support materials including but not limited to volunteer manual, project descriptions/summaries, information fact sheets, etc.
  • Content for digital campaign communications tools including web content, video scripts, social media, electronic newsletters
  • Marketing and communications tools to support public celebrations and announcements
  • Speaking remarks and other event- and/or recognition-related materials, as required
  • Creating compelling content for multi-use, e.g. for campaign specific tools, and / or units within the broader Development and Alumni Engagement team including faculties and units
  • Contributing to campaign communications planning and goals and objectives setting annually and by project
  • Creating overarching “voice of the campaign” and usage guidelines to ensure consistency in campaign fundraising tools generated by others within Development, e.g. project proposals
  • Maintains accuracy, quality, creativity, and linkages to strategic messaging on behalf of the institution

Qualifications / Requirements:

• University degree with five to seven years of relevant experience in professional writing/communications/journalism
• Experience in research, editing, writing and project management
• Experience in writing for all mediums including print, web, social and digital
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills
• Strong organizational, analytical, problem-solving, interviewing and research skills
• Excellent time management and organizational skills
• Creativity and a sense of fun
• Able to take initiative and to work both independently and in a team environment
• Able to exercise diplomacy, tact, discretion and good judgment
• Able to work effectively with senior levels of management, faculty and staff
• Accuracy and attention to detail; a stickler for CP style
• Innovative and self-motivated
• A proven ability to work under tight deadlines and juggle multiple priorities
• Knowledge of the fundraising campaigns and fundraising/donor cycle is a definite asset
• Knowledge of strategic communications principles is preferred
• Experience working for or within post-secondary environment an asset

Application Deadline:  March 27, 2016

We would like to thank all applicants in advance for submitting their resumes. Please note, only those candidates chosen to continue on through the selection process will be contacted.

Additional Information

This position is part of the AUPE bargaining unit, and falls under the Specialist Advisor Job Family, Phase III.

To find out more about management and staff opportunities at the University of Calgary and all we have to offer, view our Management and Staff Careers website. For more information about career opportunities within Development and Alumni Engagement, please visit: http://development.careers.ucalgary.ca/.

 About the University of Calgary

The University of Calgary is Canada’s leading next-generation university – a living, growing and youthful institution that embraces change and opportunity with a can-do attitude. Located in the nation’s most enterprising city, the university is making tremendous progress on its Eyes High journey to become one of Canada’s top five research universities, grounded in innovative learning and teaching and fully integrated with the community it both serves and leads. Ranked as the top young university in Canada and North America, the University of Calgary inspires and supports discovery, creativity and innovation across all disciplines. For more information, visit ucalgary.ca.

The University of Calgary believes that a respectful workplace, equal opportunity and building a diverse workforce contribute to the richness of the environment for teaching, learning and research, and provide faculty, staff, students and the public with a university that reflects the society it serves. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply, however preference will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents of Canada.