Proposal Writer

The individual selected for this new position will assist in developing comprehensive proposal materials for principal- and major gift-level donors and prospects, with a focus on advancing the LSU Foundation’s mission of cultivating and investing in philanthropic partnerships to advance LSU’s academic priorities.

Baton Rouge, LA

LSU Foundation

<p>The LSU Foundation is the primary fundraising entity for academics at LSU.&nbsp;The LSU Foundation's sole purpose to provide philanthropic support to LSU, which we accomplish through the work of a campus-wide team of frontline development officers and a support team of advancement services, communications and marketing, donor relations, financial and talent management personnel. &nbsp;</p> http://www.lsufoundation.org/jobs

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Writer

Overview: <p>The LSU Foundation, Louisiana State University&rsquo;s primary fundraising arm for academics, is seeking a full-time proposal writer. Reporting to the lead proposal writer, the individual selected for this new position will assist in developing comprehensive proposal materials for principal- and major gift-level donors and prospects, with a focus on advancing the LSU Foundation&rsquo;s mission of cultivating and investing in philanthropic partnerships to advance LSU&rsquo;s academic priorities. These include written materials related to both individual and industry donor cultivation and solicitation, such as proposals, concept papers and case statements. The proposal writer will be an integral part of an eight-person team of creative professionals who collectively shape and implement the LSU Foundation&rsquo;s development communications plans.&nbsp;</p> <p><em><u>Please provide three writing samples that reflect your abilities in one or more of the areas highlighted in the Essential Duties and Responsibilities section. Samples can be uploaded as additional documents with your application or emailed to&nbsp;</u></em><em><u><strong>bshillings@lsufoundation.org</strong></u></em><em><u>.</u></em></p>
Responsibilities: <p><strong>Essential Duties &amp; Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Work collaboratively with lead proposal writer and development officers in colleges/units across LSU&rsquo;s campus to produce proposals for donors and prospective donors that align with LSU&rsquo;s strategic fundraising priorities.</li> <li>Draft and finalize copy for proposals and related collateral, such as concept papers, pre-proposals and case statements.</li> <li>Conduct research to compose robust, focused copy for proposals and related collateral.</li> <li>Ensure that proposal content is consistent with messages developed for development communications and with LSU&rsquo;s strategic fundraising priorities.</li> <li>Collaborate with graphic designer to ensure that proposals are visually engaging and align with LSU&rsquo;s brand.</li> <li>Develop and manage production schedules and client relations for all projects for which the proposal writer serves as project manager.&nbsp;</li> <li>Ensure accurate, on-time delivery of completed projects.</li> <li>Develop and disseminate best practices information related to proposal writing, as well as proposal tools and templates, in collaboration with lead proposal writer and graphic designer.</li> <li>Serve as an editing and a proofreading resource for proposals and related materials written by colleagues.</li> <li>Acquire and maintain a sound understanding of LSU and its associated programs, fundraising/marketing themes, and academic and fundraising priorities.</li> <li>Build and maintain strong, cooperative relationships across campus and within the LSU Foundation.</li> </ul> <p><strong>Marginal Duties &amp; Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>In collaboration with lead proposal writer and senior director of communications and marketing, develop and lead writing workshops for development colleagues.&nbsp;</li> <li>Be part of sustaining and strengthening the communications and marketing team&rsquo;s storytelling platform, with a focus on developing storytelling opportunities that feature the impact of philanthropy at LSU. This platform is inclusive of copy and design assets produced by the team to serve a wide and evolving range of development communications needs campus-wide.</li> </ul>
Requirements: <div class="job-preview-details"> <div class="job-listing-header"><strong>Requirements</strong></div> <div data-bind="html: Job.Requirements"> <ul> <li>Bachelor&rsquo;s degree from an accredited college or university in English, mass communication or other area of study with emphasis in written communications&nbsp;</li> <li>At least three years professional experience in a position with similar responsibilities; internship experience may be considered in lieu of this requirement depending on the qualifications of the candidate</li> <li>Excellent command of the English language, including grammar, usage, spelling and punctuation; ability to communicate in a clear, compelling and concise manner</li> <li>Proficiency in Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook</li> <li>Outstanding writing, editing, proofreading and interviewing skills&nbsp;</li> <li>Superior reading comprehension and information synthesis skills, especially as related to topics outside of one&rsquo;s own area of expertise&nbsp;</li> <li>Ability to manage and move among multiple projects in a given work day</li> <li>Excellent attention to detail&nbsp;</li> <li>Strong interpersonal skills, reflected in the ability to work collegially in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment, with insights into how best to support fundraising officers&nbsp;</li> <li>Ability to maintain confidentiality and work with sensitive information</li> </ul> <p><strong>Preferred Knowledge &amp; Skill Qualifications&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Professional experience working in a marketing/communications or development department setting, especially for a nonprofit or higher education institution&nbsp;</li> <li>Proven track record of driving forward or achieving organizational goals through writing&nbsp;</li> <li>Grant-writing experience</li> <li>Familiarity with The Chicago Manual of Style and Associated Press style</li> <li>Familiarity with Adobe Acrobat Pro and InDesign</li> <li>Experience working with a relationship-focused database (e.g., ADVANCE) and project management software &nbsp;</li> <li>Knowledge of fundraising techniques, academic units, and leadership structures within a higher education environment</li> </ul> <p><strong>Competencies&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>Ability to produce work that consistently complies with university style and aligns with brand guidelines</li> <li>Interest in and aptitude for varying language and the tone of messages based on a particular project and medium</li> <li>Ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand</li> <li>Ability to translate strategic direction and communication goals into concise, focused copy</li> <li>Enthusiasm for working on multiple deadline-driven projects within a given work week</li> <li>Outstanding professional judgment and use of logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems</li> <li>Understanding and/or appreciation of higher education, philanthropy and the far-reaching effects of both in transforming lives&nbsp;</li> <li>Desire and ability to work in a collaborative work environment with a creative team</li> <li>Excellent time-management skills, including ability to improvise under pressure and changing circumstances when necessary</li> <li>Strong oral communication, relationship-building and customer service skills and flexibility to adjust actions in relation to others&rsquo; actions</li> <li>Initiative to grow professionally and better serve the university through engaging in professional development opportunities</li> </ul> <p><strong>Supervisory Responsibilities&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>None associated with this position&nbsp;</li> </ul> <p><strong>Work Environment Requirements&nbsp;</strong></p> <ul> <li>May be required to work occasional extended workdays, evenings and weekends to meet deadlines</li> <li>Must be able to spend extended periods of time working at a computer workstation in an open office environment</li> <li>Travel is limited to occasional professional development conferences</li> </ul> </div> </div>