Associate Writer, Donor Communications
Entry-level Communications role at The Heritage Foundation. Washington · full-time · $60,000–$70,000 base.
Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.
What you'll do
- You'll create proposals, reports, mailings, emails, and stewardship materials for different donor audiences
- You'll answer donor questions with tailored explanations of Heritage policy while strengthening major-donor relationships
- You'll meet with leaders across departments to understand current projects and their donor relevance
- You'll shape fundraising messages with the Development team for distinct campaigns and initiatives
- You'll write in the style of Heritage trustees and executives, especially the president
What you bring
- You'll hold a bachelor's degree in journalism, English, or a related field
- You'll bring at least two years of professional writing experience; development writing is preferred
- You'll demonstrate excellent writing, strong speaking ability, and command of English mechanics
- You'll use Microsoft Office Suite and adjust tone, diction, rhythm, and pace for each purpose
- You'll support Heritage's mission, explain complex policy work to donors, and manage concurrent assignments under tight deadlines
Who this fits
This role suits a mission-aligned writer who can turn policy and program details into donor-focused communications. You'll work full time in Washington, United States, and collaborate regularly with Heritage leaders and the Development team.
From the employer
Title: Associate Writer, Donor Communications
Reports to: Director, Development Strategy
Job Summary: The Associate Writer is responsible for communicating Heritage’s mission and impact to multiple donor audiences (i.e. individuals, corporations, foundations) in a way that strengthens relationships and inspires gifts to The Heritage Foundation and Heritage Action. The Associate Writer drafts donor-facing materials including proposals, reports, pitch decks, mailings, emails, and custom stewardship pieces.
Job Duties:
- Write gift proposals, project descriptions, reports, acknowledgements, etc., specifically tailored to individual donors and using a “donor-centric” approach.
- Respond to donor requests in a highly personalized manner that accurately explains Heritage’s position on specific policy issues while maintaining and building good relationships between Heritage and major donors.
- Build strong working relationships through regular face-to-face meetings with leaders across Heritage’s departments to stay informed on current projects and policy work, understand their implications for donors.
- Work with Development team to conceptualize and communicate effective donor messages that support distinct Heritage campaigns and efforts.
- Effectively communicate Heritage’s message in the “voice” of various Heritage trustees and executives —most frequently the organization’s president.
Qualifications:
Education: B.A. in Journalism, English, or related degree.
Experience: 2+ years of professional writing experience; development-specific writing experience preferred
Communication: Superior written communication skills; strong verbal skills
Technology: Microsoft Office Suite.
Other Requirements:
- Understand and support Heritage’s mission and vision for America, and the department’s goals and objectives.
- Excellent grasp of English grammar, usage, and mechanics.
- Ability to vary and control nuances of tone, diction, rhythm, pace, and other stylistic features to make a piece of writing suit its purpose.
- Ability to translate technical aspects of Heritage policies and programs into language appropriate for a donor audience.
- Ability to manage and complete multiple writing assignments simultaneously and often under tight deadlines.
Benefits and Salary:
The Heritage Foundation offers a highly competitive benefits package that includes, but is not limited to, best-in-class health care, vision, and dental insurance, employer-sponsored retirement funding, “take what you need” PTO and sick leave, 14 weeks of paid leave for new moms and 6 weeks of paid leave for new dads, among other programs.
The salary range for this role is $60,000 - $70,000 annually. This range is a good-faith estimate, and the final salary offered to a selected candidate depends on a variety of factors including, but not limited to, the candidate’s experience, education, and other qualifications; internal and external market pay for comparable jobs; and level of hire based on aforementioned qualifications.
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