Donor Relations Writer

At Lehigh University philanthropy shapes lives - funding scholarships powering research and strengthening a community that spans generations of Brown and White. As the Donor Relations Writer in the Office of Development and Alumni Relations youll be the storyteller who closes the loop between a donors generosity and its real-world impact on campus.

Position Number:S80800

This position is a Grade: 9 - 40 with an approximate salary range of $56030-$68190 and is subject to change based on experience skills and qualifications.

Key Accountabilities

• Writes edits and manages the creation of compelling written and digital collateral designed to steward recognize and engage donors across all giving levels.
• Researches and develops creative impactful narratives that clearly communicate the real-world impact of philanthropy for donor stewardship reports milestones and specific funds.
• Develops and implements customized communication strategies selecting the most appropriate digital or traditional platforms to effectively reach and resonate with targeted audiences.
• Collaborates with donor relations team members to repurpose and repackage content while conducting benchmarking research to integrate industry best practices and innovative stewardship materials.
• Develops implements and regularly evaluates efficient processes for gathering timely information from University collaborators including students faculty staff administrators and fundraisers.
• Liaises with faculty staff and students to address questions and verify content accuracy while staying current on and implementing the latest technology trends to optimize stewardship objectives.
• Writes high-level acknowledgment letters on behalf of the Vice President President and Chair of the Board of Trustees for gifts made to the University.
• Collaborates with donor relations writers and gift officers to create personalized letter templates secure necessary approvals for assigned prospects and ensure all correspondence is coordinated and mailed within best-practice timeframes.
• Edits and proofs final donor relations materials to ensure strict compliance with the University style guide branding and highest editorial standards while directly addressing any copy questions or concerns with authors.
• Utilizes strong interpersonal skills to manage collaborator expectations and maintain productive partnerships with designers photographers and vendors while staying current on donor relations best practices to foster a culture of high performance and quality.

Qualifications

• Bachelors Degree in English Journalism Marketing Communications or a related field
• Masters Degree preferred
• Three to five years of related work experience
• Demonstrated experience in professional writing fundraising higher education journalism or a related field
• The ability to translate complex academic or research content into accessible engaging prose for a donor audience
• Comfort working within a collaborative advancement operation where accuracy and discretion are non-negotiable
• Familiarity with donor relations or gift stewardship practice in a university or nonprofit context
• Exceptional editing skills and a consistent polished writing voice across formats and channels

Why Lehigh

Lehigh sits at an energizing intersection of rigorous scholarship and genuine community a research university where the scale is large enough to matter and small enough to know your colleagues by name. The Office of Development and Alumni Relations is a team with a clear sense of purpose: deepening the relationship between Lehigh and the donors who believe in its future. Beyond meaningful work Lehigh offers a comprehensive and family friendly benefits package which includes but is not limited to Health Care Retirement and Educational benefits. Information can be found on our website.

Lehigh University is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate. We are committed to a culturally and intellectually diverse community and we seek qualified candidates to contribute to the universitys mission.

Persons with disabilities who anticipate needing an accommodation for any part of the interview or hiring process may contact LehighsAccommodations Specialist.

Special Considerations

• This position may be eligible for a fully remote work arrangement pending University approval; remote work opportunities for non contract positions are only offered within the United States.

Successful completion of standard background checks including but not limited to: social security verification education verification national criminal background checks motor vehicle checks PATCH FBI fingerprinting Child Abuse Clearance and credit history based upon the requirements of the position.

Only complete applications will be considered therefore please complete the application in its entirety. Once the posting is removed from the website applications may no longer be allowed to be completed.