Development Writer/Producer

Department: University Communications
Appointment Type and Duration: Regular, Ongoing
Salary: $56,285 - $65,000 per year
Compensation Band: OS-OA07-Fiscal Year 2021-2022
FTE: 1.0

Application Review Begins
August 20, 2021; position open until filled.

• A cover letter that clearly describes why you would be a good choice for this job. Please include how your knowledge, skills, and achievements have prepared you for the job responsibilities and requirements outlined in this announcement. Please discuss each element succinctly.
• A resume of your educational and professional work experience.

Department Summary
The department of University Communications is charged with telling the University of Oregon’s (UO) stories to a broad range of audiences and positioning the university to succeed and thrive. The department utilizes and manages a comprehensive suite of communications tools, including public relations, branding, advertising, licensing, digital media, and more for the benefit of the university.

Position Summary
The Development Writer/Producer plans and implements strategic communications to promote private giving to the University of Oregon (UO). These communications help strengthen relationships with donors and enhance the understanding of giving to the UO among key constituencies. The position requires an experienced writer and storyteller with proficiency in drafting copy on deadline, copy editing, and preparing visual content for a variety of channels. The portfolio includes client relations, donor research, internal communications, digital communications, and social media. The Writer/Producer serves as a liaison between University Communications and University Advancement, representing the interests of both while developing solutions to help the university reach its fundraising, public relations, and marketing communications goals.

Responsibilities will include collaboration with communications colleagues including graphic designers, videographers, photographers, and web developers, as well as representing and advocating for development perspectives and story opportunities within overall University Communications efforts. The position assists in determining project budgets for clients and maintaining production documents and archives.

Reporting to the Senior Director of Editorial Content, and working under the guidance of the Director of Development Communications, this position will require a strong writer, content producer and project manager with a minimum of three years of experience in a news or public relations field.

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, English, or related field
• Three years of experience in a journalism, development, or public relations field

• Demonstrated ability to define marketing and communications goals and objectives, identify target audiences, and develop and implement strategic communications plans to accomplish goals
• Strong written communication skills
• Fluency in writing in journalistic, marketing, and fundraising styles across a range of media
• Command of Chicago and AP style; proven ability to follow an institutional brand and style
• Possess an account representative mindset, with the ability to listen to a client or colleague’s needs and concerns, and translate those into communications solutions
• Professionalism and discretion in managing client and donor relationships and sensitive data
• Interviewing skills, including following lines of questioning to gather pertinent information in limited time; sensitivity to subjects’ wishes for privacy, confidentiality and respect of time; accurate transcription and selection of quotes or excerpts to emphasize story objectives
• Demonstrated ability to craft messages for segmented audiences, especially a donor-centered approach to writing/producing fundraising appeals that secure gifts
• Understanding of production concepts for graphic design, printing, photo and video, websites
• Logistical know-how for managing photo and video shoots for most efficient use of time while gathering needed assets
• Project management skills; ability to produce and track work in web-based Customer Relations Management software, standard office software, and other electronic communications media

• Five years of experience supporting comprehensive fundraising campaigns including writing and producing gift and grant proposals, fundraising appeals, white papers, gift announcements, targeted collateral and other materials designed to support and enhance the work of front-line fundraisers
• Experience managing projects that serve both donor stewardship and communications objectives
• Fundraising communications experience in a higher education setting
• Command of social media best practices and analytics
• Master’s degree in Journalism or English

FLSA Exempt: No

All offers of employment are contingent upon successful completion of a background inquiry.

The University of Oregon is proud to offer a robust benefits package to eligible employees, including health insurance, retirement plans and paid time off. For more information about benefits, visit http://hr.uoregon.edu/careers/about-benefits.

The University of Oregon is an equal opportunity, affirmative action institution committed to cultural diversity and compliance with the ADA. The University encourages all qualified individuals to apply, and does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status, including veteran and disability status. The University is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation in connection with the application process, please contact us at uocareers@uoregon.edu or 541-346-5112.

UO prohibits discrimination on the basis of race, color, sex, national or ethnic origin, age, religion, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity, and gender expression in all programs, activities and employment practices as required by Title IX, other applicable laws, and policies. Retaliation is prohibited by UO policy. Questions may be referred to the Title IX Coordinator, Office of Civil Rights Compliance, or to the Office for Civil Rights. Contact information, related policies, and complaint procedures are listed on the statement of non-discrimination.

In compliance with federal law, the University of Oregon prepares an annual report on campus security and fire safety programs and services. The Annual Campus Security and Fire Safety Report is available online at http://police.uoregon.edu/annual-report.

Advertised: Aug 2, 2021 Pacific Daylight Time
Applications close: