Position Summary
The Senior Writer and Editor for Advancement Communications creates, develops, and produces content in support of the university's donor-centric, strategic fundraising, engagement, and advancement communications objectives. The incumbent writes and edits content on a variety of subjects and is responsible for managing editorial projects and schedules, interacting with all levels of the university. The position ensures that outcomes produce accurate, timely, and impactful content that is ready for publication and produces intended goals. The incumbent assures that copy is consistent with the university's style, tone, voice, quality assurance standards and is aligned with strategic objectives.

This position is a fully integrated member of Advancement Communications in LMU Marketing, Communications, and External Relations, partnering with University Advancement and relevant creative, writing, and editing team members on daily to produce collaborative projects and shared objectives on deadline.

Position Specific Responsibilities/Accountabilities

• Research, design, produce, write and/or edit copy for a variety of personalized or broad donor-centric communications focused on fundraising and engagement objectives, including, but not limited to long-form editorials, newsletters, websites, invitations, and articles that may appear in university publications, leadership communications, letters, etc. Produce special writing/editing projects, such as cases for support, annual reports, impact reports, leave-behind materials, proposals, appeals, or other development-oriented messaging.
• Proofread communications for grammatical errors, relevance to identified audience, and consistency with established style, tone, prior messaging, and voice. Flag and comment content that raises concerns, questions, or could be improved for clarity or concision. Recommend revisions that are more effective and work with colleagues to address concerns constructively.
• Interview alumni, donors, friends, students, faculty, staff, trustees, regents, and others and develop timely content for traditional and digital publications and campaigns.
• Collect and maintain relevant information about university and University Advancement events and activities, impact stories, and
• Provide writing and editing consultation and support to MarComm and University Advancement communications colleagues as requested.
• Gather information and stay abreast of emerging trends and developments in philanthropy and fundraising. Research and analyze current and emerging issues in higher education, focusing on advancement and fundraising activities.
• Coordinate with MarComm colleagues to ensure alignment of advancement communications efforts and goals with the university's overall communications strategy.
• Complete other duties and projects as assigned.

EXPERIENCE/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum five years' experience in professional writing, editing, and proofreading that includes web content creation, research and preparing organizational communications, correspondence, grants, or special projects. Minimum of 2-3 years' experience writing successful fundraising and donor-centric communications.
• Self-starter with the ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a cross-functional team. Demonstrated ability to work effectively and independently with internal and external constituencies and with professionals of varied disciplines to accomplish goals.
• Possesses exceptional verbal and written communications skills and compelling and impactful presentation abilities. Has the ability to motivate and inspire teams as well as colleagues, constituents, leaders, and governance boards.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize and tailor individual writing styles and produce persuasive, impactful outcomes.
• Demonstrated experience managing and executing across multiple communications channels and media; highly developed skills in communications writing and editing;
• Highly collaborative style with experience developing and implementing communications strategies successfully; background that demonstrates relationship-building, consensus-building, flexibility, and managing through influencing;
• Demonstrated computer competency with common production software suites, including Microsoft Office.
• Ability to produce high quality deliverables with meticulous attention to detail. Must be metrics-driven and results-oriented with demonstrated analytical skills.
• Ability to provide quick turnaround and updates for multiple requests while maintaining strong reputation of high-quality work.
• Must be able to perform successfully in a fast-paced, intellectually intense, and service-oriented environment, while also managing multiple projects with varying deadlines. Experience working successfully within a complex organization. Willing and able to adjust to changing demands and shifting priorities.

REQUIRED EDUCATION:

• Master's degree preferred, or a bachelor's degree with equivalent years of experience working in a higher education or non-profit setting. Incumbent will be expected to continue upgrading knowledge, skills, and abilities needed to keep abreast of development-related trends.

COVID VACCINATION REQUIREMENT:

To ensure the safety and well-being of our community, Loyola Marymount University requires that all students, faculty and staff are vaccinated or have been approved for a qualifying medical or religious exemption.

#HERC# / #HEJ#

Staff Regular