Carnegie Mellon is enjoying its most productive fundraising years in its history, raising more than $950M over the last three years. University Advancement (UA) supports the entire CMU community in building relationships with key constituencies and securing the financial resources the university needs to continue its ascent. As the division grows, we are seeking an associate director, Campaign Planning and Operations (Writer/Editor). This is an exciting opportunity if you thrive in an interesting and challenging work environment. As an integral member of the Campaign Planning and Operations staff, you will research, develop, write and edit complex fundraising proposals and other collateral from inception to completion, with the goal of cultivating significant philanthropic support for Carnegie Mellon and its mission and objectives. You will develop and maintain significant knowledge of major university initiatives and engage in conversations with key administrators, faculty and staff in order to serve as the division's subject matter expert on key areas for fundraising. You may also develop and contribute content to the division's other marketing channels, including websites, direct mail, e-marketing and social media. Reporting to the senior director, Campaign Planning and Operations, you will work closely with the senior associate vice president, University Advancement; chief advancement officers; gift officers; and other teams within the division, including Development, Gift Planning, the Center for Business Engagement and Foundation Relations.

Your core responsibilities will include:

• Developing compelling fundraising proposals and cases for support for individuals, foundations and corporations for gifts of $25,000 and above;
• Developing proposal templates and content for fundraising collateral for use by gift officers;
• Working closely with University Advancement gift officers and the Campaign Planning and Operations team to anticipate communications needs and deliver appropriate collateral;
• Performing enterprise research on university initiatives, related topic areas, individuals, companies and organizations to deliver relevant proposals and content;
• Maintaining library of research around key university fundraising priorities;
• Writing, editing, copyediting and proofreading proposals and collateral;
• Researching and developing white papers, strategy documents, presentations and other materials on high-level university priorities for fundraising;
• Providing leadership around industry best practices and innovation for fundraising proposal strategy, networks with peers, regularly engages in professional development activities, and recommends new tactics to increase effectiveness of program;
• Collaborating with Advancement leadership and gift officers regarding solicitation and proposal strategies;
• Collaborating with and advising Donor Relations and Stewardship on the development of custom impact reports for supporters;
• Performing related duties as assigned.

Passion, excellence and flexibility are vital qualities within University Advancement. A commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion; collaboration; and cultural sensitivity are valued competencies at CMU. Therefore, we are in search of a team member who is able to effectively interact with a varied population of internal and external partners at a high level of integrity. We are looking for someone who shares our values and who will support the mission of the university through their work.

You should demonstrate:

• The ability to:
  • distill complex academic or scientific concepts into compelling communications understood by non-academics
  • interact and collaborate effectively within the University Advancement division, as well as with other members of the campus community
  • contribute in a high-performing team environment
  • manage multiple projects and prioritize; meet tight deadlines
  • work with sensitive information, maintain confidentiality and use discretion
  • work well with others and/or as part of a team
  • understand and follow directions
  • prioritize work and handle multiple projects simultaneously
  • keep and maintain accurate and detailed reports and records
  • pay close attention to detail
  • maintain composure when dealing with difficult situations and/or individuals
  • work under pressure while balancing pressing deliverables and long-term projects
• Understanding of best practices and metrics for communications
• Demonstrated curiosity about key challenges and opportunities facing higher education.

Qualifications

• A bachelor's degree (master's degree preferred) in communications, journalism, English or equivalent
• Five or more years of communications and proposal-writing experience
• Experience in higher education and/or large institution
• Exceptional skills for writing and editing
• Experience with Adobe Creative Suite
• Strong analytical, research and problem-solving skills
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office

Requirements

• Successful background check

CMU's COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: As a condition of employment, Carnegie Mellon University requires all staff and faculty working in the United States to be fully vaccinated, including a booster when eligible, against COVID-19. Prior to commencement of employment, new hires in the United States must provide proof of vaccination or obtain an approved exemption. (Exemptions may be requested for medical reasons or for religious or strong moral or ethical conviction.) Those granted an exemption must comply with all applicable COVID-19 mitigation requirements, including use of facial coverings, daily self-assessment and weekly Tartan Testing.

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Full Time/Part time

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