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Inside Higher Ed · 5 days ago

Senior Campaign and Proposal Writer

Los Angeles, CA

Full-time

Hybrid

Senior Level, Lead/Staff

8+ years exp

Inside Higher Ed is seeking a Senior Campaign and Proposal Writer to join UCLA Development’s Campaign Content and Creative team. This role involves crafting compelling narratives and persuasive messaging to support transformational giving and deepen donor belief in UCLA’s mission, while also leading and mentoring other writing staff.

Digital MediaEducationHigher EducationJournalismRecruiting

Responsibilities

Ensure UCLA’s boldest ideas and most meaningful stories are communicated with clarity, purpose, and heart

Support transformational giving and deepen donor belief in UCLA’s mission

Draft a multi-million-dollar proposal

Shape the announcement of a landmark gift

Help donors see their potential for impact

Craft compelling, donor-centric content

Turn institutional vision into personalized, powerful communication that moves relationships forward

Lead and grow other Development writing staff

Multiply internal capacity and ensure a consistent, campaign-ready voice across units

Qualification

Fundraising communicationsDonor-focused storytellingProposal writingEditorial skillsAnalytical skillsMentoring writersProject managementCollaborative instinctsAI tools proficiencyCommunication skillsContinuous learningAdaptability

Required

8+ years of experience in fundraising communications or related donor-focused storytelling

Proven partnership with frontline fundraisers and/or direct experience in a development/donor strategy role demonstrating a clear understanding of how messaging supports cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship

Experience supervising or mentoring writers/editors, with a track record of developing talent and a commitment to equitable feedback practices

Demonstrated experience and excellence producing principal and major gift proposals/cases and flagship donor features under deadline

Prior experience and skill as an interviewer across faculty/academic leaders, clinicians, donors, and institutional partners; able to synthesize complex inputs quickly to inform persuasive, accurate, and tailored content

Advanced knowledge of the fundamentals of writing, grammar, syntax, style and punctuation with advanced skills to write, clear, lively, engaging, compelling and effective copy in a variety of styles appropriate to target audiences and the broader public

Strong editorial instincts with advanced knowledge of appropriate editorial style and publication guidelines; able to set standards and provide edits/coaching to peers

Cross-channel writing range with firm grasp of accessibility and inclusive language

Ability to write in a voice that is clear, warm, and confident – while adapting tone to reflect institutional, campaign, or senior leadership perspectives

Advanced analytical and critical thinking skills and an adaptive, solutions-oriented mindset; thrives in a fast-paced environment and adjusts quickly to shifting priorities

Advanced project management, organizational and proactive problem-solving skills; ability to work independently with a high level of autonomy, work quickly and accurately; provide proficient follow up and make effectively timely decisions under minimal supervision

Strong collaborative instincts and advanced communication and interpersonal skills; able to build trust with colleagues and partners and operate with discretion around sensitive donor and institutional information

Dedicated, passionate, resilient and results-oriented with demonstrated skill in succeeding at challenging assignments and producing work that is on target, highly polished and of a high standard

Ability to work evenings and/or weekends as needed