Senior Development Writer

School of Medicine

Established in 1930, Duke University School of Medicine is the youngest of the nation's top medical schools. Ranked sixth among medical schools in the nation, the School takes pride in being an inclusive community of outstanding learners, investigators, clinicians, and staff where interdisciplinary collaboration is embraced and great ideas accelerate translation of fundamental scientific discoveries to improve human health locally and around the globe. Composed of more than 2,600 faculty physicians and researchers, nearly 2,000 students, and more than 6,200 staff, the Duke University School of Medicine along with the Duke University School of Nursing, and Duke University Health System comprise Duke Health, a world-class academic medical center. The Health System encompasses Duke University Hospital, Duke Regional Hospital, Duke Raleigh Hospital, Duke Health Integrated Practice, Duke Primary Care, Duke Home Care and Hospice, Duke Health and Wellness, and multiple affiliations.

***Candidates must provide three (3) writing samples that demonstrate their previous relevant writing experience. Examples can include (but are not limited to): proposals, case statements, formal correspondence, fundraising emails, etc.

SUMMARY

Duke University School of Medicine seeks an experienced Development Writer to support Duke Health fundraising and stewardship efforts. The Development Writer will be part of the School’s Office of Strategic Communications (OSC) and will report to the Senior Director, Editorial and Development Communications. As a member of the Strategic Communications team, the Development Writer will be part of a skilled and creative group of writers, designers, and digital strategists who work collaboratively with gift officers and development leaders to advance Duke Health’s mission through philanthropy. The Development Writer will work collaboratively with the Assistant Director, Development Communications to create a suite of materials that create a case for and show the impact of philanthropic support from basic research to translational medicine to clinical care. The Development Writer will be responsible for writing and editing persuasive copy for various print and digital materials to support fundraising and stewardship activities. The Development Writer must possess versatile writing and editing skills, knowledge of interview techniques, ability to translate technical information for lay audiences, aptitude for creating multiple types of content, and a talent for researching and writing compelling cases for support to be shared with donors and prospects. The ideal candidate will be flexible and deadline-driven, with the ability to write donor-facing materials and work with a designer to bring materials to life. This position requires the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

WORK PERFORMED

• Write and edit content and solicitations to support philanthropic priorities including Duke Health’s campaign, Duke Science and Technology, reunion fundraising, endowment fundraising (including professorships, scholarships, fellowships, and research endowments), and donor stewardship.
  • With input from senior leaders, write proposals, impact reports, case statements, concept papers, donor sheets, solicitation and stewardship letters, and other content to support philanthropic goals.
  • Edit the writing of colleagues and freelance writers for style, grammar, content, and messaging in development materials.

• Incorporate campaign messaging and visuals into development communications, stories, websites, and more, infusing materials with campaign themes and emphasizing fundraising priorities.
• Collaborate with development colleagues, departments, and units to identify and create gift announcements and donor stories to promote the benefits and impact of giving to Duke Health, educate prospective donors about Duke Health accomplishments and priorities, and promote a positive image of the Duke University School of Medicine and Duke University Health System.
• Provide strategic input into the development of communications plans for annual and multi-year fundraising campaigns and integrate development messages and priorities into other external communication opportunities.
• Serve as an editor and curator for content on giving.dukehealth.org and future development-related web properties, coordinating content updates, posting articles, and ensuring that the site remains up to date and visually interesting.
• Work with OSC’s digital team on distribution of content across websites, social media, and e-newsletters. 
• Coordinate with OSC’s multimedia team on photography and video projects. 
• Collaborate with communicators across the School of Medicine collect and amplify stories that illustrate core tenets of Duke Health’s campaign case for support.

DEPARTMENTAL PREFERENCES

• Four years of directly related writing experience with two years of editorial experience.
• Demonstrated excellence in writing, editing, and storytelling across a variety of mediums to support development and stewardship initiatives.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education

Work requires communications, marketing, strategic planning, analytical and organizational skills generally required through completion of Bachelor's degree in journalism, public relations, communications, English or a related field.

Experience

Requires four years of experience in journalism, public relations, marketing or related field with experience posting and publishing through print and electronic mediums, including content management systems.

Work requires communications, analytical and organizational skills necessary to manage and coordinate a variety of tasks.

Experience working in an academic environment is preferred.

Duke is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer committed to providing employment opportunity without regard to an individual's age, color, disability, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex, sexual orientation, or veteran status.

Duke aspires to create a community built on collaboration, innovation, creativity, and belonging. Our collective success depends on the robust exchange of ideas—an exchange that is best when the rich diversity of our perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences flourishes. To achieve this exchange, it is essential that all members of the community feel secure and welcome, that the contributions of all individuals are respected, and that all voices are heard. All members of our community have a responsibility to uphold these values.

Essential Physical Job Functions: Certain jobs at Duke University and Duke University Health System may include essentialjob functions that require specific physical and/or mental abilities. Additional information and provision for requests for reasonable accommodation will be provided by each hiring department.