Development Writer

Take a world-changing job. Climate Central is seeking an energetic, experienced writer to join its development team. Reporting to the Vice President for Development, the Development Writer will be responsible for content produced for prospect and donor audiences, with concentration in three core areas: grant and proposal writing; stewardship reports; and fundraising appeals. The Development Writer will prepare additional written and designed material to support Climate Central’s fundraising objectives, including but not limited to program and project overviews, brochures, web content, and PowerPoint presentations. 

General Responsibilities

 The Development Writer is a critical member of the Development team and is responsible for written material in support of our fundraising goals. They will produce high-quality, compelling proposals for high-net-worth individuals and foundations, as well as create tailored donor reports and updates that often include extensive collateral. The Writer will prepare material that persuasively and passionately conveys the case for philanthropy in a polished presentation that meets Climate Central’s high standards. They will produce original content or tailor existing content into engaging material for prospective donors; research, interview, write and edit as needed; and partner with colleagues to manage and maintain a core library of proposals and other content. 

The Writer will also be responsible for drafting annual appeal letters and emails, as well as other personalized donor communications as needed. They will work closely with members of the staff to be sure that all donor communications contain the highest-quality, most accurate, most up-to-date copy, including timely information on grant expenditures and project activities.  

The ideal candidate will be curious and resourceful, pay strong attention to detail, and have a proven track record working effectively in a collaborative, fast-paced environment.  

Primary Responsibilities

  • Create or tailor gift and grant proposals, working collaboratively with multiple colleagues to develop a polished, final product, and ensure that all materials meet high standards and achieve the goals and objectives as defined for each written product.

  • Write or update project and program descriptions that include persuasive content to make the case for funding.

  • Write compelling reports to donors, both for individual audiences and foundation donors.

  • Review, edit and proofread content for style, clarity, tone, and accuracy, as well as for brand and message alignment. 

  • Help to maintain and update a library of proposal content, with attention to ways to repurpose, and disseminate core content for multiple uses, such as concept papers, PowerPoint presentations, and other content as needed.

  • Prepare fresh, engaging content to acknowledge and update donors, such as through acknowledgement letters, e-newsletters, stewardship mailings, and other similar content and collateral.

  • Write appeals for both print and email campaigns. 

  • Work collaboratively with Programs and Communications colleagues to leverage existing stories, design, photos, web, video and other materials to enhance donor communication materials and refresh web content.

  • Collaborate with Finance staff to secure accurate gift and grant expense information for reporting purposes.

  • Collaborate and coordinate with Communications colleagues to share content and ensure consistency of messaging and presentation across Climate Central platforms.

  • Partner with Development Operations Manager to track deadlines and deliverables.

  • Manage high volume and deadlines, and adapt readily as needs and priorities shift.

  • Other communications duties as assigned.

Experience

  • Must have experience writing successful proposals and compelling reports in a development setting. Experience writing fundraising appeals and similar content a plus.

  • Experience working with subject matter experts on a wide variety of content for myriad audiences. Ability to communicate complex science and technology material in clear, accessible language is critical for success in this role. Experience working with science, technology, or media experts is a plus.

  • Proofreading experience in a work setting is a plus.

  • Must be able to work independently and in collaboration with multiple internal stakeholders.

  • At least 5 years of professional writing experience, preferably for a development or advancement office and ideally in a large and/or complex, non-profit institution.

Qualifications

  • Superlative writing, editing, and interpersonal skills. 

  • Superb attention to detail, ability to manage a high volume of projects, superior organizational skills, and an ability to work under tight deadlines are essential. 

  • Strong computer skills, including fluency in Microsoft Office. Proficiency with graphic design and layout tools, including InDesign and PowerPoint. Advanced design skills and experience using visual elements to enhance written content is preferred.  Strong proficiency with design and layout software is preferred.

  • Ability to create and manage time-intensive writing processes and prioritize multiple deadlines.

  • Must be a team player with a flexible, collaborative workstyle. 

  • Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience. Background working in a science organization or higher education degree in the sciences is a plus. 

About Climate Central

Climate Central is an independent, dynamic science, technology and communications non-profit organization with an entrepreneurial atmosphere. Founded in 2008 by academic leaders at Princeton, Yale and Stanford, Climate Central provides a bridge between the public and climate scientists and contributes in a pivotal way to the national and international efforts to communicate the facts of climate change. 

As an independent, non-partisan science organization, Climate Central researches and reports the facts about climate change impacts, such as extreme weather, drought, flooding, wildfires, and sea level rise, as well as alternative energy systems and transportation. Climate Central is not an advocacy organization and does not lobby or support any specific legislation, policy or bill.

Location: Climate Central’s headquarters are in Princeton, N.J. Some level regular office presence is preferred, but not required. Attending occasional staff retreats is required.

Compensation: Compensation is competitive and commensurate with experience.

How to Apply: Please send your cover letter, resume, link(s) to any relevant online identity (e.g. LinkedIn), and salary expectations to developmentjobs@climatecentral.org with the subject line: Development Writer. 

Applicants will be contacted directly if selected as a candidate. Due to the volume of employment applications, Climate Central is unable to respond to each application individually. The search will close when a successful candidate is recruited.

Climate Central embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We are committed to building a workplace that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We recognize that diverse teams make the strongest teams, and we encourage people from all backgrounds to apply. The more inclusive we are, the better our work will be.