[Hiring] Senior Communications & Stewardship Writer @University of Pennsylvania

Role Description

Reporting to the Senior Director of Development & Research Communications, the Senior Communications & Stewardship Writer develops some of the Office’s most important solicitation, cultivation, and stewardship communications projects, supporting in particular the Neuro and Biomedical Research Development (BRD) teams. This Senior Writer is comfortable and confident in their writing and, with the Senior Director of Development & Research Communications, acts as a leading figure on the creative team.

The Senior Writer has a high comfort level in writing about basic science research and the biomedical sciences, as well as the ability to carefully edit and provide thoughtful, constructive feedback regarding the writing of other members of the team.

The Senior Writer has a sound understanding of the ways engaging copy can help stakeholders achieve their aims and is able to keep the donor perspective at the center of all efforts, successfully and consistently generating copy that reflects the caliber of our institution.

Especially vital for this position is the ability to integrate the very technical aspects of Penn Medicine’s clinical, research, and educational priorities with the very emotional realities about serious illness, care, and the future of medicine. The Senior Writer is comfortable with using design software such as InDesign for the presentation of written material; if not already proficient, they are willing and able to swiftly build this skillset.

Also critical is the ability to work with members of the broader PMDAR team, including frontline gift officers, to deliver the best possible communications collateral for the specific objectives of each project.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree and 3 to 5 years of experience or equivalent combination of education and experience is required.
• Prefer experience as a professional writer in fundraising, marketing, or related area.
• Prefer at least 2 years’ direct experience in higher education or health care.
• Portfolio that demonstrates ability to write persuasively, especially while conveying scientific concepts to a lay audience.

Requirements

• Possesses strong writing skills, including especially the ability to write persuasively and translate complex scientific and medical information for a variety of audiences.
• Has a firm grasp of English language mechanics and the ability to review and edit written communications for clarity, accuracy, consistency, grammar, style, tone, and adherence to style guidelines.
• Familiar with creative processes, techniques, and tools.
• Consistently displays a strong sense of ownership over the quality and timeliness of work, with sharp eye for detail in both copy and graphic design.
• Manages a diverse array of individual projects and is proactive in balancing workload.
• Can work effectively and efficiently in a demanding, fast-paced environment.
• Anticipates, plans for, and creatively solves problems.
• Exhibits optimism, energy, composure, and collaborative interpersonal skills.
• Builds partnerships with multiple stakeholders.
• Constantly aims to minimize institutional risk and maintain confidentiality.
• Communicates clearly, and in a timely manner, with stakeholders in the method that is most effective for that audience (e.g., phone versus e-mail).
• Driven to meet and exceed the needs of the team: peers, supervisors, and gift officers.
• Intellectually curious and eager to learn.
• Willing to take the initiative to build new skills as needed.

Benefits

• Health, Life, and Flexible Spending Accounts: Comprehensive medical, prescription, behavioral health, dental, vision, and life insurance benefits.
• Tuition: Tuition assistance for employees, spouses, and dependent children.
• Retirement: Generous retirement plans with a variety of investment options.
• Time Away from Work: Substantial amount of time away from work for personal needs.
• Long-Term Care Insurance: Coverage options for long-term care services.
• Wellness and Work-life Resources: Programs and resources to support health and work-life balance.
• Professional and Personal Development: Resources for personal and professional advancement.
• University Resources: Access to a wide range of University resources and cultural activities.
• Discounts and Special Services: Deals for University faculty and staff on various goods and services.
• Flexible Work Hours: Options for non-traditional work hours and locations.
• Penn Home Ownership Services: Forgivable loan for eligible employees buying a home in West Philadelphia.
• Adoption Assistance: Reimbursement for qualified expenses related to legal adoption.