Job Description

What We Can Achieve Together:

The Midwest Division Development Writer reports to the Donor Communications Manager and plays a key role in the region's Development Operations Team. This position works closely with state-based development teams in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin to produce donor communications materials for individual, foundation, and corporate donors with major and/or principal gift capacity. The most common deliverables include letters of intent, fundraising proposals, and impact reports for The Nature Conservancy's work in each state, the Midwest Division, and around the world. Other projects may include donor acknowledgement letters, annual appeals, donor profiles, outreach emails, talking points, presentations, and customizable proposal/report templates. The ideal candidate has experience writing and designing successful private grant proposals and/or impact reports within strict funder guidelines. While the team makes every effort to identify anticipated writing requests at least 4-6 weeks in advance, this position may also work under tight time constraints to meet corporate and principal gift deadlines.

The Development Writer helps implement the strategic priorities of the Midwest Division Donor Communications team by collaborating closely with other departments, including Conservation, Legal, Finance, and Marketing & Communications. Successful candidates in this role will stay informed of TNC's conservation work within the Midwest Division and become familiar with our highest priority work across the globe, too. This position functions as an essential bridge between TNC's conservation and development staff, so they may also provide editorial advice and expertise to translate TNC's complex bodies of work for donor audiences. Although the Development Writer develops communications materials for external audiences, this is an internal-facing position that supports out-the-door fundraising staff. However, there may be occasional opportunities to interact with individual and institutional donors.

This is a hybrid position open to candidates living within Illinois. Candidates located in Chicagoland are highly preferred.

We’re Looking for You:

Are you someone who loves to learn something new every day? Do you have a knack for writing compelling content for specific audiences? If so, the Midwest Division Development Writer role may be a perfect fit for you! We’re looking for a mission-driven person who's ready to dive into translating TNC's complex conservation work into inspiring donor communications materials.

Responsibilities & Scope

• Act independently within broad program goals to prioritize tasks in the absence of specific instructions and exercise independent judgment to identify and solve problems.
• Responsible for writing and editing proposals and other materials for donors with the capacity to give $100,000 or more.
• Fluency with global campaign resources such as the donor content center, case for giving, and fundraiser discussion guide.
• Simultaneously manage multiple projects with several deliverables, setting realistic deadlines, managing timelines, and ensuring accountability throughout the process.
• Accurately interpret and represent budgets and financial reports at the project, program, state, and global levels.
• Use a sophisticated understanding of TNC strategies, programs, partnerships and funding needs to inform work.
• Build relationships with fundraisers, finance, and conservation staff.
• Demonstrate sensitivity in handling confidential information.
• Does not supervise any staff but may take a leadership role in interdepartmental teams to coordinate work of peers.
• Ensure compliance with TNC policies and procedures, as well as external (donor/legal/IRS) requirements.
• Provide input for the development and implementation of new initiatives or the improvement of existing programs.
• Work environment involves only infrequent exposure to disagreeable elements and minor physical exertion and/or strain.
• Work is varied and may not always fall under established practices and guidelines.
• Travel and work overtime as needed.

What You'll Bring:

• Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination.
• Experience, coursework or other training in the principles and practices of donor communications or a related field, such as journalism and marketing & communications.
• Experience working across departments.
• Experience writing or editing one of the following: newsletters, magazines, annual reports, website articles/stories, donor profiles, funding proposals or reports, campaign brochures, fact sheets, presentations, or equivalent.
• Experience with graphic design software, including Canva and/or Adobe InDesign

Desired Qualifications:

• Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated.
• Excellent writing and proofreading skills.
• Demonstrated ability to conceive and write compelling materials for targeted audiences.
• Experience translating scientific concepts into donor-friendly language.
• Proficiency with document management and constituent relationship management systems.
• Strong organization skills, accuracy, attention to detail, and ability to manage multiple tasks under tight deadlines.
• Knowledge and application of current and evolving trends in major and principal gift fundraising.
• Expert knowledge of current and evolving communications trends, preferably in a nonprofit environment.
• Proficient in interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results and strategic program goals.
• Ability to implement complex processes.
• Understanding of basic accounting practices

Application Instructions:

Writing is an essential function for the Midwest Division Development Writer position. As a result, all candidates interested in the role are required to submit a resume AND cover letter. Your application will not advance in the recruitment process if you do not include a cover letter with your application materials.

This position requires a valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program. Employees may not drive Conservancy-owned/leased vehicles, rental cars, or personal vehicles on behalf of the Conservancy if considered "high risk drivers." To learn more about the Auto Safety Program, visit the Auto Safety information page. Employment in this position will be contingent upon completion of a Vehicle Use Agreement, which may include a review of the prospective employee's motor vehicle record.

Salary Information:

The starting pay range for a candidate selected for this position is generally within the range of $65,500 - $83,000. This range only applies to candidates whose country of employment is the USA. Where a successful candidate’s actual pay will fall within this range will be based on a variety of factors, such as the candidate's location, qualifications, specific skills, and experience. Your geographic location will be confirmed during the recruitment.

Who We Are:

The Nature Conservancy’s mission is to protect the lands and waters upon which all life depends. As a science-based organization, we create innovative, on-the-ground solutions to our world’s toughest challenges so that we can create a world in which people and nature thrive. We’re rooted in our mission and guided by our values, which include respect for all people, communities, and cultures. Whether it’s career development, flexible schedules, or a rewarding mission, there’s many reasons to love life inside TNC. Want a better insight to TNC? Check out our TNC Talent playlist on YouTube to hear stories from staff or visit Glassdoor.

One goal is to cultivate an inclusive work environment so that all our colleagues around the globe feel a sense of belonging and that their unique contributions to our mission are valued. In addition to the requirements in our job postings, we recognize that people come with talent and experiences outside of a job and consider each applicant’s unique experience. Please apply – we’d love to hear from you. To quote a popular saying at TNC, “you’ll join for the mission, and stay for the people.”

What We Bring

Since 1951, TNC has been doing work you can believe in. Through grassroots action, we have grown from a small non-profit into one of the most effective and wide-reaching environmental organizations in the world. Thanks to more than 1 million members, over 400 scientists, and the dedicated efforts of our diverse staff and partners, we impact conservation around the world!

TNC offers a competitive, comprehensive benefits package including health care benefits, flexible spending accounts, a 401(k) plan with an 8% employer match, parental leave, accrued paid time off, life insurance, disability coverage, employee assistance program, other life and work well-being benefits. Learn more about our Benefits and Perks here.

We’re proud to offer a flexible work environment that supports of the health and well-being of the people we employ.

Our recruiting process includes a rolling interview process to ensure we engage applicants in a timely manner. This means we may review applications in the order in which they are received. Once a strong candidate pool is identified, the role will be unposted. The timeline may vary depending on the expressed interest in the role, so we highly encourage candidates to apply as soon as possible.

The Nature Conservancy is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Our commitment to equal employment opportunity includes the recognition that our conservation mission is best advanced by the leadership and contributions of people of all backgrounds, beliefs, and culture. Recruiting and mentoring staff to create an inclusive organization is a priority, and we encourage applicants from all cultures, races, colors, religions, sexes, national or regional origins, ages, disability status, sexual orientation, gender identity, military, protected veteran status or other status protected by law.

The successful applicant must meet the requirements of The Nature Conservancy's background screening process.

Do you have military experience? Visit our U.S. Military Skills Translator to match your military experience with our current job openings!

TNC is committed to offering accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities and disabled veterans in our job application process. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please send a note to applyhelp@tnc.org with Request for Accommodation in the subject line.