Content Writer (Marketing & Communications)
The Opportunity
We are looking for a creative and talented Content Writer to join a meaningful nonprofit. Our client is a national nonprofit with a mission to empower young people and veterans to build future-ready communities.
Job Summary
Reporting to the National Manager, Marketing and Communications, the Content Writer researches and creates plans and original print and digital content for various audiences, with emphasis on funder development and stewardship, marketing and public awareness.
This position is adept at understanding and articulating the impact of complex ideas and approaches to engage individual, foundation and corporate donors at every stage and level. This role writes creative communications that will engage prospective donors in the mission. This position produces compelling funding proposals that appeal to the donor’s passions.
The position contributes to the achievement of the nonprofit’s strategic plan and programming rollout, by developing well-researched, engaging and timely content that reflects the organization’s values, and is accessible and relevant for key audiences. They collaborate closely with colleagues, program participants, volunteers, donors and other stakeholders to tell stories effectively in the brand’s editorial style.
To achieve this, this role requires sound project management skills and how to collaborate to get the most out of subject matter experts from across the organization.
Role Responsibilities
Copy Writing and Editing: (30%)
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of strategic directions, programs, issues and initiatives to accurately inform writing/editing of materials
Stay current with communications and charitable sector best and emerging practices to ensure communication channels remain current and engaging
Work with leadership and staff team to identify and define content needs to support the development of the marketing and communications plan
Working with the Manager, Marketing and Communications, develop an editorial calendar, collaborating with other members of the team to ensure timely delivery of materials (eg. Case studies, blog posts, etc.)
Organize writing schedules to complete drafts of content or finished projects within deadlines
Conduct desk and primary research on various subjects which are relevant to strategic plan rollout and existing programming
Creates original content for e-newsletters, case studies, blog posts, promotional materials, events, donor stewardship and other communications projects according to the assignments in the content calendar. (Content writer to develop original content as well based on assignments) D
Develop media and campaign plans and collateral such as media releases, editorial content, and talking points to raise awareness of programs
Create and maintain an editorial style guide
Review organization content and materials to ensure messaging is clear and consistent with strategic plan and brand/style guides
Proofread / grammar check for other people’s outward facing content/ edit for consistency, grammar and key messages
Responsible for content and promotional materials being translated correctly and available in both official languages when required and included on the website
Support the development of engaging and timely content for publication online and in print; examples include annual and stewardship reports; program descriptions; media kits
Prepare monthly media reports / support media relations
Coordinates ordering and manages inventory of promotional materials
Builds and maintains professional relationships, and works closely with external suppliers and partners including program delivery partners, vendors/agencies (including designers, photographers, writers and translators) on specific projects where applicable
Management of inventory of photographs, case studies in SharePoint to ensure they are tracked and filed accurately
Philanthropy Support – funding proposals and stewardship content: (35%)
Lead the development of content for proposals, stewardship items, impact reports and other initiatives
Funding:
Write compelling communications to engage existing and prospective donors in the mission:
Research and develop inspiring funding proposals, grant applications and cases for support to secure giving, demonstrating a high degree of sensitivity and ability to adapt writing style for different audiences and authors
Work closely with Chief Development Officer (CDO) to develop communications for annual and major gift donors
Collaborate with Manager, Marketing and Communications on content creation for key vehicles (i.e. annual report, donor/stakeholder newsletters, website, videos, etc.) ensuring the donor perspective is represented and ensuring all messaging is on-brand
Conduct final review of briefing notes to ensure clarity and accuracy, enabling senior leaders to approach every donor meeting with confidence
Articulate the features and impacts of programs and initiatives, and integrate content into new and existing vehicles
Stewardship:
Develop impactful stewardship communications and ensure our commitments to donors are honoured by working with program leads to develop and write the content for impactful stewardship report
Proactively manage upcoming commitments and inputs from colleagues to meet all deadlines, ensuring there is ample time for design and approvals
Tactfully and diplomatically interview program participants, volunteers, donors and supporters; present their stories in compelling, respectful pieces
Develop a process for managing the workflow to deliver high-quality communication pieces on deadline (research, collaboration, writing, contributors’ work, editing, approval, design)
Write annual thank you letter templates, highly customized thank you letters and announcements/updates on an ongoing basis with quick turnaround
Build and maintain a donor communications and engagement calendar, and work with colleagues on overall strategy
Web, Digital and Social Media: (25%)
Develop related content for multiple platforms, such as websites, social media, e-marketing, program descriptions, videos, and blogs in accordance with approved marketing and communications plan
Promote the brand effectively online by acting as moderator and/or responding to comments on articles, forums and social media posts
Use search engine optimization (SEO) strategies in writing to maximize online visibility
Monitor and analyze the performance of key performance indicators (KPIs) to offer suggestions for improvement
Manages the approved social media content calendar
Supports the monitoring of web traffic and social media analytics, presents a monthly media report noting progress against goals and outcomes, and uses data to inform decisions and strategy
Other Responsibilities: (10%)
Serve as a skilled editing and writing expert resource to the broader staff team with respect to feedback and editing on pieces drafted by others
Foster productive working relationships across the organization and actively identify opportunities to share relevant information with donors in a timely and appropriate way
Participate in organizational working groups and project teams as required
Support the values of the organization
Review and implement process changes to improve effectiveness and efficiency
Assist with other duties as assigned by the Leadership Team
Core knowledge & Skills
Highly proficient writer for a range of audiences, vehicles, and channels, with an exceptional command of grammar, punctuation, and syntax
Knowledge of the philanthropic community and best practices in major gift fundraising and donor stewardship at all levels
Proficiency with MS Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint), Google Docs, web CMS (Xperience/WordPress) and CRM (Constant Contact/MailChimp)
competencies
Ability to synthesize complex information and translate into clear and inspiring communications and cases for support
Collaborative team player focused on contributing to departmental and organizational objectives
Excellent interpersonal skills with an ability to interact effectively with individuals across the organization
Flexible and adaptable with the ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines and handle conflicting priorities with ease
Highly organized in managing and planning own work, and ensuring others meet deadlines as inputs to the completion of your assignments
Highly detail-oriented and accurate
Strong work ethic, professional integrity, initiative-taker
Discretion and tact in handling highly sensitive or confidential information
QUALIFICATIONS
Diploma or Undergraduate degree in English, communications, marketing, journalism or other related fields, or relevant combination of education and work experience
Two or more years of relevant work and/or voluntary experience, including fundraising communications
Professional portfolio of multi-media writing samples
Working knowledge of programming and/or veteran affairs, youth employment programming, working with Indigenous communities in Canada and sustainability are advantageous
Experience working in the non-profit sector is an asset
Must be eligible to work in Canada
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