Development Writer

Job Description

The Development Writer will play a key role in sustaining and expanding the university's stewardship efforts by developing, managing, and producing high-impact communications and processes that strengthen donor relationships, demonstrate the impact of giving, and encourage continued engagement and support.

This position reports to the Director of Donor Relations and will support the strategic goals of the Donor Relations team by ensuring timely, accurate, and personalized communications that reflect gratitude, transparency, and the values of the university. The Writer's efforts will elevate the donor experience and support the work of frontline fundraisers by ensuring that every donor interaction provides a connection to campaign priorities and the opportunity to disseminate accurate, meaningful, personalized information.

The Development Writer will collaborate closely with colleagues across Advancement, the President's Office, and campus partners to advance W&L's stewardship priorities and campaign objectives.

Washington and Lee University actively promotes a dynamic and welcoming environment that allows students and employees of multiple backgrounds and perspectives to learn, work, and thrive together. Successful candidates will contribute to that environment and exhibit potential for excellence in their areas of expertise.

Learn more about what makes Washington and Lee University a great place to work and live at jobs.wlu.edu.

Essential Functions

• Researches, writes, and edits a variety of stewardship and campaign communications, including donor reports, endowment updates, leadership acknowledgements, digital content, and case materials.
• Learns and maintains a deep working knowledge of W&L and its mission, values, strategic goals, programs, and donors.
• Ensures all written communications reflect institutional priorities, align with university voice, and convey gratitude and impact clearly and authentically.
• Partners with Development staff to create stewardship materials that enhance donor satisfaction and support cultivation and solicitation efforts.
• Leads or contributes to the creation of high-impact donor reports that highlight the outcomes of philanthropy through data, storytelling, and visual presentation.
• Assists the Associate Director and Donor Relations team with the annual endowment reporting process, ensuring reports are accurate, personalized, and delivered on schedule.
• Coordinates with colleagues to manage stewardship activity for assigned endowment reports.
• Collaborates with campus partners to identify and develop compelling stories of donor impact for use in print and digital stewardship materials.
• Supports the Senior Development Writer in producing leadership acknowledgements, ensuring timely, polished, and personalized correspondence.
• Drafts and edits letters, emails, and recognition messages from university leadership to donors, volunteers, and friends of the university.
• Manages multiple writing and stewardship projects simultaneously, maintaining attention to detail, organization, and adherence to deadlines.
• Collaborates with colleagues in University Development, Communications, and across campus to maintain accuracy, consistency, and alignment in messaging and design.
• Contributes to ongoing improvement of stewardship systems, templates, and workflows to increase efficiency and scalability.
  
  

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• Two or more years of experience in donor relations, advancement, communications, or a related field.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with an ability to adapt tone and style for different audiences.
• Demonstrated organizational and project management abilities with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent interpersonal and collaborative skills with a professional, proactive, and solution-oriented approach.
• Experience in higher education advancement, particularly in donor relations or campaign communications is desirable.
• Familiarity with customer relationship management (CRM) systems and donor databases (e.g., Slate, Raiser's Edge) is preferred
• Knowledge of data visualization, reporting, or storytelling in a donor engagement context is advantageous.
  
  

Application Instructions

Review of applications will begin January 5, 2026 and continue until the position is filled. Required materials include:

• Cover letter
• Resume
• Names and contact information for three professional references
  
  

Application instructions for internal and external candidates can be found at https://www.wlu.edu/employment-opportunities/jobs-at-w-l.

Position Type

Exempt, Full Time, Benefit Eligible

Minimum Pay

$60,804.00 - Pay Commensurate with Experience

Washington and Lee is an Equal Opportunity Employer seeking candidates committed to high standards of scholarship, performance, professionalism, and to a welcoming campus community. Job description requirements are representative, but not all‐inclusive of the knowledge, skill, and abilities needed to successfully perform this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

To apply, visit: https://wlu.wd5.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/WLUCareers/job/Lexington-VA/Development-Writer_R1361

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