What are the responsibilities and job description for the Strategic Development Writer position at Pioneer Institute for Public Policy Research?
Strategic Development Writer (Full-Time)
Founded in 1988, Pioneer Institute empowers Americans with choices and opportunities to live freely and thrive. Through expert research, educational initiatives, legal action, and coalition-building, we advance human potential in four critical areas: K-12 Education, Health, Economic Opportunity and American Civic Values. In partnership with Pioneer New England Legal Foundation, our research, communications, and litigation efforts drive significant change both regionally and nationally.
In 2022, Pioneer established PioneerLegal, LLC as an independent 501(c)(3) organization to expand its mission through legal action and public education. In May 2025, Pioneer announced its strategic alliance with the New England Legal Foundation under the banner of Pioneer New England Legal Foundation, bringing enhanced legal talent, regional network infrastructure, and expanded board leadership to position the Foundation as the region's leading public interest law organization dedicated to advancing economic liberty, free enterprise, and individual rights across New England.
Pioneer Institute is seeking a Strategic Development Writer to join our team. Reporting to the Deputy Director of Development, the position will support fundraising efforts for both the Institute's policy research initiatives and the Foundation’s legal programs. This role offers a unique opportunity for a development professional passionate about translating complex policy and legal concepts into compelling funding proposals, donor communications, and fundraising materials. The ideal candidate will be a collaborative, strategic, motivated, and deadline-oriented team member who can translate institutional priorities to inspire philanthropy and engagement.
Key Responsibilities
Writing (85%)
- Write compelling grant proposals for project-based initiatives across Pioneer Institute and the Foundation, tailoring content to specific foundation priorities and guidelines
- Develop proposals and solicitations for both organizations' corporate portfolios
- Create email campaigns for donor cultivation, stewardship, and solicitation
- Write direct mail appeals and housefile communications
- Develop donor newsletters, impact reports, and stewardship materials
- Adapt, customize, and maintain existing institutional proposal templates for different foundation and corporate audiences and organizational priorities
- Collaborate with program staff and the legal team to gather project details, budgets, and supporting materials
- Track proposal outcomes and follow up on reporting requirements for both foundation and corporate funders
- Prepare briefing materials and prospect profiles for meetings
- Maintain accurate records across both organizational entities in a donor database
Project Management (15%)
- Manage multiple writing projects and deadlines, working with internal and external partners, including researchers, lawyers, and contractors.
- Develop a robust content library for the Development team, including policy pillar one-pagers, giving circle overviews, and stewardship materials.
Qualifications
- Experience in long-form, persuasive writing in areas including but not limited to grant proposals, impact reports, and solicitation letters
- Excellent written communication skills with ability to translate complex policy and legal concepts for diverse audiences
- Strong research and analytical skills
- Proficiency with donor database management systems
- Ability to work independently and manage multiple deadlines
- Knowledge of foundation and corporate philanthropy landscape and grant-making trends in policy research preferred
- Bachelor’s degree preferred, though extensive experience will be considered in lieu of formal education
Work Hours & Benefits
- Hybrid work schedule based in Boston, MA (3 days in office)
- Competitive salary
- Health insurance, dental insurance, long-term disability, and a generous 401K plan
- Generous flextime policy
How to Apply
Send your resume, cover letter, and writing sample to Caitlin Marple at cmarple@pioneerinstitute.org with the subject line: "Strategic Development Writer." To learn more about Pioneer Institute, please visit our website.
Pioneer Institute is an equal opportunity employer.