Development Writer

The Nature Conservancy

. Report to the Donor Communications Manager as part of the Midwest Division Development Operations Team .

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeMadison • Wisconsin • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $73,000 - $75,650 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in donor communications, including writing and producing compelling materials for diverse audiences, while managing multiple projects and adhering to compliance standards. Proficient in utilizing graphic design software and document management systems to enhance communication strategies.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Donor CommunicationsProposal WritingGraphic Design SoftwareProject ManagementFundraising Strategies

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Proposal WritingEditingFundraising ProposalsImpact ReportsDonor Acknowledgement LettersDocument Management SystemsConstituent Relationship Management SystemsBasic Accounting PracticesWriting Compelling MaterialsTranslating Scientific Concepts

Soft Skills

Strong Organization SkillsAttention to DetailAbility to Manage Multiple TasksExcellent Writing SkillsProofreading Skills

Tools & Technologies

CanvaAdobe InDesign

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's Degree

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit EnvironmentMajor Gift FundraisingCompliance with IRS RequirementsTNC StrategiesCommunication Trends

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Report to the Donor Communications Manager as part of the Midwest Division Development Operations Team
Work with state-based development teams in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, and Wisconsin
Write and produce donor communications for individual, foundation, and corporate donors with major and/or principal gift capacity
Develop letters of intent, fundraising proposals, and impact reports
Create donor acknowledgement letters, annual appeals, donor profiles, outreach emails, talking points, presentations, and customizable proposal/report templates
Write and edit proposals and other materials for donors with capacity to give $100,000 or more
Use global campaign resources such as the donor content center, case for giving, and fundraiser discussion guide
Manage multiple projects, deliverables, deadlines, timelines, and accountability
Interpret and represent budgets and financial reports at project, program, state, and global levels
Apply knowledge of TNC strategies, programs, partnerships, and funding needs
Build relationships with fundraisers, finance, and conservation staff
Translate TNC’s complex conservation work for donor audiences and provide editorial advice
Ensure compliance with TNC policies, procedures, and donor/legal/IRS requirements
Provide input on new initiatives and improvements to existing programs
Coordinate peer work in interdepartmental teams when needed
Travel and work overtime as needed

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree and 3 years related experience or equivalent combination
Experience, coursework or other training in donor communications or a related field such as journalism and marketing & communications
Experience working across departments
Experience writing or editing 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
Excellent writing and proofreading skills
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
Proficiency interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results and strategic program goals
Ability to implement complex processes
Understanding of basic accounting practices
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program
Successful completion of background screening process
Resume and cover letter required

Benefits

Comp & perks

Health care benefits
Flexible spending accounts
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
Flexible work environment supporting employee health and well-being
Career development
Flexible schedules