Development Writer

The Nature Conservancy

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

Posted 11/10/2026full-timeIllinois • United StatesMid-LevelSenior💰 $65,500 - $83,000 per yearWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in donor communications, including writing and editing compelling materials for diverse audiences, while managing multiple projects and adhering to compliance standards. Proficient in collaborating across departments and translating complex concepts into accessible language.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Donor Communications ExperienceWriting And Editing SkillsGraphic Design Software ProficiencyProject Management SkillsKnowledge Of Fundraising Trends

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills

WritingEditingProposal DevelopmentBudget InterpretationDocument Management SystemsConstituent Relationship Management SystemsGraphic DesignFundraising ProposalsImpact ReportingAccounting Practices

Soft Skills

Attention To DetailOrganization SkillsProblem-SolvingJudgmentRelationship Building

Tools & Technologies

CanvaAdobe InDesign

Certifications & Qualifications

Bachelor's DegreeValid Driver's License

Industry Keywords

Nonprofit EnvironmentMajor Gift FundraisingDonor AcknowledgementCross-Cultural ExperienceIRS Compliance

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Report to the Donor Communications Manager as part of the Midwest Division Development Operations Team
Write and edit donor communications materials for individual, foundation, and corporate donors with major and/or principal gift capacity
Produce letters of intent, fundraising proposals, and impact reports for work in Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Wisconsin, the Midwest Division, and globally
Develop donor acknowledgement letters, annual appeals, donor profiles, outreach emails, talking points, presentations, and customizable proposal/report templates
Collaborate with Conservation, Legal, Finance, and Marketing & Communications departments
Stay informed about TNC conservation work in the Midwest Division and priority work globally
Translate complex conservation work into donor-facing communications
Independently prioritize tasks, exercise judgment, and solve problems
Manage multiple projects and deliverables, deadlines, timelines, and accountability
Interpret and represent budgets and financial reports at project, program, state, and global levels
Build relationships with fundraisers, finance, and conservation staff
Handle confidential information sensitively
Coordinate peer work in interdepartmental teams without supervising staff
Ensure compliance with TNC policies, procedures, and donor, legal, and IRS requirements
Provide input on new initiatives and program improvements
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
Multi-lingual skills and multi-cultural or cross-cultural experience are appreciated
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
Proficient in interpreting guidelines to achieve desired results and strategic program goals
Ability to implement complex processes
Understanding of basic accounting practices
Resume and cover letter required
Valid driver's license and compliance with TNC’s Auto Safety Program required
Successful completion of background screening process 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 opportunities
Flexible schedules