Senior Development Writer

About the Chesapeake Bay Foundation

Established in 1966, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation (CBF) is the largest regional nonprofit conservation organization dedicated to saving the Chesapeake Bay, its rivers and streams, and the wildlife that call it home through education, advocacy, litigation, and restoration. Since 2010, CBF has engaged in a focused effort to defend and implement the Chesapeake Clean Water Blueprint, a binding federal and state collaborative agreement aimed at reducing pollution to the science-based, legally-affirmed levels established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The Blueprint is expected to be fully implemented by 2025. If the states and the federal government achieve Blueprint goals, the Bay will finally—after decades of failed efforts—be removed from the Clean Water Act’s impaired waters list. Successfully implementing the Blueprint depends on a well-informed, engaged, active, and diverse constituency of members, advocates, and volunteers who speak up and take action to save the Bay.

CBF has a staff of approximately 230 employees working in offices in Annapolis, Maryland; Richmond and Virginia Beach, Virginia; Harrisburg, Pennsylvania; and Washington, D.C. as well as 15 field education program locations. Our staff and volunteer corps work throughout the region educating students and adults, advocating for clean water policies, restoring waterways, and litigating when necessary.

CBF’s headquarters office in Annapolis, Maryland is the Philip Merrill Environmental Center, the world’s first U.S. Green Build Council’s LEED platinum building. In 2014, CBF opened the Brock Environmental Center—one of the world’s most energy efficient, environmentally smart buildings—in Virginia Beach, Virginia.

CBF has 200,000 members and supporters and an annual budget of approximately $30 million. For more information on CBF, please visit our About CBF page.

About the Hiring Department

Development

The mission of Development is to provide financial resources for CBF to meet its long-term vision of saving the Bay. It establishes and implements strategies to motivate donors to contribute to the organization’s programs and projects through two primary areas of activity: development and membership.

Context of the Position

The Senior Development Writer is responsible for crafting powerful, persuasive materials that connect CBF donors and prospects to the organization’s mission. The Writer will produce a suite of compelling proposals, reports, letters, and other materials which aid CBF’s donor cultivation, solicitation, and stewardship. The Writer will tailor CBF’s organization-wide messages for a donor audience, and ensure the quality, accuracy, and timeliness of CBF’s donor communications.

Essential Functions

1. Write, edit, and manage the production of donor-specific correspondence – including, reports, proposals, appeal letters, case statements, program summaries, and stewardship products – for a frontline fundraising team who develop each donor relationship to maximize giving potential.
2. Support the Development team by proofreading and editing written materials, sharing articles and other materials for use with donors, and writing cover letters and other pieces as needed.
3. Stay apprised of CBF’s organizational priorities, program achievements and challenges, and news pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay.
4. Conduct interviews with donors, as needed.
5. Serve as the liaison with CBF’s Communications Department to ensure consistency in message and coordination across the two departments. This may also include developing print collateral for fundraising marketing campaigns or supporting development staff who require design assistance.
6. Lead, or otherwise participate in, other projects or tasks as assigned.

Professional Experience and Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree is required.

The ideal candidate will have a strong background (4+ years) in nonprofit communications, marketing, donor centric writing, and a knack for storytelling. Must be able to translate technical and scientific information into compelling stories and cases for support.

Excellent written and oral communication are essential. Candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and be highly organized and flexible. Attention to detail, strong project management, and the ability to juggle competing priorities is essential.

Proficient in MS Office software. Experience with professional production of communication materials and graphic design experience a plus.

Salary Range: $76,000 – $80,000

How to Apply

Using the link below, please submit a cover letter and resume. This position will remain open until filled.