PRINCIPAL AND MAJOR GIFTS WRITER

JOB SUMMARY The RDC (Resource Development Content) team supports CARE's fundraising efforts by gathering, writing and editing content (primarily proposals and concept notes, in addition to occasional reports, stories, talking points, etc.) that result in optimal engagement and financial support for CARE's work. This position will focus on fundraising and stewardship products for Major and Principal Gifts donors, including donor-advised funds, family foundations, and high-net worth individuals. In addition to generating materials for Major/Principal Gifts donors, the writer will support the creation and dissemination of communications related to fundraising priorities, such as flexible funding proposals, reports and humanitarian appeals. The writer will act as an interpreter and analyst, gathering a wide array of information on CARE's programs worldwide and turning this information into donor-ready fundraising, engagement, and information products. A successful candidate will have strong writing skills, proven ability to work under pressure, and a broad knowledge of international development issues. RESPONSIBILITIES Develop proposals and stewardship reports for Major/Principal Giving Donors The writer will prepare donor proposals for a range of CARE projects and programs, with a focus on the MG/PrG revenue channel. This will require working with CARE country offices (COs) and technical teams to identify funding priorities, and prepare, edit and finalize narrative proposals; and with the grants coordination team to review the budget narrative. Some of this work will require editing existing drafts (most 2 to 10 pages), while occasionally creating products from the ground up, working closely with program counterparts. In addition to editing, the writer will need to identify relevant photos, stories and testimonials, due diligence content, maps, infographics, etc. to strengthen the submission. Stewardship reports will also be edited on occasion, particularly for high-value grants. To fulfill this responsibility, the writer must have (1) an in-depth understanding of relief and development concepts and strategies; (2) experience writing for Major and Principal Giving donors; (3) broad knowledge of CARE’s programmatic work, including individual CARE country programs and technical areas; and (4) knowledge of individual CARE countries, including history, economics, political situation, and cultural aspects. Development communications & other writer/research assignments The writer is also responsible for crafting other development communications to support Major Gift and Principal Gift fundraising priorities. Tasks could include writing/editing flexible funding proposals and reports; writing donor updates and talking points; gathering/identifying stories and testimonials; providing content for Impact Magazine; doing relevant research, etc. To support these responsibilities, the writer must have a broad understanding of all of CARE's work and an ability to obtain Program information from relevant teams, country offices, and online sources. This depth of knowledge is essential to producing fundraising products that contribute to CARE's overall annual revenue goals. The writer must be able to present sophisticated programmatic concepts in a variety of forms—all of which must provide saleable solutions to engage donors, raise new gifts, or convince donors to renew their funding. To do so, the writers must be able to adjust their product to the audience, which could be a layperson who will understand straightforward English, or a sophisticated family foundation that will require highly technical and specialized language. Oversee and participate in special projects The writer will oversee and/or participate in activities that have a direct bearing on CARE's work and image. This includes serving as lead for the preparation of written materials that raise funds and interest for CARE's response to emergencies. Together with the Executive Director, the writer will periodically write emergency communications, which may include proposals, donor reports, stories and testimonials, talking points, and factsheets. Other projects might include writing workshop facilitation, management of interns, participation in knowledge management efforts, travel to CARE programs to gather stories and content for MG/PrG donors, etc.