Job Description

Job Description

Job Description

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation in Annapolis, Maryland is looking to hire a full-time Senior Development Writer to join the Donor Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Team. This individual will play a critical role in advancing the mission of the organization by crafting compelling proposals and agreements to secure philanthropic support from alumni, donors, and partners.

This position is based in historic Annapolis at our current offices located next to the beautiful grounds of the U.S. Naval Academy. In 2023, the staff of the Alumni Association & Foundation moved into the new Fluegel Alumni Center , which was built on the banks of College Creek overlooking the Naval Academy and downtown Annapolis.

ABOUT THE UNITED STATES NAVAL ACADEMY (USNA) ALUMNI ASSOCIATION & FOUNDATION

The United States Naval Academy Alumni Association and the United States Naval Academy Foundation are two independent, not-for-profit corporations sharing a single president and CEO and operating as a fully integrated organization in support of the Naval Academy and its mission. The organization's focus and core competencies are engagement and philanthropy in pursuit of complementary and closely aligned missions. We connect and support our alumni community and the U.S. Naval Academy so the Brigade and alumni community can lead and serve at their full potential for the good of the nation.

Our important mission requires that we hire and retain the best of the best . In order to do that, we offer competitive pay, generous benefits, opportunities for career development, and a positive work experience.

This position pays a competitive salary, commensurate with experience, and may be eligible for an annual performance-based bonus, when applicable. We offer a generous benefits plan which includes medical, dental, vision, an FSA, an HSA, a fully vested 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching, 22 days of accrued paid time off (PTO) per fiscal year, 14 paid holidays per calendar year, group life insurance, short-term & long-term disability, identity theft protection, tuition reimbursement and annual opportunities for professional development. Although not guaranteed, certain additional benefits may be offered through the Naval Academy, such as use of certain recreational facilities (including the Brigade Sports Complex gym, marina and indoor/outdoor pools), as well as category II eligibility for employee children to apply to the Naval Academy Primary School.

The Donor Engagement & Strategic Partnerships Team includes the following aspects of the Development Team:

• Donor Relations & Stewardship
• Corporate & Foundation Relations
• Development Communications
• Proposal Development
• Campaign Operations

The Senior Development Writer is a full-time professional reporting to the Executive Director, Donor Engagement & Strategic Partnerships and works collaboratively across the Enterprise and with Naval Academy stakeholders.

EXPECTATIONS FOR THE POSITION

• Proposal Development : Lead the development of persuasive and well-researched proposals to secure major and principal gifts in support of the U.S. Naval Academy Alumni Association and Foundation's strategic priorities and initiatives.
• Gift Agreement Creation : Collaborate with development officers, leadership, and legal counsel to draft comprehensive gift agreements that accurately reflect donor intentions, comply with organizational policies, and ensure legal compliance.
• Research and Analysis : Conduct thorough research on prospective donors, funding opportunities, and industry trends to inform proposal strategies and enhance the effectiveness of fundraising efforts.
• Relationship Building : Cultivate strong relationships with internal stakeholders, including development team members, program staff, and leadership, to gather relevant information and insights for proposal development.
• Compliance and Reporting : In collaboration with team processes, maintain accurate records of proposal submissions, gift agreements, and related documentation, ensuring compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements.
• Continuous Improvement : Stay abreast of best practices in development writing, philanthropy, and nonprofit management, and proactively identify opportunities for process improvement and innovation within the development team.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE POSITION.

• Approaches each day with grit and optimism, works with enthusiasm, thinks with intellect and acts with honesty and humility.
• Bachelor's degree in English, communications, nonprofit management, or related field; advanced degree preferred.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in development writing, grant writing, or similar roles within a nonprofit organization or higher education institution.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with a proven track record of crafting successful proposals, gift agreements, and other fundraising materials.
• Strong research and analytical abilities, with the capacity to synthesize complex information and communicate it effectively to diverse audiences.
• Knowledge of fundraising principles and practices, including donor cultivation, stewardship, and gift administration.
• Familiarity with legal and regulatory requirements related to charitable giving and gift agreements preferred.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to collaborate effectively with colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• High level of professionalism, integrity, and discretion in handing sensitive and confidential information.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office suite and experience with fundraising software and database management systems.
• Willingness to attend evening and weekend events at the Naval Academy, including sporting events, such as Navy football, and academic conferences/lectures.
• Perform or assist other duties as assigned.

To Apply: Please go to and apply through our website.

Please provide cover letter, resume and 3 Proposal Samples (portfolio) for philanthropic gifts.

The USNA Alumni Association is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Veterans encouraged to apply.

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