Development Writer, College of Natural Sciences
About The Position
The College of Natural Sciences (CNS) is UT Austin’s largest college, home to top-ranked academic specialties, a dozen departments and award-winning student programs and faculty. We strive to foster a work environment that enables all employees to contribute at the highest possible level to support the mission of the University. What starts here really does change the world. For more information about the College of Natural Sciences, please visit https://cns.utex as.edu. The CNS Development Office focuses on building relationships and securing philanthropic support to advance the college's mission. The team works with alumni, donors, and community partners to raise funds for scholarships, faculty support, research initiatives, and major capital projects. They also coordinate stewardship efforts, donor recognition, and strategic campaigns that help strengthen UT’s long‑term growth and impact. The Development Writer will strengthen fundraising and campaign communications for the College of Natural Sciences through compelling writing and storytelling that engages alumni, parents, students and friends, and inspires philanthropic support.
Requirements
- Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, marketing, English or a related field.
- Three years of relevant experience in development communications, writing/editing, marketing or general communications.
- Exceptional written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
- Demonstrated ability to prioritize, manage and organize multiple projects while consistently meeting deadlines.
- Proven skill in writing clear, concise, accurate and compelling donor-focused content, including the ability to adapt to various voices and styles.
- Strong attention to detail and a track record of contributing effectively within a collaborative team environment.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and knowledge of AP Style.
- Relevant education and experience may be substituted as appropriate.
Nice To Haves
- Five or more years of experience in specialized development work, with a focus on writing and producing persuasive fundraising content.
- Experience working within a stewardship or advancement program, preferably in a higher-education environment.
- Demonstrated ability to create effective digital collateral across multiple formats.
- Proficiency with Adobe Creative Cloud applications and website content management systems.
Responsibilities
- Coordinates, develops, writes and edits clear, compelling, persuasive and brand-compliant development communications on behalf of College leadership, including the Chief Development Officer and Dean.
- Oversees the review and approval process and delivers final products on established timelines.
- Meets regularly with the Chief Development Officer and members of the leadership team to determine, prioritize and execute major and principal gifts fundraising projects.
- Supports College of Natural Sciences gift officers by developing concepts and content based on identified fundraising priorities.
- Conducts independent research and partners with subject-matter experts to develop technical and programmatic content.
- Develops and maintains current knowledge of University priorities, brand, style and stories.
- Executes College of Natural Sciences Development communications projects and goals by providing general writing and editing support for impact reports, internal communications, letters, marketing collateral and other materials that support fundraising and stewardship.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Number of Employees
5,001-10,000 employees
