Advancement Communication and Stewardship Writer

The Advancement Communication and Stewardship Writer drafts communications within University Advancement that help convey the university’s gratitude for our philanthropic donors. The position also supports communications that engage alumni, parents, friends and prospective donors through events and other means. As part of the Advancement Communication team, the writer/editor helps enhance Marquette’s relationship with various constituents, communicate the university’s vision of transforming the world through its students, and continue the fundraising momentum of Marquette’s Time to Rise campaign. Thank, inspire, and engage key Advancement audiences by acknowledging donor generosity, demonstrating the impact gifts have on the university and its students, and fostering positive relationships among the alumni, parents, friends, and organizations that engage with Marquette. This position has the opporrunity to work in a hybrid work arrangement, with time worked both on campus as well as remotely.  

1. Facilitate the university’s presidential acknowledgements process, including maintaining the daily log of needed acknowledgements, drafting letters, coordinating review with prospect managers (fundraisers), Ad Comm team members, and the President’s Office as well as coordinating the signing and printing/mailing of final letters.

2. Edit and/or draft materials to support Advancement’s Engagement team, which may include edits to invitation copy, event programs, webinar/presentation copy, customizing digital content, and drafting talking points or remarks for a variety of donor, alumni, parent, student and friend events.

3. Refresh paragraph for daily acknowledgements (approx. quarterly) and support donor relations communications as needed. This may include drafting donor reports, recognition plaques, and faculty or student profiles.

4. Assist the Advancement Communications team through editing and logistics support.

5. Maintain “highlights” document for University Advancement, conveying key stats on philanthropy and university-wide updates.

6. Draft newsletter content for Parents & Family Leadership Council twice a year.

7. Perform other duties and responsibilities as required, assigned, or requested.

A Bachelor's degree in communications, English, journalism, marketing or related field, along with at least 5 years of experience in a communications position utilizing excellent writing skills.

Strong attention to detail and project management, while keeping in mind the overall objective of each written communication is needed, along with the proven ability to set priorities and complete work in a timely manner despite deadlines and competing requirements.

Judgment to adapt writing style to the communication objective and style for a particular audience and/or given situation.

Ability to edit and proof final documents, ensuring that written materials meet best editorial standards.

Strong interpersonal skills and judgment to collaborate and partner with Advancement team and university colleagues.

The ability to articulate Marquette’s mission to multiple audiences is essential. Follow industry best practices in creating donor-centered communication.

Collaborate with internal and external partners to meet communication objectives.

Total Rewards // Human Resources // Marquette University