The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Senior Development Writer in the Development Department to be based at the Philip Merrill Environmental Center located in Annapolis, MD.
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 an annual budget of approximately $30 million and is supported by over 300,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.
DEPARTMENT DESCRIPTION
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 include:
- Write, edit, and manage the production of donor-specific correspondence – including emails, reports, proposals, solicitation materials, appeal letters, an annual Impact Report, case statements, and brief program summaries – for a frontline fundraising team who develop each donor relationship to maximize giving potential.
- Develop and design gift proposal templates and key stewardship products for donors as well as other materials.
- 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.
- Stay apprised of CBF’s organizational priorities, program achievements and challenges, and
news pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay.
- Conduct interviews with donors, as needed.
- 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.
- Engage with key CBF staff to stay informed of organizational priorities, program achievements
and challenges, and news pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay.
- Lead, or otherwise participate in, other projects or tasks as assigned.
PREFERRED PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS
Bachelor’s degree is required. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in nonprofit communications, marketing, donor centric writing, and a knack for storytelling. Excellent written and oral communication are essential. Candidate should have strong interpersonal skills and be highly organized and flexible. Attention to detail is essential. Must be able to translate technical and scientific information into compelling stories and cases for support. Proficient in MS Office software. Experience with professional production of communication materials and graphic design experience a plus.
Salary Range: $73,000 – $78,000
To apply, please send a resume and cover letter through job posting on CBF website. This position will be open until filled.
CBF offers a 36-hour work week, a flexible telework policy, a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, 2 floating holidays, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contribution.
WE ARE COMMITTED TO DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND JUSTICE
Just as biodiversity is the key to a thriving ecosystem, human diversity is the key to saving the Bay. Success depends on people from widely diverse backgrounds, cultures, ethnicities, identities, and races taking collective action. Clean water, clean air, and a safe environment are rights we all share.
To increase diversity, equity, inclusion, and justice, the Chesapeake Bay Foundation will:
- Recruit and retain a staff, board, and membership that reflect the diversity of people living within the Chesapeake Bay region;
- Strengthen and broaden the diversity of our partnerships;
- Celebrate and value the diversity of staff; and
- Fight to ensure that everyone has equal access to clean water, clean air, and a safe environment.
Studies show that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every qualification listed in a job description. Wondering whether you have the right credentials or background to apply? We value lived experience, are serious about embracing diversity, and are committed to building a team that represents our communities’ backgrounds. We encourage BIPOC, women, people from the LGBTQ+ community, and people with disabilities to apply.
CBF is proud to be an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status.
