Senior Development Writer- The Chesapeake Bay Foundation (Annapolis, MD)

The Chesapeake Bay Foundation seeks a Senior Development Writer to be based at its Philip Merrill Environmental Center headquarters located in Annapolis, MD.

THE CHESAPEAKE BAY FOUNDATION
Established in 1967, 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 190 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 $26 million and is supported by 300,000 members and e-subscribers. For more information on CBF, please visit cbf.org.

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.

Salary: Base salary starts at $65,000 but is negotiable.

Essential functions include:
1. Writes, manages, and edits the production of inspiring reports and proposals that are vital to securing funding for CBF programs and illustrating CBF’s impact to donors. Writing projects include but are not limited to:
· Campaign collateral and other marketing materials
· Program or initiative specific proposal and report templates
· An annual Impact Report that includes achievements, challenges, and compelling stories
· Monthly donor renewal letters
· Special appeals
· Development focused articles for the CBF magazine, e-newsletter, and blog
2. Supports the Development team by reviewing written materials, sharing articles and other materials for use with donors, and writing cover letters and other pieces as needed.
3. Stays apprised of CBF’s organizational priorities, program achievements and challenges, and news pertaining to the Chesapeake Bay.
4. Conducts interviews with donors, as needed.
5. Serves as the liaison with CBF’s Communications Department to ensure consistency in message and coordination across the two departments.
6. Leads, or otherwise participates in, other projects or tasks as assigned
7.Other
• Work to ensure that systems, organizational culture, and practices are aligned with CBF’s mission, values and commitments related to DEIJ.
• Develop and refine programs and activities to ensure equitable practices and support the development of a diverse and effective team.
• Ensure an inclusive working environments that supports diverse populations.

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.

• Ability to communicate effectively with people from diverse backgrounds and experiences. Ability to receive and give supportive feedback to foster equity and inclusion in working relationships.
• Ability to recognize, nurture, and learn from strengths in co-workers.
• Having flexibility to accomplish job responsibilities in several work environments, whether it be from home, on the road, or in an office.

To apply, please send resume and cover letter through job posting on CBF website no later than April 9, 2021. When applying please combine two relevant writing samples into a pdf file with your resume. Examples of this work would be funder proposal, reports, and/or donor-focused recognition pieces like an organization magazine article or annual report spotlight.

CBF offers a comprehensive benefits package to include: 20 vacation days, 10 sick days, health, vision, dental, life insurance, and a tax deferred retirement plan.

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.

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.