Proposal Writer

William and Mary, United States

Updated: 1 day ago
Location: Williamsburg, VIRGINIA
Job Type: FullTime

Position Information
Position Information


Position Number 01412W
Position Title Proposal Writer
Employment Category Full Time Operational
Location William & Mary
Department 610000 University Advancement
Unit Mission Statement
At William & Mary, we convene great hearts and minds to meet the most pressing needs of our time. As such, the university aspires to attract and retain exceptional students, faculty and staff who keep W&M at the forefront of teaching, learning and research. University Marketing emphasizes three core areas — enrollment, advancement and reputation — to enhance William & Mary’s standing as a top institution of higher learning in the U.S. and around the globe. Through its work to strengthen brand perception, student recruitment, alumni engagement and fundraising, University Marketing advances William & Mary’s distinctive excellence, raises its profile worldwide and secures its financial foundation — creating meaningful connections and wide-ranging impact for all times coming.
Consistent with the University’s shared services agreement with the William & Mary Foundation, this position is assigned 5% effort to support Foundation Services, LLC, a subsidiary of the William & Mary Foundation.
Position Summary
The proposal writer is an important member of the strategic communications team in University Marketing at William & Mary. In collaboration with advancement and university leadership, frontline gift officers and academic stakeholders and based on research and analysis in support of the university’s strategic vision, the proposal writer will craft persuasive written materials for donors to outline investment and funding opportunities.
This position will report to the Director of Strategic Communications and Proposals. For fundraising products and proposals, the proposal writer will work with others to identify and evaluate opportunities and leverage university strengths and resources to articulate the investment value of gift opportunities to prospective donors. Peer review is an essential part of the process and the ability to connect the dots between big ideas and donors’ interest is essential for success in this role.
The successful proposal writer will be an innovator — a values-driven professional who will foster a culture of belonging. This is a hybrid position based in Williamsburg, Virginia, that offers a flexible work environment.
Please review the full position description with all job duties under the “Featured Job Opportunities” on the University Advancement recruitment website: https://advancement.wm.edu/come-work-with-us/open-positions/index.php
Conditions of Employment
Limited travel will be required as well as occasional evening and weekends for project-based deadlines.
Essential Designation No
FLSA Non-Exempt
Position Restricted? No, this is a continuing E&G funded position and not term-limited
Position Term
Position Months Faculty or Staff: 12 month
Required Qualifications
  • Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism or related area of study, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
  • Exceptional writing skills and attention to detail and accuracy. Ability to successfully meet deadlines and prioritize workload.
  • Exceptional and sophisticated project management skills. Strong collaborative skills among a diverse group of partners.
  • Commitment to the continuing improvement of concepts and projects. Effective and persistent in engagement of multiple stakeholders to achieve shared objectives.
  • The interest and proven ability to seek opportunities to align donor interest with university priorities.
  • Well-rounded portfolio with a variety of proposals, including complex proposals.
  • Proven experience managing multiple priorities and working toward established goals and strong track record in advancing entrepreneurial initiatives to connect visionary ideas with realistic expectations, while constantly exploring varied avenues and new opportunities.
  • Experience with conducting in-depth research and analysis.
  • Experience working in a team environment, as well as independently and autonomously.
  • Experience establishing and maintaining productive, long-term relationships with internal and external stakeholders.
Preferred Qualifications
  • Master’s degree in communications or marketing or a related area of study.
  • Experience in a higher education setting and an understanding of the dynamics involved with a state-supported institution; specific knowledge of William & Mary.
  • Experience in an advancement, development office or nonprofit setting.
  • Experience engaging with multiple stakeholders to correlate seemingly disparate ideas or concepts in support of overall fundraising priorities.
  • Proven ability to take calculated risks and adapt to situations and opportunities.
Is the position remote work eligible? Hybrid (works remotely at least 1 day per week but not full-time)
Remote Work Disclaimer
Remote work eligibility is not guaranteed and is subject to approval. Employee eligibility depends on the likelihood of the employee succeeding in a remote work arrangement and the supervisor’s ability to manage remote workers. Departments and/or Human Resources may amend, alter, change, delete, or modify eligibility.
Advertised Pay Range Up to $65,000, commensurate with experience
Advertised Pay Range Statement
University Salary Range U08
Benefits Summary Statement
William & Mary offers our employees a full array of benefits including retirement, health insurance with options for expanded dental and vision along with group and optional life insurance with coverage for spouse and children, flexible spending accounts, and an EAP (Employee Assistance Program).
Our employees enjoy additional university benefits such as educational assistance, professional development, wellness benefits, and a robust holiday schedule. All employees have access to fitness facilities on campus. Staff members also have access to the university libraries, and much more. To learn more, go to: https://www.wm.edu/offices/uhr/benefits/index.php?type=none
Job Open Date 06/13/2024
Review Begin Date 07/11/2024
Job Close Date
Open Until Filled Yes
Special Application Instructions
As part of the application, please include:
  • portfolio of work
  • writing sample(s)
  • draft proposal(s)
Background Check Statement
William & Mary is committed to providing a safe campus community. W&M conducts background investigations for applicants being considered for employment. Background investigations include reference checks, a criminal history record check, and when appropriate, a financial (credit) report or driving history check.
EEO Statement
William & Mary values diversity and invites applications from underrepresented groups who will enrich the research, teaching and service missions of the university. The university is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

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