Writer & Editor of Advancement Communications

TITLE : Writer & Editor of Advancement Communications

DEPARTMENT : Office of Marketing and Communication (OMC)

REPORTS TO : Assistant Director of Marketing and Communications

LOCATION: Remote

POSITION SUMMARY

The central charge of the Writer & Editor of Advancement Communications is to develop and lead advancement-focused content strategies that elevate Dominican University’s mission, deepen donor engagement, and inspire philanthropic support. This role is essential in advancing the university’s fundraising and alumni relations objectives through persuasive, inclusive storytelling and strategic communications. Working closely with University Advancement, this role crafts persuasive and mission-driven content for donor appeals, stewardship pieces, campaign materials, donor reports, alumni features, and leadership messaging. This role will also contribute to broader institutional communications, including web, digital, and print content, as needed to support the university’s strategic priorities and brand reputation. Candidates must reside within approximately 90 miles of Chicago or be able to report to campus within 1–2 hours when needed. While this position is primarily remote, periodic in-person meetings or on-campus responsibilities are required.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Research, write, and edit a wide range of advancement-focused content, including donor appeals, impact stories, stewardship communications, case statements, and campaign materials.
• Collaborate with University Advancement to support fundraising campaigns, alumni engagement initiatives, and donor recognition efforts through effective storytelling and clear messaging.
• Write profiles and feature stories that spotlight alumni, students, faculty, and donors to reinforce Dominican’s mission and impact.
• Act as a key liaison between Advancement and the Office of Marketing and Communications, participating in regular cross-functional meetings with both teams.
• Contribute to institutional communications projects as needed, including executive communications, internal announcements, web stories, and crisis communications.
• Provide editorial support for the alumni magazine, as needed.
• Plan, create, and manage strategic content for advancement-related social media channels and platforms aligned with fundraising and engagement goals, monitor performance metrics to inform content decisions, and manage day-to-day postings.
• Ensure all content aligns with Dominican’s brand voice, messaging guidelines, and style standards.
• Support the writing and editing needs of campus clients as required.
• Maintain a professional attitude and collegial approach to problem solving across institutional lines.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.

COMPETENCIES: (Required knowledge, skills, abilities)

• Familiarity with advancement and fundraising communications principles and donor engagement practices.
• Background in higher education, nonprofit, or mission-driven environments preferred.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with a demonstrated ability to tailor messages to different audiences and formats.
• Attention to detail combined with the ability to manage multiple projects and tasks.
• Excellent proofreading skills.
• Ability to produce high-quality work on tight deadlines.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• 3–5 years of professional writing experience, preferably in advancement, alumni relations, or higher education.
• Bachelor’s degree in English, journalism, writing, communications or related field.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Ability to spend long durations of the workday sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times

SALARY AND FLSA STATUS:

• Salary: $ 60,000
• FLSA Status: Exempt – Full-time, 37.5 hours

BENEFITS:

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance
• Retirement plan with employer matching
• Professional development opportunities.
• Tuition remission for employees and their dependents

About Dominican University

Dominican University is a Catholic, comprehensive teaching university located in River Forest, a suburb of Chicago, with an additional campus in the Pilsen neighborhood of Chicago. Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, Dominican University offers associate, baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. It is highly regarded for its academic rigor, thoughtful accompaniment of students, intentional affordability, and values-based, relationship-centered learning environment.

Dominican currently enrolls over 3,800 students, including 2,690 undergraduates and 1,114 graduate students. Sixty-eight percent (68%) of undergraduate students identify as Latinx, 5% as Black or African American, and 3% as Asian. Under-represented minority students comprise 77% of the undergraduate enrollment and 38% of the graduate enrollment. Over 90 percent of undergraduates receive some form of financial aid. Nearly half of all undergraduates are first-generation college students; over half are federal Pell Grant recipients, illustrating their families’ level of income; and 58% are eligible for low-income MAP grants from the State of Illinois.

Recognized since 2011 as a Hispanic-Serving Institution (HSI) by the U.S. Department of Education, Dominican is committed to expanding and enhancing educational opportunities for Latinx students and all students from historically underrepresented groups. For more information, visit .

Expectations for all Dominican Employees:

To support the University's mission of preparing students to pursue truth, give compassionate service, and participate in the creation of a more just and humane world, engage in university service work that promotes collaboration and community building. This includes participating in organizational initiatives, supporting campus events, contributing to community outreach, and fostering a diverse and inclusive environment through involvement in various staff-driven activities and groups.

Institutional Statement

Dominican University is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive academic community. We encourage applications from individuals of all backgrounds. Upon request, reasonable accommodations in the application process will be provided to individuals with disabilities.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Dominican University is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, and protected veterans.