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The Marshall Project is a nonprofit news organization covering America’s criminal justice system. Our mission is to create and sustain a sense of urgency about criminal justice. We are journalists, not advocates, but our work has measurable impact, rendering the system more fair, effective, transparent and humane.

Having won two Pulitzer prizes and many other journalism awards, we want to make sure all communications emanating from The Marshall Project are clear, compelling and very well-written.

We are hiring a Director of Development Communications who can compose beautiful prose, conveying our mission with urgency and grace to a growing community of donors. This position will be responsible for drafting tailored, high-level donor correspondence of all kinds. Their writing will support the fundraising team and the President in cultivating, soliciting and stewarding donors.

We are a small team with big ambitions. We are looking for someone who can roll up their sleeves while also supporting colleagues in writing assignments, taking on their own projects, delegating others and offering editorial feedback and support. We are looking for someone who writes clean, compelling copy both quickly and accurately. The successful candidate will thrive in a fast-paced environment.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Lead and execute communications strategy for the Development team; conceive a broad vision for how we can use communications to build and strengthen relationships with prospective and existing donors of The Marshall Project; develop plans to execute that vision and measure progress.

Synthesize complex information related to our journalism into clear and compelling narratives that speak to donor audiences. This includes developing key messages about how The Marshall Project has impact.

Draft, edit, and finalize a variety of written work, including proposals, grant reports, letters of inquiry, membership appeals, Impact Reports, and other stewardship materials for both foundations and individuals.

Coordinate and share writing across the department to meet the needs of donor audiences; help our frontline fundraising team by drafting emails, reports, proposals, solicitations, case statements, and program summaries that they can use in their own communications with donors.

Help fundraising consultants where we develop local news teams with their grant proposals and other written solicitations.

Write our Annual Report.

Develop and maintain knowledge of The Marshall Project’s history, present and vision for the future.

Meet all writing deadlines.

QUALIFICATIONS

At least five years of writing experience in journalism, development, marketing, or communications.

Excellent verbal and written communications skills, with proven experience in creating persuasive and compelling cases for support. Experience in foundation relations a plus.

Ability to synthesize and communicate complex issues clearly and concisely, adapting writing styles for varied audiences.

Ability both to think creatively, and to execute and manage multiple projects while meeting tight deadlines.

A strong commitment to accuracy and attention to detail.

Ability to develop and maintain productive relationships within a team and across a broader organization.

Commitment to work collaboratively and respectfully toward resolving obstacles and/or conflicts.

Demonstrated commitment to diversity, valuing all individuals and respecting differences in regards to race, ethnicity, age, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, religion, disability and socio-economic circumstance.

Commitment to the mission of The Marshall Project.

We are headquartered in New York City but this position can be remote.

We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to diversity. We welcome qualified applicants of all races, ethnicities, physical abilities, genders and sexual orientations, including people who have been incarcerated or otherwise involved with the criminal justice system.

HOW TO APPLY:

To apply, use this form to send a cover letter and resume describing how your experience equips you for this position.