Development Writer

The Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) is hiring a new Development Writer to join our Development team, preferably in our Charlottesville, VA. Headquarters office, although all SELC offices can be considered. It is an exciting time to join SELC’s development team, which is currently going through a strategic refresh and expansion to support the organization’s long-term goals. The new Development Writer will craft compelling narratives and content for donor and foundation engagement, in partnership with SELC program staff and fundraising staff. This is an excellent opportunity to join a highly successful, nationally recognized organization that is effectively addressing some of the most pressing and challenging environmental issues throughout the South and the nation.

This is a full-time, exempt position. SELC currently has a hybrid work model that offers employees the flexibility to work at home up to two days a week. Employment is contingent on successful completion of a criminal background check. All employees must reside in our region. SELC will provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for an SELC position.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Write and edit funding proposals and reports for foundations and individuals. This work includes participating in concept meetings with attorneys and fundraisers, writing, trading drafts, incorporating edits from one or more reviewers, proofreading, and delivering final documents on deadline and to each funder’s specifications.
• Develop content for fundraising collateral, including case statements, white papers, brochures, event invitations and materials, and slide presentations to support philanthropic initiatives and goals.
• Write and edit content for direct fundraising appeals to be delivered by mail, email and social media.
• Develop donor-facing content for the SELC website and other publications.
• Ensure all donor communications adhere to the overall SELC style and brand standards.

Required Qualifications:

• A bachelor’s degree, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum three years of communications, development writing, and/or related experience.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to write persuasively in a variety of different business styles, including a natural ability to craft narratives and to adapt writing style to a variety of voices when writing for others.
• A proven ability to translate technical information into compelling, reader-friendly prose.
• Experience conducting interviews and building relationships with experts in their fields.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. You have a genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. You engage in ongoing personal learning and are eager to contribute to our organizational efforts in this area.
• Commitment to and curiosity about environmental, climate, and environmental justice issues. Familiarity and experience engaging donors about climate change and energy issues is a plus, or a willingness to quickly learn and develop knowledge on these issues.
• A genuine interest in and commitment to helping SELC create and foster a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace. You engage in ongoing learning and are eager to contribute to our organizational efforts in this area.

About SELC:

The Southern Environmental Law Center is one of the nation’s most powerful defenders of the environment, rooted in the South. With a long track record, SELC takes on the toughest environmental challenges in court, in government, and in our communities to protect our region’s air, water, climate, wildlife, lands, and people. Nonprofit and nonpartisan, the organization has a staff of over 200, including more than 130 legal and policy experts, and is headquartered in Charlottesville, VA, with offices in Asheville, Atlanta, Birmingham, Chapel Hill, Charleston, Nashville, Richmond, and Washington, DC.

At our core, we are place-based, rooted in our region, and connected with the communities and clients we serve. We believe in an equitable and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of our region and allows diverse perspectives to come to the forefront. We approach our work with the highest level of integrity, holding ourselves to high standards with an emphasis on honesty, accountability, and thoughtfulness. We value collaboration and camaraderie, realizing we are strongest when we work together and knowing that everyone has a critical role to play. We strive for impact through a strategic, bold, pragmatic, and ambitious outlook that is dedicated to achieving powerful results. We believe in these values and in the power of SELC. We hope you consider joining us. Learn more at https://www.southernenvironment.org/.

Compensation & Benefits:

SELC offers salaries competitive with other leading environmental nonprofits nationally and provides an excellent benefits package. The starting salary range for this position is $80,000-$100,000. Applicants with greater experience levels are welcome to apply. Offers will be commensurate with experience. For more details about our benefits package, please visit our Careers page.

SELC is a PSLF (Public Service Loan Forgiveness) eligible employer.

SELC will also provide relocation reimbursement for those relocating for an SELC position, up to a specific dollar amount and contingent on the move being at least 50 miles from the current primary address.

To Apply:

To apply, click on the ‘Apply Now’ button below to be directed to an online application where you may upload your application materials. Applicants must submit a cover letter, resume, and one writing sample. The initial deadline for receipt of complete applications is 12/6/2024. However, applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until the position is filled.

APPLY NOW

SELC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive workplace environment. We are eager to welcome new team members who share this commitment. We still have much progress to make, but our goal is to create and maintain a staff that, at every level, reflects the rich racial and cultural diversity of the communities where we work and the clients that we serve. Persons of all backgrounds—including people of color, women, people with disabilities, veterans, and LGBTQ candidates—are strongly encouraged to apply.