UTHealth Houston is looking for a skilled Donor Communications Writer to join our high-performing Development Communications team. The Donor Communications Writer plays a key role in advancing the university's mission through persuasive writing and storytelling that drives philanthropic engagement and demonstrates the impact of donors' generosity.
Reporting to the Director of Donor Communications and working within the Development Communications team led by the Senior Director of Development Communications, the Donor Communications Writer produces a wide range of written communications that support fundraising and alumni engagement across UTHealth Houston's seven schools.
In this role, you will write targeted annual giving appeals, alumni and event communications, presidential acknowledgements, impact stories, and other donor-facing materials, with occasional support for major gift proposals and reports. Working closely with development colleagues, faculty, and staff, you will translate complex academic, clinical, and research initiatives into clear, compelling narratives and conduct interviews with external constituents, including patients, donors, and alumni.
This position is well-suited for a writer who is comfortable working independently while also thriving in a collaborative environment. You will work within established review processes and brand style guidelines, participate in peer review, and assist with editing and proofreading to ensure consistency and quality across all donor and alumni communications. Experience with Adobe InDesign and project management tools, such as Monday.com, is a plus.
Candidates with experience in higher education or complex organizations are encouraged to apply. Prior development communications experience is preferred but is not required. A portfolio of writing samples will be requested during the interview process. This position is primarily remote, with occasional travel to UTHealth Houston's office in the Texas Medical Center as needed.
What we do here changes the world. UTHealth Houston is Texas's resource for healthcare education, innovation, scientific discovery, and excellence in patient care. That's where you come in.
Once you join us you won't want to leave. It's because we reward our team for the excellent service they provide. Our total rewards package includes the benefits you'd expect from a top healthcare organization (benefits, insurance, etc.), plus:
- 100% paid medical premiums for our full-time employees
- Generous time off (holidays, preventative leave day, both vacation and sick time - all of which equates to around 37-38 days per year)
- The longer you stay, the more vacation you'll accrue!
- Longevity Pay (Monthly payments after two years of service)
- Build your future with our awesome retirement/pension plan!
We take care of our employees! As a world-renowned institution, our employees' well-being is important to us. We offer work/life services such as...
- Free financial and legal counseling
- Free mental health counseling services
- Gym membership discounts and access to wellness programs
- Other employee discounts, including entertainment, car rentals, cell phones, etc.
- Resources for child and elder care
- Plus many more!
Position Key Accountabilities: 1. Create persuasive and impactful written content for a variety of fundraising materials, including annual giving appeals, stewardship communications, impact publications, and website copy. Develop content that effectively communicates the organization's mission, goals, and impact to inspire donor engagement. Acquire content from subject matter experts, write persuasively, and follow team workflows and processes.
2. Craft donor-centric messages that resonate with diverse donor segments, showcasing the value of their contributions and fostering emotional connections with UTHealth Houston educators, researchers, and students.
3. Uncover and share compelling stories of impact, success, and transformation that highlight the tangible outcomes of donor support. Articulate the human aspect to engage donors on a personal level.
4. Work closely with internal and external teams to gather accurate information and insights for content creation. Build strong relationships to accurately represent projects and achievements.
5. Review and edit written materials to ensure accuracy, clarity, and adherence to established messaging and style guidelines. Provide quality control for all fundraising content.
6. Performs other duties as assigned.
Certification/Skills: - Exceptional storytelling skills with the ability to craft compelling narratives across various media.
- Requires strong interpersonal skills and an ability to interface professionally with faculty and staff.
- Exceptional attention to detail and an accomplished editor and proofreader.
- Impeccable writing abilities and a passion for translating complex concepts into persuasive and engaging content.
Minimum Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, English, Technical Communications or related field required.
Minimum Experience: Three (3) years in communications, fundraising, or related roles, showcasing a history of driving donor engagement and financial support required.
Physical Requirements: Exerts up to 20 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 10 pounds frequently and/or a negligible amount constantly to move objects.
Security Sensitive: This position is a security-sensitive position pursuant to Texas Education Code §51.215 and Texas Government Code §411.094. To the extent that a position requires the holder to research, work on, or have access to critical infrastructure as defined in Texas Business and Commerce Code §117.001(2), the ability to maintain the security or integrity of the infrastructure is a minimum qualification to be hired for and to continue to be employed in that position. Personnel in such positions, and similarly situated state contractors, will be routinely reviewed to determine whether factors such as criminal history or continuous connections to the government or political apparatus of a foreign adversary might prevent the applicant, employee, or contractor from maintaining the security or integrity of the infrastructure. A foreign adversary is a nation listed in 15 C.F.R. §791.4.
Residency Requirement: Employees must permanently reside and work in the State of Texas. This role will come into the office when needed.
Please see the job description for required or recommended skills.
Please see the job description for benefits.