WRITER-RESEARCHER

JOB SUMMARY:

The RDC (Resource Development Content) writer/researchers support CARE’s fundraising efforts by gathering, writing and editing content (proposals, reports, stories and testimonials, talking points, etc.) that result in optimal financial support for and understanding of CARE’s work. Although most of the position’s work will focus on fundraising and stewardship products for private channel donors, the writer/researchers also support Mass Market donor and online needs related to provision of raw content and stories, dollar handles, etc.

The writer/researchers have specific responsibilities within the writing team, including providing designated support to one or more revenue channels (Major Gifts, Foundations, and Corporate), working closely with a Senior Writer/Editor who serves as primary channel point of contact; taking the lead on proposals and reports for donors under $1M up to 70% of the time; and occasionally writing “from-scratch” proposals and reports for selected program areas. As part of the broader Resource Development Content Creation team, writer/researchers will support the creation and dissemination of communications related to fundraising priorities, such as flexible funding proposals, reports and humanitarian appeals. The writer-researchers act as interpreters and analysts, gathering a wide array of information on CARE’s programs worldwide and turning this information into donor-ready fundraising and information products. A successful writer/researcher will have strong writing skills, proven ability to work under pressure, and a broad knowledge of international development issues.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Develop proposals/reports for individual, foundation and corporate donors

The writer/researchers will prepare proposals and reports for a range of CARE projects and programs, with a focus on their assigned revenue channel(s). This will require working with: the Senior Writer/Editor to split workload by channel; CARE COs and technical teams to identify funding priorities, and prepare, edit and finalize narrative proposal and report submissions; and the grants team to review the budget narrative. Work will require editing existing drafts (most 5-15 pgs), while occasionally creating products from scratch, working closely with program counterparts. In addition to editing, the W/R will identify relevant photos, stories, maps, infographics, etc. to strengthen the submission. As such, the W/R must have

• an in-depth understanding of relief and development concepts and strategies;
• broad knowledge of private donor audiences, specifically those in the designated channel(s);
• broad knowledge of CARE’s programmatic work, including country strategies, programs and activities, as well as of CARE’s technical areas, such as health, education, food security or economic development; and
• knowledge of individual CARE country characteristics, including history, economics, political situation and cultural aspects.

Development communications and other writing/research assignments

• In addition to proposals and reports, RDC writers-researchers are responsible for crafting other development communications to support CARE’s fundraising priorities. In this capacity, the writers will conduct a variety of tasks, such as writing/editing designated UNR flexible funding proposals and reports; writing talking points; gathering/identifying stories and testimonials; providing content for Impact Magazine; doing relevant research, etc. To support these responsibilities, the writer-researchers must have a broad understanding of all of CARE’s programmatic work and technical areas, as well as an understanding of how to obtain Program information from HQ and COs. This depth of knowledge is essential to producing fundraising products that contribute to CARE’s overall annual revenue goals. RDC writer/researchers must be able to present sophisticated programmatic concepts in a variety of forms—all of which must provide saleable solutions that will attract donors and raise funds or convince donors to continue to provide funding. To do so, the writers must be able to adjust their product to the audience, which could be a private individual who will understand straightforward English, or a development professional who will require highly technical and specialized language.

Oversee and participate in special projects

• The RDC writer/researchers oversee and/or participate in activities that have a direct bearing on CARE’s work and image. This includes serving as lead for the preparation of written materials that raise funds and interest for CARE’s response to emergencies. The writer/researchers are primarily responsible for all emergency communications except for the most complex and protracted high-profile emergencies, which are the responsibility of the Senior Writer/Editor. Writer/researchers often take long-term responsibility for reporting on emergencies to keep interest and funding alive; written products may include donor reports, stories and testimonials, talking points, and factsheets. Other projects might include writing workshop facilitation, management, participation in knowledge management efforts (RDC Library management), development of annual dollar handles, travel to CARE programs to gather stories and content, etc. Each writer/researcher typically manages one significant project throughout the year and contributes to multiple smaller projects.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree (International affairs, English/journalism, public health/development or technical area preferred)
• 5 + years of writing experience or equivalent
• Superior writing and research skills; Project management skills; Negotiating skills; Grants-writing proficiency; Proficiency in online research; Conceptual knowledge of relief and development programming; Cross-cultural communication skills; and Relationship-building skills and experience